The Christmas season has finally passed. So, it’s safe to say that we’re all ready to celebrate the start of a new year. Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each new year for at least four millennia. Today, most New Year’s festivities begin on December 31 (New Year’s Eve), the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year’s Day). Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year’s foods, making resolutions for the new year, and watching fireworks displays.

Before you connect to fiber internet and stream your favorite party music, let’s answer why we ended up celebrating New Year’s Day on January 1 and the fun ways of celebrating it.

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Ancient New Year’s Celebrations

The earliest recorded festivities in honor of a new year’s arrival date back some 4,000 years to ancient Babylon. For the Babylonians, the first new moon following the vernal equinox—the day in late March with an equal amount of sunlight and darkness—heralded the start of a new year. They marked the occasion with a massive religious festival called Akitu (derived from the Sumerian word for barley, which was cut in the spring) that involved a different ritual on each of its 11 days. In addition to the new year, Atiku celebrated the mythical victory of the Babylonian sky god Marduk over the evil sea goddess Tiamat and served an important political purpose: It was during this time that a new king was crowned or that the current ruler’s divine mandate was symbolically renewed.

Why January 1 Starts the New Year

The early Roman calendar consisted of 10 months and 304 days, with each new year beginning at the vernal equinox; according to tradition, it was created by Romulus, the founder of Rome, in the eighth century B.C. A later king, Numa Pompilius, is credited with adding the months of Januarius and Februarius.

The Julian calendar

Over the centuries, the calendar fell out of sync with the sun, and in 46 B.C. the emperor Julius Caesar decided to solve the problem by consulting with the most prominent astronomers and mathematicians of his time. He introduced the Julian calendar, which closely resembles the more modern Gregorian calendar that most countries around the world use today.

As part of his reform, Caesar instituted January 1 as the first day of the year, partly to honor the month’s namesake: Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, whose two faces allowed him to look back into the past and forward into the future. Romans celebrated by offering sacrifices to Janus, exchanging gifts with one another, decorating their homes with laurel branches, and attending raucous parties.

The Gregorian Calendar

In medieval Europe, Christian leaders temporarily replaced January 1 as the first of the year with days carrying more religious significance, such as December 25 (the anniversary of Jesus’ birth) and March 25 (the Feast of the Annunciation); Pope Gregory XIII reestablished January 1 as New Year’s Day in 1582.

Varying New Year dates

Not all civilizations in contemporary times adhere to the Gregorian calendar. The Hindu, Chinese, Coptic, Jewish, and Islamic calendars all have different dates for the New Year.

The Chinese New Year, for example, begins in January or early February. Continue reading to learn more about Chinese New Year. Rosh Hashanah is the name given to the Jewish New Year, which is based on the lunar calendar and occurs in September. The Islamic New Year, also known as Muharram 1, is often marked in July or August and is determined by the sighting of the thin crescent Moon.

Throughout antiquity, civilizations around the world developed increasingly sophisticated calendars, typically pinning the first day of the year to an agricultural or astronomical event. In Egypt, for instance, the year began with the annual flooding of the Nile, which coincided with the rising of the star Sirius. The first day of the Chinese new year, meanwhile, occurred with the second new moon after the winter solstice.

New Year’s Day Traditions Around the World

New Year celebrations vary from one country to another. Here’s a list of different New Year’s Day customs around the world.

1. First foot decides your fortune

In Scotland, the custom of first-footing is an important part of the celebration of Hogmanay or New Year’s Eve Day. This practice holds that the first foot to cross a threshold after midnight will predict the next year’s fortune.

2. Visiting loved ones during New Year’s eve

Today, there is a custom of visiting good friends and family after midnight or during New Year’s Eve.

3. New Year’s resolution

A common custom on the first of the new year is to take time to reflect on what you have done or failed to do in the previous year and make New Year’s resolutions. Turn your face to the future with a few tips on how to make good New Year’s resolutions.

4. Serving food for good fortune

In Spain and several other Spanish-speaking countries, people bolt down a dozen grapes-symbolizing their hopes for the months ahead-right before midnight. In many parts of the world, traditional New Year’s dishes feature legumes, which are thought to resemble coins and herald future financial success; examples include lentils in Italy and black-eyed peas in the southern United States.

Because pigs represent progress and prosperity in some cultures, pork appears on the New Year’s Eve table in Cuba, Austria, Hungary, Portugal, and other countries. Ring-shaped cakes and pastries, a sign that the year has come full circle, round out the feast in the Netherlands, Mexico, Greece, and elsewhere. In Sweden and Norway, meanwhile, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served on New Year’s Eve; it is said that whoever finds the nut can expect 12 months of good fortune.

Champagne and other holiday drink recipes are also served in the New Year celebration.

5. Cold-Water Plunges 

It is usual in colder nations near bodies of water, such as Canada, portions of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, to arrange New Year’s cold-water plunges. These plunges and races, which are also referred to as Polar Bear Plunges, often collect money for charity or promote awareness for a particular cause. This custom is so widespread in the United States that many refer to the first day of the year (January 1st) as Polar Plunge Day. The first Polar Bear Plunge occurred on January 1, 1904, in South Boston, Massachusetts, when members of a local swim club jumped into Dorchester Bay. The greatest yearly dive in the United States takes held in Maryland at Sandy Point State Park, which established a record in 2008 by attracting 12,000 plungers to raise money for the Special Olympics.

6. Giving money and postcards

In Japan, adult relatives give money to the children in their families, and many people send postcards to their friends and families, making sure that they arrive on January 1. 

7. Gathering at a public place for the New Year countdown

In the United States, the most iconic New Year’s tradition is the dropping of a giant ball in New York City’s Times Square at the stroke of midnight. Millions of people around the world watch the event, which has taken place almost every year since 1907. Over time, the ball itself has ballooned from a 700-pound iron-and-wood orb to a brightly patterned sphere 12 feet in diameter and weighing in at nearly 12,000 pounds. Various towns and cities across America have developed their own versions of the Times Square ritual, organizing public drops of items ranging from pickles (Dillsburg, Pennsylvania) to possums (Tallapoosa, Georgia) at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Filipino New Year Celebration Ideas

For centuries, Filipinos have practiced various customs to greet the incoming year. Many do it with an expectant heart, cultivating optimism and looking forward to hoped-for prosperity. These traditions have been passed on from one generation to the next; a number of them have been influenced by the Chinese and Spanish. Celebrations for the new year in the Philippines are full of fun and eccentric traditions. It starts off with a war zone-like atmosphere around the nation as people let off huge amounts of fireworks. Here are other Filipino New Year’s Day traditions:

1. Wear polka dots dress

For Filipinos, wearing anything round signifies prosperity. The polka dots epitomize money and fortune.

2. Jumping high when the clock strikes 12

Children are encouraged to jump as high as they can when the clock hits 12 because old folks believe that it will help them grow taller.

3. Media Noche

New year’s celebration for the Filipinos is not complete without the old Filipino custom, Media Noche. During new year’s eve, Filipino families, relatives, and friends gather for a lavish midnight feast that symbolizes their hopes for prosperity and an abundant year ahead. This tradition is most likely inherited from the Spaniards, who colonized the country for more than 300 years.

4. Twelve round fruits

For the centerpiece, Filipino families have 12 round fruits which is a sign of completeness since there are 12 months in one year. For the shape of the fruits, it is believed that round food symbolizes money, and thus can bring you luck in the coming year.

5. Eat sticky rice to strengthen the family bond

Filipinos are known to be family-oriented with very close family ties. They believe that eating food made from sticky rice will bind families together stronger. This is also believed to deliver good fortune. These food include the following:

• bibingka (a type of baked rice cake)
• biko (sweet rice cake)
• and tikoy (also known as nian gao, which is translated as Chinese new year’s cake).

6. Eat pancit (noodles) for long life and fortune

This is another influence from the Chinese. Filipinos believe that eating pancit (long noodles) during the new year will help bring luck and it also represents good health and long life.

7. No chicken and fish dishes

If there is food that is believed to bring luck, there is also something that is considered are not suitable to eat during the new year celebration. A tradition that is still followed by some Filipinos is to abstain from eating chicken and fish, as they symbolize or are associated with food scarcity.

8. Water and rice container should be full

It’s always best to welcome the new year abundantly. So, many Filipinos make sure their water and rice containers are full during the new year celebration. Its because they believe that this will make their life prosperous all year round.

9. Collect coins

Another popular practice especially among children is to fill up one’s pockets with coins and shake the pockets at 12 midnight. This practice is believed to bring good fortune. Some also scatter coins around their houses. They put them at every nook and corner, inside drawers, and on tables. Basically, they’re anywhere they believe will bring them more luck and money.

10. Loud noise to drive away evil spirits

Many Filipinos believe fireworks help ward off evil spirits.

Other Chinese influences include firecrackers and fireworks. The main point is to create loud sounds. This is to scare away evil spirits and elements and also to drive away bad luck.

Apart from pyrotechnics, others create loud noise through other means such as the car horn, torotot (hornpipe), and even frying pans or pots.

11. Open doors, windows and turn on all the lights

Indeed, food and coins that symbolize prosperity. However, another tradition is to open all doors, windows, drawers, and cabinets. This is to bring in good fortune and let the positive vibes in.

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The post Best Ideas to Celebrate New Year’s Day 2022 appeared first on Streamtech.

Whether you’re a Korean drama newbie or a long-time fan, we bet that you’re always on the lookout for new titles to watch.

Thankfully, Korean dramas are a lot more accessible now through various streaming platforms and fiber home internet. Gone are the days when you’ll have to wait for a week after its initial telecast to watch a properly English-subbed episode or (only veterans would know) searching for CDs with the complete episodes of a K-drama. 

Why are Korean dramas so popular?

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Filipinos were die-hard fans of telenovelas. As we welcomed the 2010s, we were also greeted by a new wave in television series: Asian dramas, the Korean wave in particular. Korean dramas are strangely enticing. The more you watch, the more you won’t be able to stop. They have the most interesting plots, actors, romances, and soundtracks. It’s also a factor that there is a big difference in culture.

There are many factors that make K-drama a hit, particularly among Filipinos. Here are some of them:

1. Refreshing, forward-looking content

According to an expert, Korean entertainment companies have been effective in creating “new and disruptive” content, citing the recent hit “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” which tackled mental health among males.

