Experience Asia's spectacular secrets

New Zealand Car Rentals Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Philer) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:28:00 +0000

New Zealand Car Rentals Resources. Looking for the top New Zealand Car Rental Companies? Look no more! Here is the list top car rental companies in New Zealand. Most of them are close to airports and located near at the center of the city. Enjoy your holiday tour with New Zealand Top Car Hire Companies. Visit the following list of websites which offers car rental service in Car Rental Christchurch, Car Rental Auckland, and around New Zealand.

The list of the Top 20 New Zealand Car Rental Websites:

1. www.drivenz.co.nz
2. www.acerentalcars.co.nz
3. www.budget.co.nz
4. www.thrifty.co.nz
5. www.ezy.co.nz
6. www.gorentals.co.nz
7. www.novacarhire.com
8. www.nationalcar.co.nz
9. www.vroomvroomvroom.co.nz
10. www.omegarentalcars.com
11. www.discovery-carhire.co.nz
12. www.rentalcar.co.nz
13. www.apexrentals.co.nz
14. www.rentalcars.net.nz
15. www.a2brentals.co.nz
16. www.britz.com
17. www.webcarhire.com
18. www.rentalcars.co.nz
19. www.travelnz.com
20. www.autorentals.co.nz

Experience Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (Philer) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 04:10:00 +0000

Hong Kong Travel Guides

Hong Kong is an amazing place, full of energy, life, new smells, sounds and amazing sights. Hong Kong, once you have visited, is one place that you will not and cannot forget.

The harbour by itself is one of the most famous sights in the world, and actually crossing the harbour by one of the famous star ferries is an absolute must both in the daytime and at night, be sure though to have your camera at hand to grasp the magical moment.

With so many things to do, great food, excellent night life, superb shopping and some outlying Islands for you to discover and explore, you could very easily spend a wonderful if not hectic few days in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong hotels are among some of the finest in the world with prices to match all budgetary requirements. Here we review the hotels, some of the bars, transport and other aspects of Hong Kong, to help you enjoy your trip to the maximum.

Kuala Lumpur

noreply@blogger.com (Philer) — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 05:09:00 +0000

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is located on the west coast of Peninsula of Malaysia. Covering some 243 sq km, it lies approximately 40 km from the coast. Kuala Lumpur -or KL as it is commonly called- lies in a valley surrounded by jagged hills. Kuala Lumpur was originally a mining settlement in the late 1800s where tin was discovered at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Although KL's tin trade has declined since, the prosperity of the city has continued to grow.

Today, KL is home to 1.5 million people within the city proper, and more than 6 million in the surrounding metropolitan area. It is the political and cultural centre of the nation. Kuala Lumpur leads Malaysia's fast paced development in trade and commerce, banking and finance, manufacturing, transportation, information technology and tourism. Malaysia is considered one of the fastest growing country in South-East Asia.

Kuala Lumpur has plenty to offer in terms of sights and shopping. Not to be missed is the Petronas Twin Towers at the heart of the city, one of the modern marvels of the world. The Towers are called Menara (Malay for "tower") 1 and 2, and until October 2003, they were the tallest buildings in the world.

History of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur has its origins in the 1850s, when the Malay Chief of Klang sent some Chinese upriver to open new and larger tin mines. They landed at the confluence of Sungai Gombak (previously known as Sungai Lumpur, which means muddy river) and Sungai Klang (Klang river) to open mines at Ampang. Later, tin mines were opened at Pudu and Batu.

This trading post was a wild frontier town plagued by floods, fires, disease and the Selangor Civil

War. During this time, Kapitan Cina Yap Ah Loy emerged as a leader, responsible for the survival and growth of the town. In 1880, the state capital of Selangor was moved from Klang to the more strategically advantageous Kuala Lumpur.

After the fire and subsequent flood of 1881 destroyed the town's structures of wood and atap (thatch), Frank Swettenham, the British Resident of Selangor, required that buildings be constructed of brick and tile. A railway increased accessibility. Development intensified in the 1890s, leading to the creation of a Sanitary Board. In 1896, Kuala Lumpur was chosen as the capital of the newly formed Federated Malay States.

A multiracial community settled in various sections of town. The Chinese congregated around the commercial centre of Market Square, east of Sungai Klang, and south into Chinatown. To the north, across Java Street (now Jalan Tun Perak) were the Malays. Nearby, a number of Indian Chettiars (money-lenders), and in later years Indian Muslim traders, set up business. West of the river, the Padang (now Merdeka Square) was the focal point of the British administration.

Kuala Lumpur grew through two world wars, the rubber and tin commodity crash and the State of Emergency, during which Malaya was preoccupied with the communist insurgency. In 1957, the Federation of Malaya gained its independence from British rule. Kuala Lumpur remained the capital through the formation of Malaysia, achieving city status in 1972, and was established as the Federal Territory in 1974.

Places of Interest

Petronas Twin Towers

At a dizzying height of 452 metres, Petronas Twin Towers, a pair of 88-storey buildings, are the world's tallest free-standing towers. Apart from offices, these awesome towers also house a state-of-the-art concert hall--the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Petronas Performing Arts Group.

The designs on the towers are based on geometric patterns common in Islamic architecture. Special features of the towers include the double-deck sky-bridge and high speed double-deck lifts. The first few floors house shopping arcades restaurants, a science museum and the concert hall and are the only floors open to public. Admission is free, however tickets are limited and issued daily on a first-come-first-served basis.
Open Hours: T-Su 9a-5p; Skybridge closed for Friday Prayer from 1p-2:30p; Closed Monday except on a Public Holiday.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

Situated 20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's first international-standard water theme park. Within the 80 acres of the park are water-based attractions, such as giant waterslides, twin speed slides, a river, a waterfall garden and a lagoon express. There is a shopping mall known as the Pyramid, which adds to the limitless range of activities at this theme park. There is also the charming Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel nearby. Admission: Adult MYR35, children (3-12yrs) MYR20, children under three free), seniors (55yrs above) MYR23, price includes access to all parks.

