Articles written by Bar De Ness

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About me - Bar De Ness

I share my time between London, England and Laguna Province, Philippines. I've travelled extensively throughout both countries, and each in their own way have been inspirational in my writings, particularly in the areas of travel, culture, history and conservation.

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Politics, News & Issues > Environmental Awareness Population growth, poverty and environmental degradation: 1 of 32
"I bought the shoes to aid my people. They were all made in the Philippines!" So said Imelda Marcos in a television programme aired recently on British television. "Explore" a hard-hitting and thought-provoking cultural documentary series, chose on this occasion the country which her late husband had been the former president... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Christmas Christmas traditions and celebrations in England: 2 of 15
The Christmas we celebrate today is chiefly the Christmas of the Victorians. Whilst we all understand that the celebration acknowledges the birth of Jesus Christ, and is a very special Christian holiday, few of us ever question the common symbolism in use. Santa Claus, Christmas trees, cards, crackers, and even turkey are all... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Tips for first-time and infrequent travelers: 3 of 20
Hang on to your Pants! Long-Haul air travel is sheer hassle from the moment you enter the airport, so here are some tips to lessen the pain. But whatever you learn reading this, for gawd's sake get a grip on your boarding pass and make sure you've darned your socks! Think when you pack! Be aware of the weight allowance an... More..
Travel > Destination Guides (Other) Best cities in the world: 5 of 31
Baguio is a city of style, culture and sophistication. Created by the Americans in 1901 on the site of the Ibaloi tribal village of Kafagway, it is a testament to town planning which defies convention.Also known as the City of Pines and situated amidst the mountainous Cordillera region, it is regarded as the summer capital of... More..
Travel > Asia Travel destinations: The Philippines: 3 of 17
Can you keep a secret? The influences from various visitors and invaders to this jewelled archipelago have shaped it's geography, affected it's demography, established it's heritage, formulated it's language, produced it's cuisine, and influenced everything from arts to architecture. Above all it created the people we have to... More..
Society & Lifestyle > European Culture The significance of the British community pub to society: 3 of 17
Americans believe the quintessential English pub nestles idyllically in a sleepy hamlet with low oak beams, horse brasses, inglenook rafters and cottage garden scenery. Where it sits a stone's throw from the village green and the sounds of cork on willow from a good humoured cricket match can be heard to break into the chatte... More..
Creative Writing > Novel Excerpts Novel excerpts: Life: 42 of 149
As Mrs Leibermauch hit the elevator button for her sixth floor suite in the Park Avenue Grand Hotel, her thoughts were interrupted by the forgotten zucchini she'd promised for her daughter in Rochester. This sudden realisation was brought to her attention by an odd looking young bell-hop who, strangely resembling the vegetabl... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Valentine's Day Valentine's Day origins: 4 of 14
Women purchase eighty five percent of the one billion Valentine cards sent annually around the world, according to the US Greeting Card Association. Whilst that's a bevy of potentially lovelorn females, it is unfortunately unknown how many of their love's labours are lost.The male of the species should be encouraged to learn ... More..
Pets & Animals > Birds The Dodo and how the now extinct bird met its end: 4 of 13
The demise of the Dodo, an ungainly flightless bird, is synonymous with mankind's lack of understanding of conservation and the natural and delicate balance of ecological habitat.Today we can frown upon those early seafarers who during the course of trade and exploration systematically devastated indigenous wildlife on their ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Food & Agriculture Rising food prices - A global concern: 7 of 22

As the Philippines embarks on elections for a new president in 2010, the dominant issue galvanizing the minds of her people is the price of rice. Whilst the global costs soar for this basic food staple, the country (the world's biggest rice importer) is facing a crisis. Unlike their neighbours in Thailand and Vietnam, success... More..