2. Promotions and fan base

On top of this “very robust system” is the aggressive promotions of K-dramas, similar to what is done with music talents in South Korea.

3. Shorter length

Another factor that may have drawn Filipinos to K-dramas is its length.

Where to Watch Korean Dramas Online

There are a lot of Korean drama sites and apps where you can watch your favorite Korean dramas legally. If you watch Korean shows on legal K-drama sites, there are some benefits. You get to watch Korean dramas with English subtitles, so you can understand them better. Depending on the site, you can choose from 240p to 1080p in the quality of the video. It’s also possible to download K-drama episodes from some of the websites and apps so that you can watch them at a later time. There are also ads and not enough Korean dramas to choose from.

People in the Philippines can watch free Korean dramas on these sites. Whether you have a smartphone or a laptop, you can still go to these sites and watch dramas for free. These are the websites where you can legally watch Korean dramas in 2021.

1. AnimeTv

This channel, dubbed “Animetv,” is great for Korean anime lovers. This website is accessed on a daily basis by millions of individuals from all over the world. AnimeTV’s domain name has been altered, and the website has a new interface. One of the most notable benefits of this website is that it enables users to watch Korean anime episodes even when their internet connection is poor. Numerous Korean drama episodes and series are neatly grouped on Animetv.

Additionally, this website allows you to watch Naruto: Shippuden and other anime for free. Fortunately, the service allows visitors to stream drama without having to create an account.

2. AsianCrush

Asiancrush is another excellent website to download Korean dramas. They provide a large variety of free programs and movies. Following that, you may subscribe to have access to the whole K-variety collection. Here you can watch Chinese dramas like The Heirs, Descendants of the Sun, and Youth with You Season 2.

There are many occasions when you are unable to determine which show to watch. With its random button, Asiancrush has the answer. By clicking on it, a random K-Drama will begin streaming. In developing nations, the free site for watching shows is not available. AsianCrush is as popular as Netflix and Hulu, with millions of fans.

3. Dramacool

Dramacool is a name that is familiar to the majority of Korean drama viewers. Apart from a huge collection of Kdrama materials, Dramacool also contains a sizable collection of TV episodes and films from other Asian nations. Dramacool updates new dramas and episodes more frequently than the other sites. The sub is excellent. Additionally, Dramacool’s website is free of advertisements and pop-ups.

4. DramaHood

The website is one of the most well-known, owing to its advertising prowess and capacity to appear practically anywhere. As with other websites, this one provides a big collection of Korean drama. The video and audio are of great definition and are easy to follow. The website’s user interface is rather challenging, which complicates the process of looking for a certain drama. Without genre-based search, the hunting procedure becomes extremely tedious. There are just a few server possibilities. This occasionally disrupts the drama’s flow many times and is pretty frustrating.

5. Dramanice

Dramanice used to offer the most gorgeous interface to download Korean drama. Following the domain name change from dramanice.one to dramanice.fun. Along with Korean dramas, the site also has Chinese and Japanese dramas. The website has a variety of classic and current Kdramas, as well as subtitled videos. There is nothing on the categories menu. To navigate the site, use the search bar or the alphabetical menu.

6. iFlix

Video-on-demand service with a Freemium model, iFlix’s primary focus is on distributing Korean dramas to chosen Asian nations, as well as Western and Asian programming. By 2020, the cooperation between Iflix and WeTV, named WeTV iFlix, would allow both platforms to exchange licensed and original content. As a result of the cooperation, Iflix and WeTV’s K-drama lineups are comparable. If you’re looking forward to accessing Iflix and watching Korean drama online, visit iflix.com or download the app from Google Play, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery.

6. iQiyi

iQiyi is the ideal streaming site for fans of Korean and Chinese television. The platform is also available over the web, but must be downloaded via the App Store or Google Play. Several of the shows are available for free viewing! iQiyi VIP benefits include early access to new episodes, HD streaming, advanced viewing, and access to Blockbuster titles. Subscription Plans: Php15 for the first month and Php129 for each subsequent month for the Standard VIP Plan. Monthly payment of Php249 for the Premium VIP Plan.

7. KissAsian

Among other websites, this one is one of the best websites to watch Korean drama online. The website features a consistent and natural user experience that is simple to use and understand. This website’s Korean drama serials are far more than those of comparable websites in terms of quantity. Although the site features a large number of Korean dramas spanning from classics to recent releases, the site does not skimp on content quality. The site’s subtitles are updated practically instantaneously and are of high quality. This site is available in the majority of countries worldwide and is completely free to view without requiring a sign-in. This legal website is one of the most highly regarded among other Korean websites for seeing any olden-golds.

8. Kocowa

Kocowa is a legal streaming service committed to bringing Korean material to an American audience, including variety shows, Kpop, and Korean dramas with high-quality English subtitles. Although it is a subscription service, it provides several excellent dramas for free. Additionally, it provides the newest updates of popular shows for free viewing within 24 hours in the TASTE24HR area. Additionally, this site features 1080P material with easy-to-follow subtitles. Kocowa is distributed exclusively throughout North and South America.

9. Netflix

Clearly, Netflix is no stranger to Korean drama. The subtitles on this website are simple to read and follow without detracting from the drama’s ambiance. This subscription-based website is available in virtually every country. While money and sign-in are required, the website is quite trustworthy and is used by millions of individuals. Unlike other websites, this one features not just Korean drama but also other Asian drama. The website’s security is impenetrable and highly sought for. The user interface is simple to navigate, and the user flow is very fluid. Additionally, this website has a download and offline watching option, which makes it much easier to use when on the road.

10. ViewAsian

As the name implies, ViewAsian is a website dedicated to Asian dramas. However, you’ll notice that this site primarily focuses on Korean dramas, however, thousands of English-subbed Japanese and Chinese dramas are also available. The text is accompanied by high-quality subtitles.

11. Viki

When it comes to a secure spot to view Korean dramas, Viki is the first name that comes to mind. However, it is not concentrated on Kdramas, and you will not be as fortunate to watch any of the freshest or most popular Kdramas as you like. On the plus side, all the Korean dramas in Viki are legal, so you can feel secure watching Korean movies online for free with English subtitles or in other languages. (The Viki community’s subbers have made every effort to provide you with high-quality subtitles in different languages.)

12. Viu

This is a high-quality site with a lot of advantages. The website features a big collection of drama and material. Viewing drama is completely free and does not require a subscription or an account. Additionally, the content is available offline in a higher resolution and with better subtitles than on the majority of other websites. The Korean dramas on the internet are easy to find and have excellent audio-visual quality. On-air drama is immediately posted, complete with subtitles. It is regarded as the safest of all Korean drama websites. The service is highly suggested for people who are apprehensive about attempting to view Korean drama on unlicensed websites.

13. WeTV

Tencent-owned WeTV also provides free access to Korean dramas and online dramas. You may access WeTV through its official website (wetv.vip) or by downloading the WeTV app from Google Play, the Apple App Store, or the Huawei App Gallery. Episodes without VIP marks are available for free viewing. The WeTV app includes additional material and features not available on the internet. You may watch Kdrama with English subtitles and up to 1080p video quality. It features a filter option that allows you to arrange shows by category, allowing you to easily choose your chosen Kdrama genre. Additionally, you may download them and view them later using the app.

14. YouTube

Youtube also provides free streaming for a selection of Asian programs. For Korean programming, the KBS World Youtube Channel frequently posts archived episodes that are freely accessible. Youtube has announced the debut of its Premium and Family Plans for Youtube Originals programming.

The YouTube channel KBS WORLD TV is operated by KBS and shows Korean dramas, primarily family dramas, with English subtitles.

Red Shoes, Revolutionary Sisters, Miss Monte-Cristo, Be My Dream Family, Homemade Love Story, No Matter What, Man in a Veil, Discovery of Love, Brillian Heritage, Once Again, and Wonderful Days are just a few of the drama series released by KBS World TV. Additionally, the SBS-led SBS World YouTube Channel features Korean dramas from the television network. Nonetheless, the channel employs region limitation. To circumvent this, you may download any free VPN that supports servers in Australia or Europe.

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The post Here’s a List of the Best Korean Drama Websites This 2021 appeared first on Streamtech.

Want to be updated about the Demon Slayer S2 release date?

Since it was initially released in 2016, Demon Slayer has become a worldwide phenomenon. The Japanese manga series has evolved into an anime series, animated film, and even a video game. The animated series has a huge following in the country, and that’s why people with fiber internet are excited to get Demon Slayer S

2.

In this article, we’ll talk about when Filipino fans should expect Demon Slayer S2. It’ll also discuss why the show is so popular in the Philippines. It’ll help people understand what makes Demon Slayer so special.

What is Demon Slayer?

What is the fuss all about anyway? Demon Slayer, otherwise known as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba or Blade of Destruction, is a hit anime show. The anime series everyone has come to love is based on the manga series of the same name.

The story takes place in Taishō-era Japan. A secret society called Demon Slayer Corps has been waging war against demons clandestinely for centuries. The demons in the show were former humans that traded their humanity for power. As a result, they feed on humans in order to get supernatural abilities. These include super-strength, magic, and regeneration.

Demon Slayers, on the other hand, are entirely human. However, they’re able to fight demons thanks to special breathing techniques, known as “Breathing Styles. These grant them superhuman strength and increased resistance.

The epic saga follows a teenager named Tanjiro Kamado. Throughout the series, the show detailed his journey to becoming a demon slayer after his parents’ gruesome murder and his younger sister, Nezuko, turned into a demon. Motivated to help his sister turn back into a human and avenge his family, he journeys to train for the Demon Slayer Corps.

Why is Demon Slayer so popular?

The manga series, Demon Slayer, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. This long-running magazine has published some of the most iconic anime titles in the world. These include Naruto, Dragon Ball, and even Yu-Gi-Oh.

Demon Slayer was first introduced to the world in 2016 and ran in the periodical publication until 2020. While the manga series was relatively popular, Demon Slayer skyrocketed to fame when the anime adaptation was aired. The first season of the Demon Slayer produced by Ufotable aired in Japan from April to September 2019 had 26 episodes.