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque

One of the largest mosques in South-east Asia, this impressive building is frequently referred to as "the blue mosque." It is huge and magnificent--with an enormous, dark blue dome and four minarets standing at 142.3 metres. Decorative Islamic calligraphy enhances the dome and main prayer-hall, while the overall architecture integrates ethnic Malay design elements. The mosque is adjoined by a small lake, which makes it a particularly serene setting, especially at sunset. Visitors should dress according to the Islamic dress code. Suitable attire is provided at the main entrance.

Kuala Lumpur Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur)

Statuesque at a height of 421 metres, the imposing tower is reputed to be the highest in Asia and the fourth tallest telecommunications tower in the world. One of the distinctive architectural features of Menara Kuala Lumpur is a dome-shaped arch at every doorway on the upper ground floor, decorated with glass pieces that illuminate like giant diamonds. Visitors can enjoy a bird's eye view of the city from either the height of the observation deck or from the revolving restaurant. Check website for full details.
Property Information by Wcities

Batu Caves

This is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in Malaysia and a popular tourist attraction. The Caves are popular not only for being the southern-most limestone outcrop in the Northern Hemisphere, but the labyrinth that makes up the Batu Caves also supports a variety of exotic wildlife. There is a 272-step concrete staircase leading to the temple cave. The main cave holds a shrine of Lord Subramaniam, a Hindu deity. A cave gallery is located at the foot of the caves featuring clay figurines and wall paintings depicting scenes and figures from Hindu mythology.

Petrosains

Located within the imposing Petronas Twin Towers building, Petrosains is a modern museum housing many exciting exhibits. Covering a total area of 100,000 square feet, this interactive science discovery centre traces the development of petroleum science and technology. Among the interesting exhibits are hi-tech presentations of a singing dinosaur and a smoking volcano. The discovery journey through forest, ocean and sky, and the simulation helicopter flight in a tropical storm is just as thrilling and engaging.

Malaysia Tourism Centre

Situated along Jalan Ampang, MATIC was once known as the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Hall. Built in 1935, it was originally the mansion of Eu Tong Seng, a wealthy planter and tin-miner. Many historical events took place in this ancient building, one of which was the installation of the country's first King. After being renovated in 1988, it now houses a one-stop information centre offering a wide range of facilities to assist tourists in planning a holiday in Malaysia. Apart from providing counter services, the complex also holds cultural performances and theatrical shows in the mini-auditorium.

Petaling Street

Also known as Chinatown, Petaling Street is one of Kuala Lumpur's most popular tourist destinations. In the evenings, a line of stalls come to live in front of the pre-war shops, offering products of every description, from fake leather goods to the obligatory "Dunhill" watches. The area attracts many locals and visitors in search of bargain items, including inexpensive dresses, shoes, fabrics and souvenirs. It transforms itself into a bustling and lively night market when part of the road is closed to traffic at about 6pm.

National Museum

The National Museum is a palatial structure adopting the style of old Malay architecture. Its imposing entrance is flanked by murals depicting aspects of Malaysian culture and history. Inside there are exhibits on local history, culture and traditions, arts and crafts, economic activities, currency, weapons and local flora and fauna.

Outside, old locomotives, vintage cars and other relics of transport from days gone by can be found. Reconstructed Malay palaces from other parts of the country also grace the expansive grounds.

Merdeka Square

The Dataran Merdeka was once a focal point - and cricket pitch - for the British colonial presence in Malaysia. The structures bordering the Dataran Merdeka resemble the physical environment of the colonists' native land. Situated on one corner of the square is the Selangor Club, replicating the Tudors of merry old England. It was at this square in 1957 that the Union Jack was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted, signalling Malaysia's independence as a nation. A 100-metre flagpole, one of the tallest in the world, marks the spot.

Sepang International Circuit

The Sepang F1 International Circuit is the venue used for the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix, A1 Grand Prix as well as the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix. It is also used as a venue for many other major motorsport events.

Widely regarded as a benchmark for other Grand Prix venues, the Sepang circuit boasts superb pit garage and media facilities, as well as impressive grandstands and patron amenities. Some complaints have been raised regarding the unevenness of the surface, as the track appears to be slowly sinking. This is possibly due to the fact that Sepang was built on the site of a former swamp.

The circuit was designed by renowned German designer Hermann Tilke, who would subsequently design the impressive new facilities in Shanghai, Bahrain and Turkey.

The main circuit, normally raced in a clockwise direction, is 5.54 kilometres long, and is noted for its sweeping corners and wide straights. The layout is quite unusual, with a very long back straight separated from the pit straight by just one very tight hairpin.

Other configurations of the Sepang circuit can also be used. The north circuit is also raced in a clockwise direction. It is basically the first half of the main circuit. The course turns back towards the pit straight after turn 6 and is 2.71 kilometres long in total.

The south circuit is the other half of the racecourse. The back straight of the main circuit becomes the pit straight when the south circuit is in use, and joins onto turn 8 of the main circuit to form a hairpin turn. Also run clockwise, this circuit is 2.61 km in length.

Sepang International Circuit also features kart racing and motocross facilities.

Transportation

Land

Kuala Lumpur has a road network leading to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia. Motorists may have a choice of paying cash, using stored value card Touch 'n Go or SmartTAG to pay at the toll booths while using the various highways/expressways. A recently-completed project, SMART Tunnel will allow motorists to enter the city, avoiding congestion by using an underground tunnel.

