In this special episode, Globe Aware intern Santiago sits down with Gege, our extraordinary long-time coordinator in the Philippines. With warmth, wisdom, and a touch of humor, Gege reflects on years of unforgettable moments—from hosting solo volunteers to managing large corporate and university groups. Hear how she bridges cultures, supports communities, and ensures that every volunteer experience is not only meaningful but full of heart. If you’ve ever joined our Philippines program—or are thinking about it—this conversation with our beloved Gege will inspire and move you. Ready to just join the program yourself? Go https://www.globeaware.org/destinations/asia/philippines or call us at 214-824-4562
Philippines
Filipinos Love Karaoke
In the Philippines, karaoke is more than just a casual pastime or entertainment—it’s practically a national sport! Globe Aware volunteers, discover the deep bond between Filipinos and karaoke.
The Filipino’s Love of Karaoke: A National Pastime That Hits All the Right Notes
Uncovering the soulful connection between Filipinos and karaoke.
By Edge Genosa
Jan 28, 2025
Discover Philippines
Filipinos love to sing.
You’d think that one sentence would suffice to sum up this article, but it doesn’t do justice to the depth of Filipinos’ love affair with karaoke. Step into any Filipino home, and there’s a high chance you’ll find a karaoke machine – or at the very least, a microphone ready and waiting for you to belt out a tune.
The best Christmas markets taking place around the world in 2024
Globe Aware volunteers planning a holiday-themed vacation might enjoy exploring these destinations. We would like add our Philippines program, where Christmas festivities start as early as September and are celebrated with great enthusiasm!
The best Christmas markets taking place around the world in 2024
By Tamara Hardingham-Gill
CNN
November 3, 2024
There’s nothing quite like a festive market to bring out the Christmas spirit in people.
While these events can be traced back to Vienna – the city’s first recorded December market was in 1298 – the tradition has spread across the world over the centuries.
From Germany and Switzerland to Singapore and New York, it’s difficult to find a coveted destination that doesn’t hold an impressive annual market. In fact, some have grown so popular that they’ve become tourist attractions in their own right.
Cambodia’s New Initiative to Surge Tourism Policies
International Globe Aware volunteers should be aware that Cambodia is actively working to boost tourism by hosting cultural events, lowering visa costs, and more.
Cambodia’s New Initiative to Surge Tourism Policies
August 9, 2024
Travel And Tour World
Cambodia, known for its rich cultural heritage and the iconic Angkor Wat, is grappling with a slow recovery in its tourism sector since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The figures from the first half of 2024 have painted a bleak picture for the industry. The number of foreign tourists arriving at Siem Reap’s airport has plummeted by 67% compared to the same period in 2019, with only 313,145 arrivals. This stark decline underscores the challenges Cambodia faces in revitalizing its tourism industry. So the visa fee reduction will serve as a potential booster.
Tourist fees are taking over popular destinations. Will they impact your next big trip?
Globe Aware destinations, like the Galápagos Islands, are raising their visitor fees, similar to other popular locations. Discover the reasons behind these fee increases and learn how to prepare!
Tourist fees are taking over popular destinations. Will they impact your next big trip?
Tourist hot spots are implementing measures against overtourism. Will this impact your next trip
June 5, 2024
Deseret News
By Caroline McDonald
With the summer travel season approaching, popular tourist spots are planning ahead with new rules and fees to control crowds. This is according to The New York Times, which outlined recent measures taken by Bali, Amsterdam, Paris and Milan — all popular destinations for tourists.
Celebration of Easter in Asian countries with tradition and rituals
Did Globe Aware volunteers know that the locals in our program locations like Goa and the Philippines also celebrate Easter? Discover how across this vast continent, Easter is a vibrant testament to Asia’s diverse cultural heritage.
Celebration of Easter in Asian countries with tradition and rituals
March 19, 2024
Travel and Tour World
Easter, a time of reflection and joy across the globe, unveils its unique splendor in Asia through a mosaic of cultural festivals that blend tradition, spirituality, and community celebration. Across this vast continent, Easter is not merely a religious observance but a vibrant testament to Asia’s diverse cultural heritage.
How Gen Z Is Changing the Travel Industry
Gen Z’s growing share in the travel market continues to impact the way it operates, in many ways for the better. Do our Globe Aware volunteers who are also a part of Gen Z, agree with this?
How Gen Z Is Changing the Travel Industry — and Where They Plan to Go in 2024
Gen Z’s growing share in the travel market continues to impact the way it operates, in many ways for the better.
By Acacia Gabriel
March 16, 2024
Travel + Leisure
Maybe it is shared distrust in corporate America, but Gen Z is not waiting to see the world. They’re taking it by storm right now, and they are traveling in a way that is far different from other generations.
In fact, more than half of Gen Z adults are already considered frequent travelers. “Millennials paved the way and created this sort of idea that travel is a right, not a privilege,” says travel analyst Lindsey Roeschke, adding that Gen Z has built upon this mindset, continuing to prioritize travel above more traditional paths. While other generations are more likely to wait until they have a certain level of income before spending on trips, 61% of Gen Z travelers earn less than $50,000 annually, according to a study by Bankrate.
14 Valentine’s Day traditions from around the world
En Masse Marriages in the Philippines, snowdrop letters in Denmark, and more!? Globe Aware volunteers, find out how the rest of the world celebrates Valentine’s Day!
14 Valentine’s Day traditions from around the world
Find out how countries like France, Italy, Germany and others celebrate February 14 each year.
Jan. 6, 2023
By Barbara Bellesi Zito and Sarah Lemire
TODAY
Each year on Valentine’s Day, Americans shower friends, family and lovers with gifts, greeting cards and romantic gestures to let their special someones know just how much they’re loved.
But what about other countries around the world — what kinds of Valentine’s Day traditions do they commemorate? And how are they the same and how do they differ from V-Day celebrations in the U.S.?
Emma’s Song of Gratitude
This song of joy and gratitude for Globe Aware volunteers was written and sung by Emma Peraulta, one of our community program recipients, in December of 2023 in the Philippines.
Different New Year’s Traditions Around the World
Fireworks and champagne might be common worldwide, but have our Globe Aware volunteers heard of these other New Year’s traditions?
14 Different New Year’s Traditions Around the World
By Chris Ciolli, Jessie Beck
December 15, 2023
AFAR
Although much of the world festively rings in the new year each December 31, we don’t all celebrate the same way. In the United States, we all know the traditions: the ball drop at Times Square, sharing a kiss with a loved one at the stroke of midnight, and countless amounts of fireworks. But elsewhere around the globe, traditions can include everything from giving your house a thorough cleaning to cracking open a fresh pomegranate.
From Spain to Japan, read on to learn about 14 different New Year’s Eve celebrations around the globe.