The appeal of the Demon Slayer anime show lies in its stunning fight sequences. Based on the battle scenes alone, Demon Slayer was regarded as the best action anime of all time. Because of the first season’s massive success, the manga series became the best-selling manga of the year of Japan in 2019, according to the Oricon chart.

Because of the show’s success, a sequel film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, was released in 2020. The Demon Slayer movie made history in the Japanese box office by becoming the highest-grossing anime film and Japanese film of all time. It also made an impact in other countries, making history in the box office in the US.

How did the anime series become popular worldwide?

While the first season of Demon Slayer and Mugen train movie were huge hits in Japan, both projects also became big worldwide. This is mainly because major networks overseas such as Hulu and popular U.S.-based, anime-focused sites Crunchyroll and Funimation, released the entire body of Demon Slayer season one.

The availability of Demon Slayer on these platforms made the show more accessible to international viewers. When several other streaming services such as Viu, WeTV, Netflix released the show on their platforms, Demon Slayer became even easier to watch wherever.

Netflix is mainly where Filipino fans get to watch Demon Slayer. That’s why as long as you have a reliable internet provider in the Philippines, you can watch all episodes of Demon Slayer, and even the Mugen Train movie online.

The impact of Demon Slayer goes beyond streaming services. The Mugen Train reached the top of the charts in the US. Japan even chose the film to be its official entry in the Academy Awards.

Aside from being a hit in the box office, the franchise has become huge in pop culture. Throughout the years, the franchise has amassed a huge following. It came to the point wherein the Japanese manga series was adapted into different languages. A lot of people around the world even wore Halloween costumes inspired by the show.

When will the second season of Demon Slayer be available to watch?

Demon Slayer season two will be divided into two courses. The first part is titled Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Train Arc, a seven-episode version of “Mugen Train” as seen in the film featuring new music and additional animation. Its premiere date was last October 10. A new episode was aired every week. All episodes of the Mugen Train arc are now available to stream on Netflix.

For the Mugen Train Arc, the opening theme is “Akeboshi” (明け星, lit. “Morning Star”) while the ending theme is “Shirogane” (白銀, lit. “Silver”), both performed by LiSA. “Homura” (炎, Flame) is used as the ending theme of episode 7.

The first episode of the long-awaited season two of Demon Slayer, also known as Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc, was launched last December 5 in Japan. It first aired on Fuji TV, and it was announced the Demon Slayer season 2 will also stream on Funimation and Crunchyroll. Like the Mugen Train arc, a new episode is being aired every week.

For the Entertainment District Arc, the opening theme is “Zankyō Sanka” (残響散歌, lit. “Song of Reverberation”) while the ending theme is “Asa ga Kuru” (朝が来る, lit. “Daybreak”), both performed by Aimer.[5]

As the title of Demon Slayer season 2 implies, the new chapter of the Demon Slayer saga will follow the Entertainment District arc from the Demon Slayer manga series, and will heavily feature the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui.

The new storyline will shift its focus to the Sound Pillar Tengen Uzui, who is joined by the protagonists Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu. They will be going up against Upper Rank Six demon Daki.

Unlike the first season wherein all episodes of the show were made available on Netflix, the entertainment district arc will have a new episode every week. There is no official announcement as to how many new episodes there will be for the entertainment district arc. In the foreseeable future, fans will be treated to a new episode every week.

Who are the core protagonists of Demon Slayer Season 2?

As expected, Tanjiro Kamado is front and center in both the series and film. He is still on an arduous journey to defeat Demon King Muzan Kibutsuiji and cure his sister, Nezuko, of her demonic transformation.

Nezuko Kamado also returns for the Demon Slayer S2. Fitted with a bamboo muzzle by the Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka, Nezuko has grown to resist the primal urges of a demon and aims to protect and co-exist with humans thanks, in part, to multi-year conditioning she underwent while asleep.

Fellow Demon Slayer Zenitsu Agatsuma accompanies Tanjiro and Nezuko on their journey. He comes off as a coward with a severe case of Impostor Syndrome. Another fellow slayer that joins the gang is Inosuke Hashibira. He is a wild man from the mountains clad in a boar’s head and with an equally boisterous attitude.

These four characters are mainstays for all the episodes. However, there are also secondary characters and new faces to be anticipated in the new season.

Do you have to watch the Mugen Train movie in order to understand Demon Slayer S2?

The Mugen Train arc of the second season basically fleshes out the movie even further. This version of the Demon Slayer movie will feature a new episode 1 featuring the day leading up to the film’s events, followed by a re-edited 6 episodes which will feature new scenes and new music tracks.

You don’t necessarily have to watch the movie in order to understand Demon Slayer S2 because the first arc covers the events of the movie with a lot of extra content. However, the film connects the events of the TV series seasons. This means that you’ll have a better appreciation of the show upon watching the movie.

On the other hand, you have to watch the first season of the show in order to appreciate the events that led to Mugen train. The first second is connected to the seven-episode arc so it’s a must to dive into the first season before you start on the second season.

Because all of the content you need to watch in order to keep up with the show is on Netflix anyway, it’s best to watch it all before you binge-watch the new season. It’ll be easier for you to follow the story once you’ve familiarized yourself with the previous episodes. You can even take this a step further by reading the manga series. After all, there are English adaptations available in stores and online.

Is Demon Slayer big in the Philippines?

Filipinos have always been huge fans of anime series. This is partly because a lot of popular Japanese titles have been dubbed into Tagalog and released on local television channels. Hence, alongside other anime fans around the world, a lot of Filipino fans have long awaited the next chapter of the story.

Because Demon Slayer Mugen Train alongside other animated content of the show and movie are accessible to Filipinos via Netflix, the franchise has a big following in the country. Plus, having fiber internet has made it possible for Filipinos to access different content to complement their viewing experience.

In fact, Demon Slayer is so popular in the country that a lot of media and bloggers have been reporting updates regarding the new season. This includes the show’s official trailer, release date, and theme songs. This goes to show that the Philippines has truly embraced the world of anime, and of course, Demon Slayer.

Watching Entertainment District Arc and Beyond

Unlike most of the shows on Netflix, the Entertainment District Arc drops a new episode per week. Hence, you need a fast internet connection such as fiber internet to ensure that you can watch the latest episodes without lagging or worrying.

As one of the newest internet service providers in the Philippines, we at Streamtech Technologies allow you to catch up on the Demon Slayer s2 release date. You can even watch them once they hit Netflix. We make sure that you get the internet service you deserve without breaking the bank. We offer affordable plans for more Filipinos to enjoy a fiber internet connection.

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The holiday season is the perfect time to sit back and relax with the entire family. After all, the kids are on Christmas vacation. At the same time, adults get some time off to enjoy the holidays. One of the best ways to spend Christmas Eve is by watching Christmas movies with the family.

Holiday movies remind everyone what the season is all about. Plus, watching great movies add to the holiday magic. The good news is that as long as you have a fiber internet connection, you can go on a Christmas movie marathon to enjoy the holidays. You can watch the greatest Christmas movies with the help of a reliable and fast internet service provider in the Philippines.

With so many Christmas film options out there, it can be difficult to choose which ones to watch. That’s why we’ve compiled the best Christmas movies you can consider watching this holiday season.

The Polar Express

Have you ever dreamed of going to the North Pole? Well, this family-friendly Christmas movie explores the journey of a young boy who discovers that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. The Polar Express stars beloved actor Tom Hanks in multiple roles and Daryl Sabara as the Hero Boy.

Released in 2004, this computer-animated Christmas film was based on the 1985 children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. What makes this Christmas story so interesting is how the human characters in the film are animated using live-action motion-capture animation. The movie even garnered three Academy nominations, and a Grammy win, cementing its status as a great Christmas movie for the family to enjoy.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

If you’re watching Christmas movies with your little kids, you should definitely include A Charlie Brown Christmas in your movie list. This animated television special was based on the comic strip Peanuts and is considered a holiday classic for everyone to enjoy.

In this Christmas story, Charlie Brown finds himself depressed despite the holiday season. That’s why Lucy he suggests he directs a community Christmas play. However, his best efforts get mocked by his decision to choose a small Christmas tree as the centerpiece. This classic Christmas tale was so popular that it won an Emmy award.

Arthur Christmas

Everyone knows about Santa Claus and the North Pole, but you probably don’t know much about his son, Arthur. This original Christmas film follows the adventure of Santa’s clumsy but kind-hearted son who ends up delivering a present of a girl whose gift was accidentally left behind by his dad.

What makes this animated so special is its originality. The viewers get to explore the rest of Santa’s family, and may even learn a thing or two about Rudolph the red nose reindeer. It’s light and cheery, perfect for your Christmas binge watch.

A Christmas Carol

No Christmas movie marathon is complete without exploring the story of the Christmas Carol. Based on Charles Dickens’ book, the story follows the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas eve. Despite being successful as a businessman, Scrooge was cruel and selfish. This is why he was visited by three ghosts, namely the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Future. The fateful evening made Scrooge change his ways and realize the true meaning of Christmas.

This story may have been retold so many times, but what makes it so timeless is the values it teaches its viewers. The growth of Scrooge goes to show how people are not just born cruel. It’s a great reminder about the true meaning of Christmas. The movie might even inspire you to spread some love this Christmas day.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

While jolly old Saint Nick maybe a holiday icon, there’s another character you may have heard of. The Grinch is the perfect symbol for cold people who have a change of heart through the spirit of Christmas. This touching movie goes to show how Christmas is more than just the presents, the decorations, and the food.

If the holidays have been particularly tiring for you, watching this movie will help remind you what the holiday is truly about. It’s enough to melt anyone’s heart. This Christmas may be particularly less festive than the those of the past, but this movie is a nice reminder about how Christmas is more than just material things.

Miracle on 34th Street

Among the classic Christmas movies you should definitely to your list is Miracle on 34th Street. This Christmas comedy-drama takes place between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in New York City. It follows the effect of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa.

This classic Christmas movie may have been released in 1947, but it remains a favorite among a lot of people until now. The movie was such a success that it has even been awarded three Academy Awards. This movie will make you want to go around New York City, especially during the holidays.

It’s A Wonderful Life

It’s easy to take for granted the blessings in your life. This holiday classic which is loosely based on Charles Dickens’ novel Christmas Carol, explores the life of George Bailey, who is played by James Stewart. He’s a man who gave up his personal dreams in order to help his community. His suicide attempt prompted the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody. Throughout the holiday film, Clarence showed George how everyone’s lives would be affected if he never existed.