However, despite all this, Kuala Lumpur often has traffic problems, and peak hour traffic is generally from 7:00am to 9:00am, and from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.

Air

Kuala Lumpur is directly connected to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang via the KLIA Ekspres high-speed train service which takes only 28 minutes, while travelling by car via highway will take about an hour. The former international airport, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang is now used for chartered flights.

Malaysia Airlines and all major international airlines to Malaysia land at KLIA. AirAsia makes use of the newly built Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCC-T) in Sepang. LCC-T is accessible to/from KL through a bus service from KL Sentral (transport hub).

Public Transportation

Public transport on Kuala Lumpur and the rest of the Klang Valley covers a variety of transport modes such as bus, rail and taxi. Unlike most other major Asian cities, utilisation rates are low as only 16 percent of the population uses public transportation.

In addition, there is the metro system consisting of 3 separate lines, which meet in the city and extend to the Western Suburbs of the state of Selangor. The metro system consists of a Monorail, an Elevated Metro, and an Automated Metro with underground stations in the city centre. Food, pets, drinks are strictly prohibited among trains and heavy penalties are charged upon violation. Commuter trains also exists to link commuters to the city. The main hub is KL Sentral facilitating as an interchange station for the main lines.

WOW Philippines Videos

noreply@blogger.com (Philer) — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 02:07:00 +0000

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Come and Experience Philippines!

Baguio

noreply@blogger.com (Philer) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:33:00 +0000

The City of Baguio is a 1st class highly urbanized city in northern Luzon in the Philippines. Baguio City was established by Americans in 1900 at the site of an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway. Baguio City was designated by the Philippine Commission as the Summer Capital of the Philippines on June 1, 1903 and incorporated as a city by the Philippine Assembly on September 1, 1909. The name of the city is derived from the word bagiw in Ibaloi, the indigenous language of the Benguet Region, meaning 'moss'.

Baguio Tourist Spots

Baguio City is home to many tourist spots and is a weekend getaway of those living in Metro Manila.

Burnham Park

Located at the center of the city, it is named after the city's planner, Daniel Burnham. The park features a promenade and a man-made lagoon where bancas (rowboats) are available for hire. At the center of the lake is a seldom used "dancing fountain" that sprays water to a height of 50 feet. The park has cycling areas, a children's park, and a covered skating rink. At the northeast portion is a soccer field, with Melvin Jones Grandstand at one end where concerts are performed. Local plant varieties and flowers are sold at the City Orchidarium on the eastern side of the park. The southern area of the park is occupied by the Athletic Bowl, once the best track and field oval in Southeast Asia, and the new Olympic Swimming Center.

The park is a favorite place of local residents and visitors alike. There are different facilities for recreation and relaxation that are available in the park. You can row a boat, have a picnic, attend an outdoor concert, watch a football game, go biking, or just take a leisurely stroll around the park.

At the southern end of the park is a circular skating rink where skates can be rented. There are also tennis and basketball courts, a few restaurants, outdoor kiosks, a children's playground, and an orchidarium where various kinds of plants, trees and flowers are sold. Chairs and benches are distributed around the park for those who just want to sit down and relax.

The football field at the eastern side of the park is sometimes used for parades, carnivals, concerts, political rallys, and for display booths during special events and activities. On certain Sundays and some special occasions, cadets of the Philippine Military Academy perform a parade and review or a silent drill exhibition at the field.

Burnham Park is an ideal place for taking photographs and a visitor should bring along a camera when going to the park. If in case you forget to bring a camera during your visit, there are commercial photographers in the park who can take your pictures. Pictures are usually delivered to you within just a few hours. It is best to determine and agree on the fee for the services of the photographer and the cost of the photographs before committing yourself to one.

Baguio Cathedral

A majestic church built on top a hill is visible from much of the city. The rose-colored Baguio Catholic Cathedral, on a hill in the heart of the city, a familiar Baguio landmark. This beautiful structure has twin spires and is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. From Session Road it is accessible via a long stairway. Visitors avoiding the climb drive up an access road.

Construction of the cathedral was begun on a hill which was referred to as "Kampo" by the native Ibalois. It was later called Mount Mary by a Belgian Catholic Mission headed by Fr. Lorimund Carlu, CICM, the parish priest. The cathedral was consecrated in 1936 and dedicated to Our Lady of Atonement. During World War II it became an evacuation center and withstood Japanese carpet bombing in 1945, saving thousands of lives.

Session Road

The main avenue of the city and is its commercial center. Along the main street and sidestreets are numerous shops, restaurants, billiard halls, and duckpin bowling alleys. Located at the city center, it is actually divided into two parts:

Lower Session Road - extending eastward from Magsaysay Avenue (opposite the Plaza or Kilometer 0 and Malcolm Square) running through the BCBD until the intersections of Father Carlu Street (towards the Baguio Cathedral and Upper Bonifacio Street) and Governor Pack Road. This is the area where businesses are located, among others banks, shops, restaurants, bakeries, hotels, newsstands, boutiques, and studios.\

Upper Session Road - extending from Post Office Loop, Leonard Wood Road, and the foot of Luneta Hill (where SM City Baguio is located) to the rotunda cutting toward South Drive (towards Baguio Country Club), Loakan Road (towards Camp John Hay, Loakan Airport, Philippine Military Academy, the former Baguio Export Processing Zone, and the mine areas of Itogon, Benguet), and Military Cut-Off (towards Kennon Road)

Baguio Grand Mosque

There are several mosques and prayer rooms in the city, the largest being Baguio Grand Mosque at Campo Filipino. It caters to several thousand Muslim families from Mindanao as well as Cordillerans. The Mosque also houses an Islamic Madrasah.

Camp John Hay

Camp John Hay used was the rest and recreational facility for employees of the military and Department of Defense of the United States. This 690-hectare property was turned over to the Philippine government in July 1, 1991 and was initially administered by the Philippine Tourism Authority, then turned over to the Bases Conversion Development Authority.

The facility, named for U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt's secretary of war, was used by the Japanese as a concentration camp for American and British soldiers during the war. Its name was changed to Club John Hay after it was turned over to the Philippine government. It is now called Camp John Hay once again. The facility was opened to the public for the first time in 1991 and converted into a recreational complex. It had been off-limits to Filipinos, except for the privileged few who could get entry passes from its former American administrators. During the 1956-1958 period, however, and possibly later, admission to pedestrians as distinct from motor vehicle traffic had been relative free and required no particular invitation. One simply followed the sidewalk that led onto the base. It passed well to one side of the guard house where incoming motor vehicles were checked. Of course, once on the property admission to certain facilities, like the PX or the Officers Club (but not the Nineteenth Hole Restaurant), was restricted. There was also another limiting factor, an economic one. Payment for most services at John Hay Air Base was in US Military Payment Certificates (Script), not in Philippine Pesos.

Prior to its turnover to the Philippine government, there were 290 fully-furnished rooms in the cottages, duplexes, apartments, and lodges around the complex. It even had a "Honeymoon Cottage" for newlyweds. Each unit has a fireplace for warmth during December, January and February when Baguio is cold.

Mines View Park

Located at the extreme northeast of the city, it has a spectacular view of Benguet's gold and copper mines.

Mines View Park is one of the most popular and most visited park in the city. From the observation deck of the park a breathtaking panoramic view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the surrounding mountains unfolds before you. It is a spectacular sight to behold and should not be missed when visiting Baguio.

The park is usually the next stop taken by most visitors after seeing the Mansion or Wright Park. To reach the observation deck, you need to go down a winding stone-covered stairway which is just close to the parking area. One should be careful when ascending or descending the stairway just after a rain as the steps can be very slippery. There are a few benches at the promontory where you can sit down to rest and enjoy the view. For a few pesos you can rent a binocular and there are also some commercial photographers around just in case you want to have your picture taken. A visit to the park should also be planned earlier during the day as the view may not be visible when the fog starts to move in during the afternoon. However, this occurs only on certain months of the year.

The Mansion

The official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. The Mansion is located on the eastern part of the city along Leonard Wood Road and across from Wright Park. Built in 1908 for U.S. governors-general, it was destroyed in 1945 during the battle for the liberation of the Philippines.

The Philippine government rebuilt and improved the structure in 1947. Since then it has been used by Philippine presidents during their official visits. The Mansion served as the seat of the Second Session of Economic Commission of Asia and the Far East in 1947. It has also been the site of first meeting of the South East Asia Union, popularly known as the Baguio Conference of 1950, conceived and convened by President Elpidio Quirino.

The elaborate main gate of the Mansion is said to be a replica of the one at Buckingham Palace in London. Vehicles entering the compound pass through a great circular driveway, usually open only when the Mansion is used for official functions. With its beautiful gardens, it is a favorite site for sightseeing and photography.

Baguio Botanical Garden

Also known as the Igorot Village, it contains many Igorot houses amidst flora and fauna that grow in the cool climate of the city. Tourists often take pictures with Igorot tribesmen in traditional costume. It is the home of the Baguio Arts Guild, where they hold art workshops and portrait sittings.

The Baguio Botanical Garden is located east of Baguio's downtown area. You will find it between Teacher's Camp and the Pacdal Circle. Its main entrance is along Leonard Wood Road and just across the street from Gilberto's Hotel and Baguio Vacation Hotel. It is quite a large park and about the same size as Burnham Park.

Originally the Botanical and Zoological Garden, it was home to the Baguio Zoo in the 1950's. The name changed to Imelda Park in the 1970s. Botanical Garden is tasked with growing pine seedlings and other flora and fauna for the constant "greening" of Baguio City.

The Orchidarium

A showcase for the flowers and plants grown around Baguio. Located on one side of Burnham Park, the Orchidarium has local plant varieties and flower species for sale.

Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary

Provides ecotours of tropical flowers. To go to the sanctuary you can take the BGH-Campo Sioco bound jeepneys which are parked beside the Harrison Road overpass stairway, take a taxi, or drive your own vehicle. From the downtown area, proceed to the rotunda across the Baguio General Hospital then take the road to the right towards the direction of Marcos Highway. After passing Lina's Mart look out for the Amway and Agua Vida signages where you turn right and follow the road until you reach the Maryknoll gate.

The "Cosmic Journey" became the major undertaking within the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary. It is describe as "a nature walk of play and discovery into the earth's deep interconnectedness." A total of fourteen different stations were created to portray "the magnificence of the unfolding of the cosmos." The 1st station is about the coming into being of the Universe. The 5th and 8th stations portray the arrival of the mammals and the coming forth of the primates, respectively. The last two stations portray the Earth's religious tradition and a Bio-shelter.

Tam-Awan Village

A picturesque artists' community with native huts with an art gallery, and coffee shop. It attracts many indigenous artists who hold exhibits and workshops there.

There are a number of Igorot huts within the village which will allow you to see how the homes of the mountain people really look like. You do get a chance to climb up the wooden ladder and see what is inside each hut. This will give you a chance to feel what it is like to be living in one of these huts. Since these huts were set up on different locations on a hillside, visitors have to climb up the steep pathways to go from one hut to another. For a lowlander who is not accustomed to Baguio's high elevation, it does get to be quite an exhilarating experience to visit the Tam-Awan village. One will surely find a need to rest at each hut just to catch a breathe before climbing further up.