It’s a Wonderful Life was first released in 1946, but to this day, it is regarded as one of the best Christmas movies of all time. It’s a great movie to remind people of the impact they have on others and gives people hope. It’s A Wonderful Life is a timeless movie that remains relevant to this day. If you feel like you’re not making a difference, this movie will show you how little acts of kindness can go a long way.

White Christmas

There’s nothing like enjoying a good classic musical on Christmas. One great example is White Christmas. While you may have heard of the song, the movie where it was first introduced is truly worth the watch as well.

The story follows the adventure of a couple of singers who stage a fun-filled musical extravaganza to help their commander in World War II with his financial difficulties. The iconic songs in this movie will surely inspire you to have a merry little Christmas.

The Santa Clause

If you’re in the mood for a Christmas classic that will elicit a lot of laughter from the family, consider watching The Santa Clause. Starring Tim Allen, the movie follows the adventure of an ordinary man who has to deal with becoming with new Santa Claus.

Tim Allen’s antics were such a success the movie was given two sequels, The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause: The Escape Clause. If you have the time to watch all three movies, you definitely should consider doing so for some comic relief. It’s a fun, silly movie that will make you forget about your worries in life.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Another holiday movie that will surely make the family laugh is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Randy Quaid, the movie revolves around the Griswold family spending Christmas vacation at home with their Christmas festivities being attended by their relatives as Christmas hi-jinks occur.

If you’re a huge fan of John Hughes movies, you should definitely watch his Christmas film. The movie is so silly that it will help you forget about your worries for a while.

Family Stone

If you want some to watch something heartwarming yet funny, you should watch the beloved holiday movie, Family Stone. The movie has a star-studded cast, which includes Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Delmont Mulroney, and Luke Wilson.

Family Stone follows the Christmas holiday misadventures of the Stone family in a small New England town. The eldest son brought his uptight girlfriend with the intention of proposing to her with a cherished heirloom ring. This movie will surely make you laugh, and make you realize how crazy families can be.

The Holiday

If you’re looking for a romantic comedy that will warm your heart on Christmas day, you should check out The Holiday. Starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, this story explores the Christmas journey of two women who switch houses in time of the holidays.

Released by Universal Pictures in 2006, this Christmas movie will show you how you may be able to find love in expected places. You will definitely feel the holiday spirit once watching this heartwarming story. It will make you want to find love on Christmas eve as well.

The Christmas Chronicles

Make the most of your Netflix subscription by watching its Christmas-themed movies. One of the best ones in their lineup is The Christmas Chronicles. The movie follows two children, Kate and Teddy, who notice Santa Claus in their home and jump at his reindeer. Their actions caused Santa’s sleigh to break and for the presents to get lost. That’s why the pair helped Santa fix everything on Christmas eve.

This light movie will help spread the Christmas cheer and will incite some laughter from the entire family. The movie was such as success that Netflix has even released a sequel. The appeal of this particular movie is how the children took center stage and how Santa was just a supporting role.

A Christmas Prince

Another Netflix original film that has turned into a successful franchise is A Christmas Prince. This particular romantic comedy explores the adventures of an aspiring American journalist who falls in love with the crown prince of Aldovia, Prince Richard.

This Christmas tale is light and charming, which is why the movie has two equally successful sequels on Netflix. It’s a nice movie to watch after you enjoy Christmas dinner with the family. The movie is connected with other Christmas films in Netflix’s catalog so be on the lookout for some cameos.

Looking for the perfect Christmas movie

We all have our preferences when it comes to movies. As long as you have a fiber internet connection, you can choose to stream or purchase Christmas movies for you and the entire family to enjoy. That’s why as a late Christmas gift, you should consider subscribing to a fast and reliable internet service provider in the Philippines.

If you want to maximize your budget, you should consider subscribing to one of the newest internet service providers in the Philippines, Streamtech Inc. With a fiber internet connection from Streamtech, you can watch all the Christmas films you want to enjoy this Christmas eve. You will also have access to your loved ones wherever they are.

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If you’re looking for some delicious Filipino fare to add to your repertoire, you’re in luck. With an amazing fiber internet by the best internet provider in the Philippines, watching these talented Filipino food vloggers on the web is sure to inspire you with their inventive recipes and mouthwatering images and videos. So pull up a chair, get your chef’s hat ready, and dig in.

1. Ninong Ry

Ryan Morales Reyes, better known online as “Ninong Ry,” debuted only last year and seems to have become an overnight celebrity. However, much like famous people, he has a plan – or rather, a recipe – for expanding his online stardom. You’ll notice a consistent theme in his home cooking videos: well-lit backdrops, ASMR-level noises, and his own take on classic Filipino cuisines. The real kicker is his unvarnished, almost casual cooking style, which inspires viewers to believe, “Hey, maybe I can cook this too.”

With over 1.25 million subscribers on Youtube, the real challenge for Ninong Ry, like many other online content creators, is maintaining high-quality material over time, and for someone who has enjoyed food since he was a youngster, his drive comes off as effortless, much like his cooking technique. His character is similar to the videos he makes: down-to-earth, relatable, and entertaining.

In celebration of the Yuletide season, Ninong Ry came up with an interesting feature in his Youtube channel dubbed “12 Dishes of Christmas.” These culinary delights include Filipino food favorites such as Morcon, Bibingka, Leche Flan, Lechon Baka, Pork Hamonado, Inihaw na Liempo, Lumpiang Shanghai, Seafood Rice, Lechon Belly, Lechon Manok, Shrimp Termidor, and Potato Wedges.

2. Erwan Heusaff

Another famous vlogger in the country is Erwan Heusaff. This French-Filipino content creator is known for his passion for good food, travel, and fitness. He wants to share with everyone the good things about the Philippines through simple and easy-to-follow dishes in his vlogs. Similarly, through engaging vacation and travel vlogs, he wants people to learn about food and culture throughout the world.

This year, he decided to rebrand his YouTube channel to “FEATR,” with over 3 million subscribers, in order to reach out to a wider audience of content creators. “Fiesta in a Box,” a series on the channel, invites visitors to make foods that represent Filipino festivities. Not only do they teach the guest participants how to make a certain dish in the series, but they also delve into the history of the Philippines’ most renowned festivals by providing a film presentation of them.

Recent videos from his channel that include collaboration with Chef Martin featured Christmas dishes such as holiday desserts, essential ham glazes, and a variety of beef recipes.

3. Vanjo Merano a.k.a. as Panlasang Pinoy

Vanjo Merano, the Panlasang Pinoy cuisine blogger residing in Chicago, Illinois, is well-known among his followers. He is the founder, recipe developer, and self-taught home cook of one of the most popular Filipino cuisine blogs in the United States, the Philippines, and anywhere else where Pinoys live. Panlasang Pinoy’s culinary blog and YouTube videos have surpassed all expectations in terms of viewership and ad income. He even gave up his day job to devote his undivided focus to his food blog and culinary videos.

Currently, he has 5.22 million subscribers on Youtube. In 2009, Merano began blogging. He saw that Filipino food was underrepresented when he went to the United States in 2006. He thought there was space for development in Pinoy eateries he visited around the country. He cooks traditional Filipino recipes that viewers seek out on a regular basis. Adobo, Sinigang, Bicol Express, Lumpia, and Filipino Spaghetti are just a few of the many recipes that have been downloaded several times.

4. Chef RV Manabat

Another well-known food vlogger is RV Manabat. He is a chef, restaurateur, culinary teacher, and award-winning cookbook author based in Biñan City, Philippines. It was in the year 2020 when Chef RV Manabat began vlogging as well. Despite having his own restaurant and café, as well as two published books, he managed to find his way into the content creation industry.

Chef RV now has 1.1 million YouTube followers (or pupils). His most famous video is a chocolate chip cookie recipe he created himself. He teaches in a soft-spoken tone and always explains technical concepts in layman’s terms. He frequently interjects jokes and “hugot” phrases while cooking. He uses the channel to focus not just on recipes, but also on life. He uplifts his viewers and asks who it is that they are cooking for, as he expresses his complete delight on that platform. That’s what he’s delivering, not just the recipe but the whole experience. As a result, at the end of each video, he has enticed viewers to try the recipe.

5. Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou

Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou, who feels that creating “simpol” (simple) foods is elegant, has become a new friend to many Filipinos who don’t know their way around the kitchen. While other chefs create intricate dishes by fusing and twisting components to make things “interesting,” this modest chef is busy simplifying recipes and encouraging a new generation of cooks with his cookbooks and YouTube channel, “Simpol.” The channel currently has over 630,000 subscribers.

6. Chef JP Anglo

JP Anglo was selected Tatler Dining’s Champion for Philippine Cuisine in 2020 for his body of work that focuses on highlighting the Philippines’ food, agriculture, and culinary skill. He is the chef and proprietor of Sarsa, a prominent restaurant with locations around the country. Chef Jayps, as he is affectionately called, has become a celebrity since his appearances on several travel programs, ads, and culinary shows on television. JP frequently posts funny, entertaining, and educational content on his own social media, which his followers enjoy.

This Bacolod-born chef has a long history of culinary passion. He was raised in a gourmet household and has worked in restaurants since he was a youngster. It came easy to him to become a chef, and what he does still inspires and fascinates him. Now, his Youtube channel has 93,800 subscribers.

Watch your fave food vloggers via Streamtech

If you are looking for some new recipes to try, or just want to get inspired by some creative cooking ideas, then be sure to check out some of these Filipino food vloggers. There is a huge range of different vloggers out there, with all sorts of different cooking styles and flavors.

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Many Filipino traditions revolve around the Christmas season. Family get-togethers, carol singing, gift exchanges, and other traditions abound over the holiday season. Thanks to fiber home internet, we still get to celebrate Christmas with our loved ones anywhere in the world amidst the pandemic.

The annual Metro Manila Film Festival is another Christmas tradition that has become ingrained in Philippine culture over the years. Only Filipino films are shown in theaters from Christmas Day to the first week of January during the MMFF, making it one of the country’s most well-known celebrations of Filipino cinema. The 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival will take place from December 25 to January 7 in 2021. Last year’s event was conducted entirely online due to the outbreak. MMFF, on the other hand, will make a cinematic comeback this year.

Before we delve into the competing entries this year, let’s get to know more about the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Metro Manila Film Festival History

It began in the early months of 1966, when Mayor Antonio Villegas, the city mayor at the time, launched and established the event. During its inception, it was known as the Manila Film Festival or the Manila Tagalog Film Festival, but it was subsequently renamed to Metro Manila Film Festival under the Marcos dictatorship.

It is an annual film festival held in Metro Manila that celebrates and promotes various Filipino films over the course of 12 days. The approach is patriotic since it aids and promotes the country’s own cinema rather than allowing it to be overshadowed by foreign and Hollywood productions. Furthermore, international films are not eligible for entry into the festival, and foreign films are not permitted to be shown in theaters or movie houses throughout the event time. A parade of actors from participating films as well as non-participating actors who are being showcased and attending the festival are among the festival’s events or activities.

Early years

Despite the fact that it highlights Filipino film’s core, the festival’s first few years were not very fruitful. The earliest film submissions had titles in English, which contradicted the festival’s purpose. It was only reasonable, given that the festival’s organizers and those in charge of enabling the regulations and activities are still working to close the gaps in the first judgment.

Over time, each picture was modified and provided to ensure that all criteria were met until all film creators were able to fulfill the standards. The first MMFF took place in 1975, with the prize ceremony taking place at the Metropolitan Theater. It is one of the Philippines’ oldest theaters, however, the last time it was used for an awarding night was during the 25th MMFF festival in 1999.

The Philippine International Convention Center, Aliw Theater, SMX Convention Center, Meralco Theater, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, and KIA Theatre are now larger venues that can handle a better setup and a considerably larger crowd during the event. In comparison to the old yet historic Metropolitan Theater, the amenities are also more sophisticated.

The Metro Manila Film Festival is now in its 47th year. The Filipino film industry has continued to thrive and flourish for 47 years, from 1975. In reality, being one of the world’s low-tech nations, the Filipinos have worked harder to keep up with technological advancements such as CGI and other visual effects, which have been adopted by most countries to generate a higher quality movie that provides a meaningful experience for spectators.

The Gabi ng Parangal

The Gabi ng Parangal (literally, ‘Awards Night’) is the awards ceremony for films that have been selected to participate in the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Festival Awards Categories

Gabi ng Parangal recognizes the efforts behind the festival entries under the following categories:

1. Best Picture: since 1975
2. Best Director: since 1975
3. Best Actor: since 1975
4. Best Actress: since 1975
5. Best Supporting Actor: since 1975
6. Best Supporting Actress: since 1975
7. Best Child Performer: since 1980 (except 2016)
8. Best Screenplay: since 1975
9. Best Original Story: 1975-2016
10. Best Cinematography: since 1975
11. Best Production Design: since 1986 (formerly named as “Best Art Direction” from 1976-1986)
12. Best Editing: since 1975
13. Best Visual Effects: 1990-2015
14. Best Make-up Artist: 1990-2015
15. Best Original Theme Song: since 1989
16. Best Musical Score: since 1975
17. Best Sound Engineering: since 1975 (also known as “Best Sound Recording”)
18. Best Float: since 1992
19. Most Gender-Sensitive Film: 2003-2013; 2019 onwards

Special awards

Special recognition during the Gabi ng Parangal may or may not be given annually. Annually, MMFF selects various entities to be awarded the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Awards, the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence, and the Special Jury Prize. Meanwhile, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Posthumous Award for Film Service and Excellence are not awarded annually.

Other awards

Aside from the aforementioned categories, MMFF also bestows the People’s Choice Awards, Children’s Choice Awards, and Star of the Night Awards.

Short film categories

A significant shift at the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) often goes unnoticed, but it is significant nonetheless. Since then, short films have been exhibited alongside the major section entries during the MMFF’s run. The category also has its own set of awards namely Best Short Film, Special Jury Prize, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

Criteria for Selection

The following are the criteria for being picked for the MMFF lineup: 40% creative excellence, 10% commercial appeal, 10% Filipino cultural sensibility, and 10% global appeal. The awards ceremony will take place on December 27.

Metro Manila Film Festival 2021 Movies

Last year’s event turned all-digital due to the pandemic. This year, though, the MMFF will return to the theatres just like it did in the past years. In November, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), organizer of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), announces this year’s lineup for the annual film festival that will return to cinemas on Christmas. The eight films selected for MMFF 2021 were picked from a pool of 19 submissions. The following are the eight official entries that will be shown at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 2021.

1. A Hard Day

This film is a local remake of the 2014 South Korean film of the same name, directed by Law Fajardo. The story revolves around a detective named Villon (Dingdong Dantes) who accidentally kills a man. On the day of his mother’s funeral, he tries to bury the body in her coffin. However, when he gets into a fight with a fellow cop, further issues develop (John Arcilla). This action film was supposed to premiere at the first Summer MMFF in 2020, however, it was canceled due to the pandemic.

2. Big Night

Jun Robles Lana’s illustrious career includes films like Kalel 15, Die Beautiful, and Bwakaw, all of which include a social critique. Big Night, his most recent picture, aims to achieve the same. Dharna (Christian Bables), a homosexual beautician, has recently learned that he is on a municipal drug watch list in this submission for the 2021 MMFF. Dharna, perplexed as to why he’s on the list and fearful for his safety, embarks on a mission to find out why he’s on it. The all-star ensemble includes Eugene Domingo, Janice De Belen, and John Arcilla in this comic perspective on the drug war.

3. Huling Ulan Sa Tag-araw

RitKen fans are ecstatic because the RitKen love pair are starring in their first film. This romantic comedy, starring Rita Daniela and Ken Chan, is about a sultry dancer who falls in love with her closest friend, who happens to be studying to be a priest. The RitKen duo is looking to bring their chemistry to the big screen after a few successful TV shows together.

4. Huwag Kang Lalabas

This year’s MMFF wouldn’t be complete without a horror film, and this one promises to deliver. Huwag Kang Lalabas is a horror trilogy directed by Adolf Alix Jr. It is unique in that it is a trilogy. The film is divided into three parts, each of which tells a different story about creepy animals and things that go bump in the night. Kim Chiu, Jameson Blake, Beauty Gonzalez, and Aiko Melendez are among the cast members.

5. Kung Maupay Man It Panahon

Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (Whether the Weather is Fine) is the festival’s awards favorite. The story follows Miguel (Daniel Padilla), a young guy who is trying to live and adjust in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. In the aftermath of the devastation, he seeks his girlfriend Andrea (MNL48’s Francinne Rifol) and mother Norma (Charo Santos-Concio) and must decide whether to rebuild their life in Tacloban or flee to safer skies.

Carlo Francisco Manatad’s latest film has been selected to compete in a number of major film festivals, including the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland and the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. It has also received a few accolades, including best director at the London East Asia Film Festival for Carlo Francisco Manatad.

6. Love At First Stream

Love At First Stream takes place in a future where everything has gone digital. Vilma is a rising streamer on the lookout for her big break. Tupe, with whom she vlogs, assists her. Then there’s Megumi, the girl next door who enlists Gino’s help in her quest for stardom on the internet. Each of these people will pursue love and friendships online in order to escape their daily lives in the film. The single submission from Star Cinema for the 2021 MMFF is expected to make a big splash. That’s not without cause.

First and foremost, it is directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, a major motion picture director. Second, it’s Kaori Oinuma and Jeremiah Lisbo’s first collaboration. Originally, Rhys Miguel was cast in the film, but he stepped out due to personal issues, and Jeremiah was cast in his stead. Daniela Stranner and Anthony Jennings, two up-and-coming performers, also feature in the film. Finally, this is Kumu’s first work with Star Cinema. The movie will be heavily influenced by the streaming service. The fact that many of its co-stars were recruited from Kumu demonstrates this.

7. Nelia

This suspense thriller comes from director Lester Dimaranan. Winwyn Marquez, a former beauty queen turned actress, plays the main woman in the film. She is a nurse who believes that strange things are going on in the hospital where she works. Her search for the truth behind the mysteries will take her to some very dark places. Raymond Bagatsing plays a doctor in the film.

8. The Exorsis

The Exorsis is the final submission for the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival. For the second time since Mary, Marry Me in 2018, Toni and Alex Gonzaga will be in the same movie again in this horror-comedy and spoof of The Exorcist. Toni and Alex portray sisters who have a troubled relationship in the film. When Alex’s character is possessed by a demon, however, they must put their differences aside. Fifth Solomon is the director of the film. Under the working title The Exorcism Of My Siszums, it was also in contention to be a part of MMFF 2020.

Check Out MMFF 2021 Short Films with Streamtech!

Supporting Filipino films has never been easier as Metro Manila Film Festival continues to celebrate creative Filipino storytelling by partnering with Meta (the new name of the Facebook company). The MMFF jury will choose a winner whose work goes beyond mere entertainment and demonstrates creative excellence.

The short films premiering on 25 December on their respective creator’s pages are Let It Simmer by Erwan Heussaf on www.facebook.com/featrmedia; Kandado by Pio Balbuena on www.facebook.com/PioBalbuena; Dito Ka Lang by Beverly Cumla on www.facebook.com/BCumla; Then and Now by Discover Mnl on www.facebook.com/DiscoverMNL; Pepe sa Lockdown by Rayn Brizuela on www.facebook.com/myPGAG.

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Christmas is in the air in the Philippines as the “-ber” months begin to unravel. According to reports, Filipinos celebrate Christmas for the longest period of time than any country on Earth. Although Advent begins in the final week of November, Filipinos begin playing Christmas music and displaying Christmas decorations as early as September.

While there are still online masses, thanks to fiber internet, unlike the previous year, churches have opened their doors to a restricted number of churchgoers in accordance with government-issued health guidelines.

What is this Filipino Christmas tradition anyway that we have come to celebrate for many centuries? How has it changed throughout the years especially now that we are in the midst of the pandemic?

Read on to find out.

What is Simbang Gabi?