The village has a main hut which serves as a store and an information office for visitors. There are a few native handicraft items that are sold aside from some books and publications about the Igorot people, their culture and traditions. You can also order a hot cup of native coffee which gets to be a welcome treat after completing a tour of the entire village, especially on a cold and rainy day.

Asin Hot Springs

Located in Benguet but considered a city resource, it has a natural hotspring, where the city and private concerns have built swimming pools. The area is under-developed but is a place that tourists should consider visiting.

Wright Park

Named after Governor-Governor Luke E. Wright (who ordered architect Daniel Burnham to build Baguio as a recreational facility for American soldiers and civilians).

Wright Park, which is located at the eastern part of the city and fronting the main gate of the Mansion, is one of the many scenic parks in Baguio City. Its main features are a shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as the "Pool of Pines" and the park circle which is on one end of the park. Postcard-type photographs are usually taken at both ends of Wright Park and when going there it is best to bring along a camera.

Tall pine trees and decorative street lights line both sides of the access road beside the pool. There are times that you will find at the park some Igorots dressed in their native attire and regalia who are willing to pose for a photograph ... of course, for a fee. Native handicrafts are also sold at the Mansion end of the park by a few Igorot peddlers. From the park circle is a walkway which leads to a wide stairway made of stones that descend to an area where ponies are rented out.

Philippine Military Academy

In 1950 the Academy moved from its former site at Teacher's Camp to a 373 hectare compound in Loakan, ten kilometers south of downtown Baguio. It is housed in a fort named after the hero of the battle of Tirad Pass, Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar.

The Academy site was developed into a military training institution with facilities for a growing military. Its unique 4-year curriculum has been designed to fit the needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As in military academies in the US, female cadets have been enrolled by PMA since 1993.

Bell Church

The Bell Church is located north of downtown Baguio along the road to La Trinidad, Benguet. In its compound are intricate arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and dragons. It has a pagoda and beautiful gardens. There one can see Buddhist artifacts at Bell Church, as well as literature on Chinese history.

The Bell Church is located north of the downtown area of Baguio along the road leading to the town of La Trinidad, Benguet. Within its compound are intricately designed arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and dragons.
It has a pagoda, and beautifully landscapped gardens. There are some artifacts about Buddhism that you will find at the Bell Church as well as some literature about the history of China.

It is during the Spring Festival or what is more commonly known in the West as the Chinese New Year that local and foreign Chinese tourists flock to the Bell Church. Like all Chinese festivals, the date of the new year is determined by the lunar/solar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. The observance of the holiday falls on a different date each year and it usually varies from late January to the middle of February. This Chinese public holiday is usually observed for 3 days although the festival traditionally starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.

Lourdes Grotto

The Lourdes Grotto is a Catholic shrine in Baguio. It is located on a hill in the western part of the city, and houses an image of the Lady of Lourdes. It is a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week, especially during Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Access to the top of the grotto could be made by climbing the 252 steps or by driving a light vehicle through a winding, narrow and steep asphalt-paved road. Devotees who go up to the grotto to pray usually light up a candle at an altar below the image. There are also vendors at the shrine who are willing to light up a candle for you and say a prayer for whatever personal intentions you might have.

As it is in many other similar shrines, the grotto was constructed to commemorate the numerous visions of the Virgin Mary by a 14-year old French girl named Bernadette Soubirous. This happened in 1858 from February 11 to July 16 in the town of Lourdes which is in southwestern France. The visions were declared authentic by the Pope in 1862 and this also led to the authorization of the cult of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Rizal Park

The park was erected in honor of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines and is similar to numerous other parks that are found in towns and cities all over the Philippines which are also named in his honor. It is on this site that the annual celebration honoring Rizal every 30th of December is held.

Aguinaldo Museum

The larger-than-life size statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and the museum beside it is an interesting Baguio landmark which could be found at the upper end of Gen. Luna Road in a vicinity referred to by local residents as Jungletown. It is just across the street from the Bonuan Restaurant and has a small park around the statue which is a favorite playground for young children who live nearby.

The museum was erected to house personal memorabilia of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo which include the different uniforms and barong tagalogs he once wore, his photographs and those of his family, a work desk, and the wheelchair which he used when he was confined at the Veterans Memorial Hospital. Also on display is a three-dimensional miniature scene depicting his inauguration as president and a replica of the Philippine flag which was originally designed by the general with revolutionary words embroidered on it.

Lions Head

The lion's head along Kennon Road is the undisputed landmark that is synonymous to Baguio City. It is commonly said that a trip to Baguio City would not be complete without taking home a souvenir photograph with the famous lion head which serves as the backdrop on Kennon Road.

Local and foreign tourists make it a point to stop in Camp 6 and have their photographs taken at the base of the lion head. The 40-foot high lion head, located a few kilometers from the Kennon Road view deck, was carved by a Cordillera artist from a limestone boulder. Lions Club members of Baguio City thought of creating a symbol that would proclaim the presence of the group in this mountain resort city.

Some other frequently visited locations in the city include the Teacher's Camp, and the public market, a favorite place for tourists seeking souvenirs.

Transportation

Air transport

Loakan Airport in Baguio is about 20 minutes by car south of the city. Because of the length of the runway, commercial jet aircraft are not able to use the airport. The airport is only used by propeller-driven aircraft. Currently, Asian Spirit flies Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday to and from Manila, a 50 minute flight. Flights to Baguio are scheduled only in the morning, as visibility approaches zero in afternoons when fog starts to form.