Simbang Gabi (Filipino for “Night Mass”) is largely a Filipino advent tradition honoring the blessed Virgin Mary among Filipino Roman Catholics. They join her and follow her for nine days as she prepares for her son’s birth. There are nine dawn Masses in Puerto Rico called Misa de Aguinaldo, which is similar to the nine dawn Masses that happen before Christmas.

This Filipino advent tradition happens every day from December 16 to 24, but it happens at different times. In some places, the pre-dawn mass starts at 3 a.m., while in others, it starts around 5 a.m. The service is renamed Misa de Gallo (Spanish for “Rooster’s Mass”) on the final day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve. It plays a significant significance in Filipino culture.

History of Simbang Gabi in the Philippines

Simbang Gabi began in 1587, when Fray Diego de Soria, superior of the Convent of San Agustin Acolam, petitioned the Vatican for permission to offer Christmas Masses for farmers who would labor early in the fields.

Pope Sixtus V decreed in the 16th century that morning Masses be celebrated in the Philippines from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24 to allow farmers to attend Mass before heading to the fields.

The First Plenary Council of the Philippines petitioned the Vatican in 1953 to continue with Simbang Gabi. The petition was granted by the Papal Indult.

Agricultural practices during the Spanish era

The Philippines is a rice, coconut, and sugarcane-growing country. Numerous tenant farmers (also referred to as sacadas, campesinos, and casamacs) labored all day with only a little respite at midday, when the heat was at its greatest. Farmers worked long hours and budgeted their time in dread of the local encargado, who handled land for the Spanish feudal lord or encomendero/hacendero.

Between the planting and harvest seasons, indigenous are forced to endure a pause in the corvée. Those who were old enough to perform physical labor were gathered under the tributo system, which required males to work for free on construction projects for the Spanish colonial administration. Women were also responsible for caring for their vegetable gardens (tumana) and working as home servants for the affluent.

When the Christmas season began, it was normal to offer novenas in the evenings, but the priests recognized that the faithful would attend despite their exhaustion from the day. As a compromise, the clergy began saying early morning masses in the morning before people went out to work the field.

After-mass delicacies

During the Spanish and early American periods, parishioners brought nothing more than bags of rice, fruits and vegetables, and fresh eggs to Mass. Following the ceremony, the Church would distribute the fruits to the congregation.

After Mass, Filipinos purchase and consume festive dishes provided in the graveyard. Bibingka (rice cakes fried on both sides) and puto bumbong (steamed purple rice pastries seasoned with butter, shredded coconut, and brown sugar) are popular and are frequently served with tsokolate (hot chocolate made with local cacao) or salabát (ginger tea).

Today, parishioners may purchase local specialties on the church grounds. Puto bumbóng, bibingka, suman, and other rice-based foods are all freshly prepared on-site. Children are sold latik and yema, while adults can purchase uraró (arrowroot), barquillos, lengua de gato, and otap (ladyfingers). Kape Barako (a very strong coffee cultivated in Batangas), hot tsokolate, or salabat are the most popular beverages, while soups such as arróz caldo (rice and chicken porridge) and papait (goat bile stew from the Ilocos area) are also available.

Rice-based dishes were traditionally offered to farmers to satisfy their bellies, as rice is a relatively inexpensive and primary staple. The pastries were packed with carbohydrates, which colonial Filipinos required for work in the rice farms and sugar mills.

How Filipino Catholics celebrate Simbang Gabi today

While some of the current Simbang Gabi practices have remained, some traditions have changed over time. Here’s how Filipinos celebrate Simbang Gabi today:

1. Waking up way too early

The Mass often begins around 4 a.m. Pope Sixtus V commanded that Mass be sung before daybreak, as it was harvest season, and farmers needed to be in their fields immediately following the service. Today, church bells are ringing or playing traditional Christmas songs as early as 3 a.m. to welcome churchgoers. Early morning mass is possibly the only moment in the world when most Filipinos would want to get up early in order to avoid missing any scheduled mass.

2. Wearing thick-clothed clothes

Our nation is often hot or humid due to our geographical position. Nonetheless, when December arrives and you’re out for a midnight stroll to church, we pull out our coziest gear to combat the cold morning air.

3. Evening masses

Some churches also hold evening celebrations of Simbang Gabi from the 15th through the 23rd of December. Often referred to as “anticipated Simbang Gabi” due to the fact that Vigil or Anticipated Masses are only valid on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, these are performed predominantly in metropolitan areas. However, these Masses employ the propers and readings prescribed for the day. Although it is permitted in some parishes, “anticipation” of the propers and readings for the following day is not.

4. Complete attendance grants wishes

For others, the sacrifice of attending pre-dawn Masses equates to a panata, an oath of fealty taken in the hope or anticipation that one’s prayers would be granted by the infant Jesus. Panata petitions ranged from the spiritual to the material, from wishes for peace and reconciliation to protection against natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, to good health or healing, completion of studies or board exams, obtaining a good job locally or internationally, or even acquiring a house.

5. Lighting of lanterns

In the same way that people in Spain are lighting small oil lamps on Christmas Eve, people in the Philippines decorate their homes with paról, which are colorful star-shaped lanterns. A lot of people think that these were used by worshippers to help them get to church at night. They are also thought to have been used as a symbol for the Star of Bethlehem. Paróls are still popular Christmas decorations in the Philippines, and they are as well-known and symbolic as Christmas trees in the West.

6. Simbang gabi in malls

Simbang Gabi is frequently observed at shopping malls, typically in open areas. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle advised against holding Mass in shopping malls unless the mall had its own chapel.

7. The use of purple

White is the liturgical color reserved for Masses said during the novena; violet is reserved for all other Masses offered throughout the day, as these are still regarded to be part of the Advent season.

8. Re-enactment of the nativity scene

The nativity scene, or Belen, is shown in anticipation of the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. It depicts Jesus as a newborn in a manger beside Mother Mary and Saint Joseph. Shepherds and farm animals coexist. The Belen’s whole narrative includes the three wise men delivering their gifts to the newborn Jesus and the Bethlehem star that led them on their journey.

9. Virtual mass

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued Simbang Gabi rules that adhere to IATF norms for mass congregations. They’ve expanded their offerings to include more Mass celebrations and online timetables. Christmas Vigil Masses may begin as early as 6 p.m.

10. More people in churches than last year

This is the Philippines’sSecond Simbang Gabi during the COVID-19 pandemic but more people are attending churches as restrictions have been eased. Churches were nearly empty last year due to COVID-19 restrictions during the observance of the custom.

11. Churches not in full capacity

Under the Philippines’ current quarantine classification, Alert Level 2, churches can currently accommodate 50% of their seating capacity indoors and 70% outside. This is in contrast to the 30% seating capacity formerly permitted in churches in regions subject to broad community quarantine, such as Metro Manila.

12. Kakanin after mass

Of course, who would forget about after-mass food? For many years, Agape meals following Mass were frequently sponsored by an individual family or group of families, an organization (such as an association), or a firm. Local delicacies included bibingka, a clay pot-cooked rice cake, puto, puto bumbong, a rice roll made from purple rice, kutsinta, biko, and pan de sal or arroz caldo porridge, as well as a variety of rice cakes. This was a time of year when many of these delicacies required a lot of time and effort.

The Reason for Celebrating Simbang Gabi

While Simbang Gabi is a cultural custom, it is also a spiritual preparation for Christmas and the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. If you complete all nine sunrise services, most people think your requests will be granted by the Lord if you pray for them enough times.

Simbang Gabi is also celebrated by Filipino Catholics residing outside of the Philippines. Simbang Gabi, regardless of how or when it is celebrated, is a powerful indicator of the Catholicism of the Filipino people.

Bishop Broderick Pabillo, of the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, said in his invitation to Filipinos to take part in Simbang Gabi: “Let us receive Holy Communion with our hearts filled with hope for our safety amid this crisis.”

Celebrate Misa de Gallo Safely with Streamtech Internet

Filipinos are very religious, and many people usually attend holy masses. However, despite the importance of faith and devotion, our primary concern must always be our own safety. And to do everything we can to ensure the safety of both ourselves and others around us. Make sure to follow and observe social distancing guidelines. Most importantly, wear a face mask and distance yourself from others by at least one meter if you intend to attend church.

Meanwhile, as much as possible, Catholic faithful restrained by poor health from physically attending Simbang Gabi may join the dawn mass online in the comfort of their homes. Virtual Simbang Gabi would enable the elderly, the sick, as well as minors to join the traditional dawn mass.

With the growing threat of COVID-19’s Omicron variant, the vulnerable ones, especially those with pre-existing medical disorders, should be extremely cautious. Thanks to the advent of technology, celebrating Simbang Gabi is possible as long as you are connected online through fiber internet or mobile data. Today, masses can be streamed on Facebook and YouTube, and to make this possible, you need a dependable internet provider in the Philippines.

With Streamtech, you can get up to 25 Mbps of broadband internet for as low as P 1,499. Additionally, you can purchase additional packages to enhance your online experience. All of this is meant to give you access to the internet in ways you never believed possible.

This internet service provider is the Philippines’ first truly limitless internet service, capable of exceeding existing internet speed constraints and ensuring reliability with novel network technology that does not rely on sluggish old infrastructure.

Additionally, Streamtech’s cutting-edge fiber-optic technology transports data at rapid speeds, immersing you in graphics, music, films, and other visual information. Sign up today to take advantage of the next wave of fiber-optic internet technology.

Subscribe now! To learn more, please visit our official Facebook page.

The post See How Filipinos Value the Celebration of Simbang Gabi This 2021 appeared first on Streamtech.

The amazing news is that now, more than ever, you’ll get the freedom to enjoy fast fiber internet on your own terms, too! Streamtech introduces its newest product, the Prepaid Fiber Internet Plan. Right away, you’ll be able to experience the same affordable, reliable, and fast internet connection that people with fixed subscription get, but on your own preferred conditions.

What are Streamtech’s Prepaid Fiber Internet Plans?

Get ready to experience fiber like never-before with Streamtech’s Prepaid Fiber Internet Plans! Basically, you’ll be the one to decide on how you want to consume unlimited fiber internet.

For as low as PHP 299, you’ll get to enjoy 25 Mbps fast internet for five days! Additionally, here are our other available top-up plans:

• Ten days, 25 Mbps = PHP 569
• Fifteen days, 25 Mbps = PHP 849
• Thirty Days, 25 Mbps = PHP 1,599.