Land transport

It takes an average of six hours to travel the 250-km distance between Manila and Baguio by way of Kennon Road. It is about fifteen minutes longer through the Marcos Highway and could take three more hours when going through Naguilian Road. Kennon Road is occasionally blocked by landslides during the rainy season and the same problem occurs on the other two access roads. The route to Baguio through Kennon Road is as scenic as it is dangerous. There is another access to Baguio from Aritao in the province of Nueva Vizcaya but this is less traveled, the road is not well maintained, and public transportation through this route is not as regular. Another road, Halsema Road (also known as "Mountain Trail") leads north through the mountainous portion of the Cordillera Autonomous Region. It starts at the northern border of Baguio, in the Municipality of Trinidad (Trinidad Valley).

There are several bus lines linking Baguio with Manila and Central Luzon, and provinces such as Pangasinan, La Union, and those in the Ilocos region. Most transportation companies also offer express and air-conditioned buses at a much higher fare.

Bus services that ply Baguio include Philippine Rabbit, Dangwa Tranco, Dagupan Bus, Victory Liner, Partas, Genesis, Saulog Transit, and Greenland.

El Nido, Palawan

noreply@blogger.com (Philer) — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 06:07:00 +0000

El Nido is located in the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan about 430 km southwest of Manila. The Bacuit Bay area of El Nido, where the El Nido Resorts are located, has been established by the Philippine government as a Marine Reserve. El Nido's majestic limestone cliffs are estimated to be 250 million years old. They stand guard over clear waters, with 200 species of tropical fishes, more than 100 species of corals, and three species of endangered sea turtles. El Nido's forests are host to more than 100 species of birds, a large number of which are endemic to Palawan.

The municipality covers the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan. It is composed of 45 islands and islets, each has its own unique geological formations. Like the rest of Palawan, it is part of the Eurasian Plate, a plate that is entirely separate from the Philippine Plate to which the rest of the Philippines belongs. The limestone cliffs here are similar to those that can be found in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Guillin in China, as well as Krabi in Thailand, all of which are part of the Eurasian Plate.

El Nido is a showcase of Palawan's geology and diverse wildlife It is one of the most important sites for biological diversity in the country and has been declared by the Philippine government as a protected area. Palawan is the last frontier nature frontier in the Philippines because of the virgin forests and wildlife.

Leisure Activities.

El Nido Resorts offer activities as diverse as the environment. Sunbathe in secret coves, kayak in hidden lagoons, explore isolated islands, hike through a tropical forest, have a picnic on a private beach, go on a mangrove river tour, snorkel or scuba dive with colorful tropical fishes among fringing and submerged coral reefs.

El Nido Resorts

Miniloc Island

It is where the first resort in El Nido, which first started as a diving station for Japanese and European tourists, can be found. It is a great place for snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking. Its Big and Small Lagoons showcase a kaleidoscope of marine life in its orchid-lined limestone walls.

Miniloc Island Resort is situated in a cove with a backdrop of sheer limestone cliffs. The resort resembles a quaint fisherman's village, with Water Cottages built on stilts, Garden Cottages surrounded by tropical plants, and Cliff Cottages nestled in the hillside. Right off the pier,one can snorkel with tropical reef fishes. A short kayak ride away are the spectacular Big and Small Lagoons.

Lagen Island

The most luxurious exclusive resort in the area is situated in its cove, which is fringed by a lush forest and limestone walls. Its Leta-Leta Cave was an important burial site of the Late Neolithic Age, where a collection of stone and shell artifacts, and sophisticated pottery and nephrite adzes and axes were recovered. Other materials include stone ornaments and shell beads. It was excavated by Dr. Robert Fox in 1965.

Lagen Island Resort is set in a lush forest, with a magnificent view of the El Nido sunset. Also set in a cove, Lagen Island has Water Cottages built on stilts, Beachfront Cottages with a view of the entire cove, Forest Rooms and Forest Suites built on the fringes of a tropical forest. A short hike in the Lagen forest will take you through a canopy of giant trees and lead you to a private cove.

Pangalusian Island

It has one of the widest stretch of powdery white beaches in El Nido, which is very ideal for sun bathing, sunset viewing, and other beach activities.

Cudognun Point

It is an important anthropological site, where jewelry and pottery dating back to the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 BC) were yielded. The anthropologists believe that the cave dwellers were from Borneo, and travelled across the ancient land bridge that connected Palawan from Borneo.

Matinloc Island

Matinloc Island, the longest slim island in El Nido, has a secret beach that is inaccessible by boat and surrounded by steep rock walls. To reach it, divers must swim underwater through a narrow crevice in a rock wall. According to local legend, this beach inspired Alex Garland's novel The Beach.

Famous Diving Sites

El Nido is one of the wold class diving destination in the Philippines. El Nido dive sites are also the home of the exotic and colorful tropical marine life. With it's unexploited underwater scenery, divers will have a good look od the colorful tropical fishes and corals.

Dilumacad Island

This island is located 6 km west of El Nido. Dilumacad Island is known for a cave dive that can be found on the north side. The cave has an entrance wide enough for two divers to enter together and a 15-20m tunnel leads to a cavern at the centre. The bottom is quite sandy where you can see small exotic fish and crabs. The way out is norrow and one diver at a time. Outside, you can see larger fish.

El Nido Diving SpotsMatinloc Island

This island is located in the west of El Nido. This island has beautiful and interesting dive sites like the Banayan Point, Bikanayos Rock and Inbogal Point.

Banayan Point

Located on the southern tip of the Matinloc island. This marvelous dive site is great to see pelagics. The current can be strong and you can see tuna, jacks, mackerel and coral encrusted rocks.

Bikanayos Rock

This dive site is located on the western side of the Matinloc Island. This dive is also known as Picanayas. You can see whitetip sharks. Pelagics can often be seen here as well.