What are the inclusions of a Prepaid Fiber Wifi Kit?

If you wish to avail of the Streamtech Prepaid Fiber Wifi Kit, you will get the following:

• Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Modem that is automatically activated for 30 days, for FREE;
• Fast fiber internet of up to 25 Mbps, with no data cap; and
• Installation user’s guide.

The whole Prepaid Fiber Wifi Kit and the installation fee is at PHP 4,799. This is already inclusive of free 30 days fiber internet.

Where are these Prepaid Fiber Plans available?

This newest Streamtech offering is at its pilot stage. Thus, it will initially be available at the following areas:

North Luzon

• Lumina Plaridel, Bulacan
• Lumina Pandi, Bulacan
• Northridge Grove, SJDM
• Camella Prominenza, Baliuag
• Camella Fiorenza, Apalit

Metro Manila

• Vista Heights, Legarda Manila
• Bria Flats Las Pinas
• GL Taft, Manila
• New Victorianne, Sucat

South Luzon

• Pine Suites Tower 1,2,3 Tagaytay
• Avida Settings, Bacoor
• Ridgecrest, Bacoor
• Tierra Nevada, Ph6B, C and 7, Bacoro
• Matabungkay, Lian
• Bucana, Nasugbu
• Brgy. Bungahan, Cuenca

Visayas-Mindanao

• Savannah Crest Iloilo
• Savannah Glades and Jewels
• Camella Cerritos Gensan
• Camella Ozamis Mindanao.

To stay updated regarding this newest product offering, you may frequently visit the Streamtech official Facebook page or our website’s News page.

Other Terms and Conditions

Customers who would like to avail of this Prepaid Fiber Plan should note the following:

• The initial Prepaid Fiber Plan, once availed, is valid for 30 days. There is no lock-in period afterwards.
• A customer can transfer the installed Prepaid Fiber internet service to another address subject to transfer fee.
• If a customer has been inactive for a period of 6 months, there will be a minimal reactivation fee amounting to PHP 250.
• You can reload your Prepaid Fiber Plan prior the expiration date. The expiration will be extended for more days, depending on the plan you have reloaded.

What are the Benefits of These Prepaid Fiber Internet Plans of Streamtech?

Getting connected through this newest Prepaid Fiber Internet Plans of Streamtech offers you a lot of benefits. You’ll get the freedom to enjoy fast internet connection with no lock-in period. This means that after installation and the free 30 days period, you will be the one to decide whether you want to get connected or not. You can customize and tailor-fit the plans according to your needs and liking. The freedom of choice is yours!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab this freedom to enjoy fiber now! Contact our team today to get started. You may also visit the Streamtech official Facebook page for more details.

The post Avail of Streamtech’s Newest Fiber Product, Prepaid Wifi Plans, Now! appeared first on Streamtech.

The holidays are in full swing and while in-person events are still prohibited, it’s important to stay connected with other human beings. Spending time with others is good for your mental health and mental health. That’s why you should maximize your fiber internet connection in order to stay connected with others.

From virtual tours to video call ideas, we’ll discuss fun ways to stay connected with other people. These fun ideas will help you feel closer with your family wherever they are. They will also strengthen the other relationships in your life. After all, you deserve a break after everything you’ve been through for the best two years.

Take Virtual Tours to Treat Your Senses

A lot of museums and galleries have gone virtual. Some of them even allow you to explore their galleries for free. If you’re looking for some inspiration, this is the perfect opportunity to treat your senses. As long as you have a reliable internet provider in the Philippines, you can check out museums across the country and even abroad.

To make the experience more enjoyable, you can invite your friends or family to join you on your tour. What’s great about online tours is that you can go together virtually despite the physical distance. As long as you stay connected with your tour partner, you will never feel like you’re all alone during the experience.

By taking tours online, you have the chance to explore the world even via your computer screen or gadget. You learn something new at every gallery you virtually visit as well. You might even get inspired to travel the world after checking out interesting works of art. Once traveling is easier, you can visit these places in real life.

Join a Remote Book Club to Meet New People

If you want to make new friends, you can join a remote book club. This is a great way to meet new people that have the same interests. If you have family or loved ones that love to read, you can invite them to join as well. You can stay connected by starting a group chat.

Since you and the rest of the group read the same material, you can exchange different ideas. It’s easy to make conversation since you all know the stories you’ve been reading about. You just have to coordinate with each other regularly so you’re always on the same page. You can also send each other interesting book titles via snail mail.

Reading is a nice way to take a break from your everyday life, and joining a book club is an awesome way to relieve stress. When you connect with other people, you feel like you’re connected with others despite the distance. It doesn’t matter where the other members live because communication will be made online. You might even make a new best friend in the process.

If you’re not an avid reader, you can find other groups to join. What matters is that you join a community with common interests. If you’re passionate about watching sports, you can join sports fan clubs. If your heart lies in arts and crafts, you can look for groups for those as well.

Host a Movie Night with Other Family Members

If you want to make new friends, you can join a remote book club. This is a great way to meet new people that have the same interests. If you have family or loved ones that love to read, you can invite them to join as well. You can stay connected by starting a group chat.

Since you and the rest of the group read the same material, you can exchange different ideas. It’s easy to make conversation since you all know the stories you’ve been reading about. You just have to coordinate with each other regularly so you’re always on the same page. You can also send each other interesting book titles via snail mail.

Reading is a nice way to take a break from your everyday life, and joining a book club is an awesome way to relieve stress. When you connect with other people, you feel like you’re connected with others despite the distance. It doesn’t matter where the other members live because communication will be made online. You might even make a new best friend in the process.

If you’re not an avid reader, you can find other groups to join. What matters is that you join a community with common interests. If you’re passionate about watching sports, you can join sports fan clubs. If your heart lies in arts and crafts, you can look for groups for those as well.

Host a Movie Night with Other Family Members

If you live far from your family, you can stay connected by hosting a regular movie night. You can all watch the movie together via video call. There are so many video platforms you can use to watch old and newer films together. You can also use a streaming platform like Discord to stay connected as well.

Watching movies is a great way to spend time with your relatives. No matter where your family members are based, you can connect with one another as long as you have a reliable internet service provider in the Philippines. You will get to laugh, cry, and even get scared together. You just have to choose titles your family would appreciate.

To make the experience interesting, consider changing things up every now and then. For example, you can choose vintage movies one week and then go on a scary movie marathon the next. You just have to make sure the film you choose is something the family would appreciate. You wouldn’t want the kids to get bored by choosing something they don’t find interesting.

While you can watch movies alone, watching them with the family will take the experience to the next level. Plus, the fact that you get to watch the movie with your loved ones will be good for your overall well-being. If you’re feeling lonely, the fact you get to watch together will surely lift your spirits. You can even consider watching your favorite shows together. You can try this once a week or a month so you have an excuse to communicate regularly.

Spend Happy Hour with your Friends

Young people used to go out to have drinks with their friends during the weekend. Even if you’re far away from each other, you can spend time together by drinking with each other over video chat. What’s great about an online happy hour is that you can save a lot of money. You can prepare the food and refreshments at home. You can even send your friends some goodies if you’re feeling generous.

You might get to talk to your friends now and then, but life can get in the way of your bond. By scheduling a regular online hangout session with your friends, you have a reason to talk to each other regularly. You will also be updated on each other’s lives.

To make the night more exciting, you can even host quiz nights or other games. This way, you get to use your brains and have fun at the same time. There are a lot of online apps and websites that can make organizing these special events so much easier. If you’ve got fiber internet in your household, accessing these tools will be no problem at all.

If you’ve been having a difficult time lately, talking with your friends will be good for you. You can discuss your feelings, and encourage each other through these challenging times. You can also exchange stories to let out the stress you’ve been feeling lately. As long as you have fiber internet, you can talk with your friends for hours. You can then meet up in real life once it’s safer to do so.

Create an Online Support Group

If the ongoing pandemic has been taking its toll on your emotional health, you should consider joining or creating a support group. You can start by inviting your friends individually by asking if he or she is open to the idea.

Through this way to stay connected, you can help people who are going through depression and a lot of stress in these trying times. People aren’t really mind readers. You never know when one person might be going through something heavy. You can help your friends cope through the group.

Having a support group will help you connect with your loved ones on a deeper level. You will all have the opportunity to speak about aspects of your lives you normally wouldn’t share on Facebook. Not only will the group benefit your mental health, but you get to lend a helping hand to your friends as well. Regular communication will be good for you not only amid the pandemic but in the long run.

For the group to have fun sometimes, you should host regular online board game nights. There are a lot of online apps and websites you can use so you can play together despite the distance. The regular bonding sessions will not only be good for your mental health, but they will strengthen your relationships with your loved ones.

Cook something with your own children

Spending time with your family is very important. Even if you live together, your communication might not be so great. It can be so easy to be distracted by all things you have on your plate, after all. By cooking together, you can strengthen your relationship with one another. You also get to save a lot of money by eating inside as well. You just have to make it a point to set a budget so you don’t end up overspending in the process.

You can try cooking your old childhood favorites or a dish the entire family enjoys. There are a lot of video tutorials online so you can cook with your kids at home. As long as you can fiber internet at home, you can search for recipes from all over the world.

Even if the food you make is not restaurant-worthy, time spent with people you love is never wasted. Spending more time with your kids by cooking will not only help you connect with one another better, but it’ll bring you closer as a family.

If you don’t live with your family, you can consider cooking with each other via video chat. You just have to agree on a time so you can call each other wherever you are in the world. Staying connected through your love for good food will improve your cooking skills too. In the end, you get to connect with your loved one and learn something new.

Initiate a Conversation with the Other Person

A lot of people get shy to reach out to friends without good reason. You should start the conversation by reaching out to the other person first. You never really know how your friends are doing, especially if they’re not the type to post a lot on Facebook. That’s why you should take a moment to check on your friends individually.

Reaching out to other people individually makes a huge difference. This is because a lot of people get really shy when they’re surrounded by others, even in the virtual space. Keeping things one-on-one will make the experience more personal.

You don’t even have to go on a video call, especially if that person is an introvert. That person will appreciate the simple act of you reaching out to him or her. You might even get to learn something new about the person during your talk.