Inbogal Point

This site is located in the southwest of Binkanayos Rock. Beautiful gorgonians and green corals can be seen in this site. This dive site, you can see Jacks, tuna and mackerel are common and it is home to a unique species of angelfish.

Miniloc Island

This island is a cove surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs with a fine white sand beach lined with coconut trees, and clear waters teeming with marine life. The island is situated in the west of El Nido. There are a number of attractive dive sites like Tagbao Island, Biet Point and Twin Rocks.

Tagbao Island

This tiny island Located at the northwest point of Miniloc Island. This island is locally known as Tres Marias in reference to the three reefs that lie between the two islands. Snorkeling is best in here because it is shallow and you see a lot of reef fish, colourful corals and painted crayfish.

Biet Point

This dive site is located at the southern tip of the Miniloc island. In this beautiful dive site, you can see plenty of lettuce corals and sponges. Jacks, barracuda, squid, cuttlefish and angelfish can be encountered in here.

Twin Rocks

Located at the north side of the Miniloc Island. It is charactarized by a profusion of table corals, sea whips and sponges. You will see small stingray and angelfish here.

Transportation

By Air

The fastest and most direct way to El Nido is from Manila. The flight takes one hour and fifteen minutes, and lands directly at Lio airport, which is located about 4 kilometers from Poblacion (town proper). There are only two airlines that fly to El Nido, namely Southeast Asian Airlines (SEA Air) and the El Nido Resorts-owned Islands Transvoyager Incorporated (ITI).

Roads

The main roads of El Nido are organized around a set of radial and circumferential roads that radiate and circle in and around the town proper and its rural barangays. Its interconnected roads are connected to the major highway that leads Puerto Princesa City, Palawan's capital.

Seaports and piers

The main port in El Nido is located in Buena Suerte (Zone II), although a number of small and accessible wharfs are being used in other rural barangays. A number of ferry and other sea vessels owned by Atienza Shipping Lines and San Nicholas Shipping Lines have regular trips from Manila to El Nido town proper.

Boracay Island

noreply@blogger.com (Philer) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 06:59:00 +0000

Boracay Island is located off the northwest corner of the island of Panay, and belongs to the Western Visayas island-group, or Region 6, of the Philippines. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide, and has a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers. It is one of the country's most popular touristdestinations. The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay), and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.

South-facing Cagban Beach is located across a small strait from the jetty port at Caticlan on Panay island, and the Cagban jetty port serves as Boracay's main entry and exit point during most of the year. When wind and sea conditions dictate, east-facing Tambisaan Beach serves as an alternative entry and exit point.

Boracay's two primary tourism beaches, White Beach and Bulabog Beach, are located on opposite sides of the island's narrow central area. White Beach faces westwards and Bulabog Beach faces eastwards. The island also has several other beaches.

White Beach

Bulabog Beach

White Beach is the main tourism beach. It is a bit over four kilometers long and is lined with resorts, hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses. In the central portion, for about two kilometers, there is a footpath known as the Beachfront Path separating the beach itself from the establishments located along it. North and south of the Beachfront Path, beachfront establishments do literally front along the beach itself. Several roads and paths connect the Beachfront Path with Boracay's Main Road, a vehicular road which runs the length of the island. At the extreme northern end of White Beach, a footpath runs around the headland there and connects White Beach with Diniwid Beach.

Across the island from White Beach is Bulabog Beach, a secondary tourism beach and Boracay's main windsurfing and kiteboarding area.

Events

Boracay is one competitive venue for the Asian Windsurfing Tour, with the week-long Boracay International Funboard Cup competition usually being held on Bulabog Beach each January..

The well-known Ati-Atihan Festival takes place each January in Kalibo on nearby Panay island. A much smaller Ati-Atihan festival is celebrated on Boracay, usually in the second or third week of January.

Dragon boat races are held annually on Boracay under the auspices of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation, with teams coming from around the Philippines and from other asian nations to compete. The races usually take place sometime in April or May.

Since 2003, the Philippine Ultimate Association has been organizing the Boracay Open Asian Beach Ultimate Tournament which is usually held during the summer.

The Olympic Council of Asia has announced that Boracay will host the 2014 Asian Beach Games.

Transportation

Air travel

Either from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila or from Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu, take flights to Boracay either via Kalibo (45 minutes away) or via Caticlan (30-40 minutes away). From Kalibo airport, air-conditioned vans and buses take passengers to the Caticlan Jetty Port, where boats provide transport to the island. Motorized tricyles will take passengers from Caticlan airport to the jetty port, 3 minutes away. From Caticlan jetty port, boat ride takes 15-20 minutes to get to Boracay.

By boat

Several ferries sail between Manila and Caticlan. The journey takes between 12 and 16 hours.

Ferries from Manila to Caticlan:

* MBRS Lines
* Negros Navigation
* SuperFerry

By Road

Buses and cars run from Manila to the southern provinces by means of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. A nautical system conceptualized under the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Buses leave from the Philtranco terminal in Cubao and Pasay City throughout the day. The journey by bus takes approximately 12 hours. Caticlan is the fourth seaport encountered along the SRNH while traveling south from Manila.

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Explore Iloilo

noreply@blogger.com (Philer) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:36:00 +0000

Experience Iloilo, home of the famous Dinagyang festival, stately mansions, majestic century-old churches, and exotic delicacies. A province rich in historical and cultural attractions.

Iloilo is set in a graceful repose between Iloilo and Batiano rivers forming an angle of a nose. Hence, its old name “Ilong-Ilong” which means “noselike”. Mountain ranges with peaks as high as almost 7,000 ft. provide natural boundaries between Iloilo and Antique on the west and Capiz on the north. The rest of mainland Iloilo is largely plain with interspersing upland portions.

VIEW >> Iloilo aerial view

Iloilo is located in the center of the Philippine archipelago. Strategically located 283 statute miles from Manila, it is the gateway to the flourishing region that is Western Visayas. The province comprises the southeastern part of Panay Island.

Iloilo City is primarily the commercial and trade center of Western Visayas, with commercial, industrial development and rural banks, call centers, real estate agencies and developers, financial and investment houses, insurance companies, shopping centers, hospitals and other government regional offices.

Iloilo now has a new world class airport located on the plains of Santa Barbara and Cabatuan towns, approximately a 30 minute drive from Iloilo City. This modern airport will make travel to and from Iloilo much more convenient than before.

History of Iloilo

Even before the Spanish colonizers came, Iloilo had a flourishing economy. In the 13th century, ten Bornean datus came to the island of Panay and bartered a gold hat (salakot) for the plains and valleys of the island from a local Ati chieftain. One datu, named Paiburong, was given the territory of Irong-Irong.

In 1566, as the Spanish conquest of the Philippines was underway and moving north toward Manila, the Spaniards under Miguel López de Legazpi came to Panay and established a settlement in Ogtong (now Oton). He appointed Gonzalo Ronquillo as deputy encomiendero, a position which would later become governor in later years.

In 1581 Ronquillo moved the town center approximately 12 km east due to recurrent raids by Moro pirates and Dutch and English privateers, and renamed the area La Villa de Arevalo in honor of his hometown in Ávila, Spain.

In 1700, due to ever-increasing raids especially from the Dutch and the Moros, the Spaniards again moved their seat of power some 25 km eastward to the village of Irong-Irong, which had a natural and strategic defense against raids and where, at the mouth of the river that snakes through Panay, they built Fort San Pedro to better guard against the raids which were now the only threat to the Spaniards' hold on the islands. Irong-Irong or Ilong-Ilong was shortened to Iloilo and with its natural port quickly became the capital of the province.

In the late 18th century, the development of large-scale weaving industry started the movement of Iloilo's surge in trade and economy in the Visayas. Sometimes referred to as the "Textile Capital of the Philippines", the products were exported to Manila and other foreign places. Sinamay, piña and jusi are examples of the products produced by the looms of Iloilo. Because of the rise of textile industry, there was also a rise of the upper middle class. However, the introduction of cheap textile from UK and the emergence of the sugar economy, the industry waned in the mid-19th century.

The waning textile industry was replaced however by the opening of Iloilo's port to world market in 1855. Because of this, Iloilo's industry and agriculture was put on direct access to foreign markets. But what triggered the economic boom of Iloilo in the 19th century was the development of sugar industry in Iloilo and its neighboring island of Negros. Sugar during the 19th century was of high demand. Nicholas Loney, the British vice-consul in Iloilo developed the industry by giving loans, constructing warehouses in the port and introduced new technologies in sugar farming. The rich families of Iloilo developed large areas of Negros, which later called haciendas because of the sugar's high demand in the world market. Because of the increase in commercial activity, infrastructures, recreational facilities, educational institutions, banks, foreign consulates, commercial firms and much more sprouted in Iloilo. Due to the economic development that was happening in Iloilo, the Queen Regent of Spain raised the status of the town into a city, honored it with the title La muy leal y noble ciudad de Iloilo, and in 1890, the city government was established.

In 1896, the initial reaction of Ilonggos in the outbreak of the Revolution in Manila was hesitant. Yet because of the Spanish colonizers blow by blow defeat by at first with the Katipunan and later by the Americans, Ilonggos later on got involved with the fight for independence. On the other hand, after surrendering Manila to the Americans, the Spanish colonial government moved their seat of power to Iloilo.

In October of 1898, the Ilonggo leaders agreed to revolt against the Spaniards. By December 25, 1898, the Spanish government surrendered to the Ilonggo revoltionaries in Plaza Alfonso XVII (Plaza Libertad today). Although the Ilonggos were victorious, the American forces arrived in Iloilo in late December 1898 and started to mobilize for colonization by February 1899. Resistance was the reaction of Ilonggos upon the invasion which went up until 1901.

The American colonizers came to Iloilo reverted the city's status into a township again, yet because of the continuous commercial activities and still retained as an important port of call in the Visayas-Mindanao area, it gained cityhood status again in July 16, 1937 incorporating the towns of Molo, Jaro, Mandurriao, La Paz and La Villa de Arevalo. During the Commonwealth era, Iloilo was prosperous and was popularly known as The Queen City of the South.

However, prosperity did not continued as the sugar's demand was declining, labor unrests were happening in the port area that scared the investors away and the opening of the sub-port of Pulupandan in Negros Occidental, has moved the sugar importation closer to the sugar farms. By 1942, the Japanese invaded Panay and the economy moved into a standstill.

During World War II, Iloilo was controlled by several Japanese Battalions, Japan's ultimate goal was to entrench itself deeply into the Philippines so that at the close of the war they could occupy it just as the Spanish and the Americans had years before. However, when American forces liberated Iloilo from Japanese military occupation on March 25, 1945 the remnants of these battalions were held in Jaro Plaza as a make-shift detention facility.

By the end of the war, Iloilo's economy, life and infrastructure was damaged. However, the continuing conflict between the labor unions in the port area, declining sugar economy and the deteriorating peace and order situation in the countryside and the exodus of Ilonggos to other cities and islands that offered better opportunities and businessmen moved to other cities such as Bacolod and Cebu led to Iloilo's demise in economic importance in southern Philippines.

By the 1960s towards 1990s, Iloilo's economy progressed although slowly but surely. The construction of the fish port, international seaport and other commercial firms that invested in Iloilo marked the movement of the city making it as the regional center of Western Visayas.

Old ILOILO

New ILOILO

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