Why Staying Connected is Important

A lot may have changed in the span of two years, but you can still stay connected with your friends and family virtually. It’s normal to feel lonely and sad especially with everything going on. Taking the effort to stay connected with others will make you feel like you’re not alone. You might even learn something new along the way.

If these ways to stay connected aren’t really your cup of tea, you can get creative by looking for ideas online. As long as you have fiber internet, the possibilities are endless. You can connect with old friends or possibly make a new friend outside your comfort zone. You just have to take the first step.

That’s why it’s important to have fiber internet at home. With a fast internet connection, you can join different activities and entertain yourself to no end. In order to stay connected with people, you need to invest in a great internet provider like Streamtech Technologies.

We at Streamtech will help you exceed your limits in order for you to stay connected with the rest of the world even in the comforts and safety of your home. With Streamtech, not only do you have access to affordable fiber internet, you can watch your favorite television channels as well. We offer awesome cable bundles through our partnership with Planet Cable.

Plus, through Streamtech, you can enjoy fast and reliable internet wherever you are at home. Our Extendifi WiFi Extender allows you to surf to your heart’s content no matter how far you are from your router. Streamtech will help you stay connected without breaking the bank. Contact our team today to know more.

The post How to Stay Connected with Loved Ones During this Christmas Season 2021 appeared first on Streamtech.

In order to make sure you are getting the best connection possible, it’s important to know how fast your internet speed actually is. The good news is that there are many different tools available on the web where you can check your internet speed for free. This will be easy if you have the best fiber internet from a trusted internet provider in the Philippines.

What are the best internet speed test sites? How do you know if your internet is fast enough? Why is it important to check your internet speed? This article will answer these questions and more.

What is an Internet Speed Test?

There are many different ways to check your internet speed, but one of the best ways is to use an internet speed test. An internet speed test will measure how fast data can be transferred between two points on the network. This includes how quickly you can open a web page or send and receive files. 

Using an internet speed test is also important because it helps you make sure that your service provider is not limiting your bandwidth by sending slower speeds than they advertise. It’s always good to keep in mind that sometimes there could be issues with your computer slowing down the connection times as well, so having other factors taken into account may be helpful for making sure that everything runs smoothly.

What are the Different Types of Internet Speed Tests?

There are many different tests available online, and the type of speed test you should use depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Here is a list of different types of tests you can take, which include:

• Download Speed Test – This test measures how quickly data can be transferred from the internet to your computer. It is important to know this number because it represents the maximum speed that you can download files.
• Upload Speed Test – This test measures how quickly data can be transferred from your computer to the internet. This is important to know because it represents the maximum speed that you can upload files.
• Ping Test – This test measures the response time between two points on the network. A low ping time is ideal because it means that there will be less latency when transferring files and data.        
• Traceroute Test – This test measures the route that data take to travel from one point to another. It is commonly used as a diagnostic tool because it can help identify network problems such as congestion due to traffic or outages.

What are the Best Internet Speed Test Sites of 2021

There are a number of internet speed test sites that you can use to help you determine the speed of your internet connection. These sites typically work by sending data from their server to your computer and then back to the server, allowing you to see how quickly your connection is able to send and receive information.

Here is a list of the best Internet Speed Test Sites for 2021, as compiled by online newsletter Lifewire and internet research platform BroadbandSearch:

1. Speedtest.Net

The most well-known speed test is certainly Speedtest.net. It’s quick, free, and offers access to a large number of test locations throughout the world, resulting in more accurate findings than the average.

Speedtest.net also maintains track of all your internet speed tests and generates a visually appealing report that you can share online. It now has mobile applications for iPhone, Android, and Windows that allow you to test your internet speed from your phone to their servers. Other Speedtest applications, such as those for Apple TV and Chrome, are also available. Based on your IP address, the nearest internet testing server is automatically computed.

Ookla, a leading provider of speed test technology to other internet speed test services, runs Speedtest.net.

2. Testmy.net

When it comes to internet speed testing sites, Testmy.net is one of the most comprehensive alternatives identified, and their methods have been fine-tuned to perfection. It’s a self-contained, dependable service that runs on HTML5 and performs exactly what it’s supposed to do, with no additional frills or distractions.

It gives information for your speed compared to the averages for your ISP, city, and more for those searching for a comparison. It will inform you precisely where you stand without requiring much further work on your part. You may also establish an account to keep information and return to see whether changes are effective or if the time of day affects your connection.

The main disadvantage is that the results aren’t always appealing (some would even say hard to read, but most certainly not hard to understand).

3. Speedof.Me

Considered one of the best non-ISP internet speed tests available is SpeedOf.Me. The good part about this internet speed test service is that it uses HTML5, which is already incorporated into your browser, rather than Java or another technology that could need you to have a browser plugin installed.

This makes SpeedOf.Me load quicker and use fewer system resources on most personal computers,  and virtually without a doubt more accurate. SpeedOf.Me uses more than 100 servers across the world, and your internet speed test is conducted using the fastest and most reliable one available at the moment. Because HTML5 is supported, SpeedOf.Me is also compatible with browsers found on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

4. Internet Health Test

The Internet Health Test is far more detailed than most, if not all, of the other test sites on this list. Internet Health Test is the place to go if you want to get as much information as possible from a comprehensive and multi-step testing process.

It will basically put your connection through an obstacle course of servers, scenarios, and locations, resulting in data that is considerably closer to a real-world result than some other sites that test under perfect conditions. It will take a bit longer than the minute-at-most exams used by other sites, but you will be getting six tests at once. It also has a simple design, with a few extra features and a limited number of settings that may be changed.

5. Bandwidth Place

With over 50 servers throughout the world, Bandwidth Place is also another amazing internet speed test choice. Like Speedof.me, it uses HTML5, making it an excellent choice for an internet speed test from your mobile browser.

If you’d want to validate the results you’re obtaining with a better service like SpeedOf.Me or TestMy.net, Bandwidth Place can be a suitable alternative.

6. Xfinity Speed Test

With Xfinity Speed Test, there are no distractions on the screen, and there are no pop-ups or pieces of useless information. In both the mobile and desktop versions of the software, the design is clean and easy to read, with current visuals. You’ll receive a fast download speed, then a fast upload speed.

There are a few more features, such as the capacity to change the host location if you know you’ll be dealing with something else on a regular basis. If necessary, you can also modify the protocol. If you want to achieve reliable results, it gives you a few pointers. Similarly, it’s a useful tool whether you’re trying to switch connections or simply enhance the one you already have.

Although the site prioritizes download speeds, there is an option to “Show More” to display upload speeds, latency, the internet protocol, and the location of the host server.

7. Speedsmart

Speedsmart, an HTML5-based speed test, is an easy-to-use and universally accessible option for you that provides accurate speeds, as they send more data to create a more fine-tuned test, and ping information. This is ideal for anyone who requires a low-latency connection, such as video chat users and gamers.

Like a few others on this list, Speedsmart allows you to create an account and access your prior tests from any device. This makes it simple to monitor not only a single device’s connection, but also a network throughout a house or workplace.

8. Speakeasy/Fusion

Speakeasy/Fusion allows you to test your internet speed by switching between a short list of server locations that you may manually select or have been selected for you automatically.

Speakeasy’s engine and servers are provided by Ookla, making it extremely comparable to Speedtest.net.

9. Fast.com

The only notable service-specific speed test available is Netflix’s Fast.com. It tests your connection between your device and Netflix’s servers to determine your download speed. “Netflix’s servers” refer to the servers that are part of their Open Connect content distribution system, which allows ISPs to offer Netflix material to their consumers more simply.

As a result, the results you see at Fast.com are likely to be identical to those you would obtain from a speed test conducted by your ISP. This implies that the Fast.com speed test is beneficial not only for determining how fast your Netflix connection is but also for other online activities such as downloading files.

10. M-Lab Internet Speed Test

Although none of the other internet speed tests are difficult to use, the M-Lab Internet Speed Test is perhaps the easiest to find. The open-source M-Lab test, short for Measurement Lab, was created by a group of computer scientists and university researchers with Google’s support, and it’s the test that appears when you input “internet speed test” into the Google search box.

Simply click the blue “RUN SPEED TEST” button to instantly view your download speed, upload speed, and latency. Because you won’t need to bookmark it or remember what it’s called, that’s about as simple as it gets. There are no adverts throughout the test, and your IP address is the only information shared with M-Lab.

11. My Broadband Speed

An extremely user-friendly site that ranks broadband speeds from around the globe based on a median time taken for a provider to return a result after testing. It provides an average figure compared to other websites which only provide the maximum number of results seen in a certain period of time.

12. Google Fiber Speedtest

Anyone seeking to test browser performance may use Google’s Fiber Speedtest, which is free, quick, and accurate. You also don’t have to pay for Google’s Fiber service. Because Google is famed for its efficiency and simplicity, you may be confident in the Fiber Speedtest’s results.

The test is quick and accurate, taking approximately 15 seconds. You’ll get data on upload speed, download speed, and ping time. In addition to other information, the Fiber Speedtest may tell you what server you’re utilizing. You may also see how your internet speed compares to that of Google Fiber.

Why Do You Need to Check Your Internet Speed?

It’s important to know your internet speed because it can affect how you use the internet. If you have a slow internet connection, it can impact your ability to stream videos or music, play online games, or browse the web. In some cases, you may even experience buffering or lag time when using certain websites or services.

The internet speed you get can also affect how much money you spend on your Internet service every month. If the speeds you get don’t match up with what a provider advertises, or if they’re slower than advertised, it’s worth asking why.

Enjoy the Ultimate Internet Speed via Streamtech

In this day and age, internet speed is becoming all the more important. This is because everything that we do – from opening a webpage to streaming a video – depends on it. Streamtech, the newest internet service provider in the country, completely understands this.

That’s why it offers the ultimate fiber internet experience at an affordable cost. For as low as P1,499/month, you can get an internet speed of up to 25 Mbps.  You can also avail of the Extendifi WiFi Extender that allows you to enjoy the power of Streamtech’s connection no matter where you are.

Subscribe now to the best fiber internet provider in the Philippines and enjoy fast, secure, and reliable internet access. Visit our Official FB Page for more details.

The post Here is the List of the Best Internet Speed Test Sites of 2021 appeared first on Streamtech.