Bercle George asked:


The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands. The Philippines is the second largest archipelago in the world, after Indonesia, and enjoys a healthy tropical climate. There are many islands located in the Philippines, and one of them is the Boracay, which covers three kilometers of white beach.

The charm and beauty of the Philippines has always mesmerized travelers and vacationers. The Philippines also boasts as one of the top three best diving destinations as well aside from Palau and the Maldives.

Palawan has natural gas fields on the northeastern part of the island but the beautiful beaches around the island are still maintained. There are so many types of places to visit in the Philippines that it’s hard to enumerate each and every one of them. A luxury resort will, however, normally be characterized by a high level of luxury, sophistication and, of course, price.

Famous Destinations in the Philippines:

-Manila, Cebu and Boracay are the ground zero for parties – pool parties, yacht parties, rave and fashion events.

-Everyone head for the nearest beach so if you don’t want to feel crowded when you’re sunbathing, set your travel date for another time of the year.

-Bohol is also blessed with a numerous white sand beaches, and Panglao Island is one of the famous destinations, having powdery sand.

Foods:

-Filipino dishes very frequently include coconut, and, hence, meat, and other vegetables are cooked using coconut milk.

-Rice is served with almost all meals, as it is their staple food. Countryside folks eat their main meal at noon, while city inhabitants place emphasize on the evening meal.

- Apart from fish, the Filipinos also like other seafood such as crabs, shellfish, and shrimps.

-The Filipinos consider food to be the most important aspect of their culture since it is an integral part of their communal existence.

Events:

-Xmas Eve is the time when you can raise toasts and drinks to celebrate this festival.

-Surfing in the Philippines is comparable to the best in the world – with the world-famous cloud 9s off the island of Siargao facing the Philippine Trench in the Western Pacific as well as the surfing destinations of La Union and Zambales (facing South China Sea).

-The beauty pageant Miss Earth is the 4th largest beauty competition in the world and it is held in the Philippines every year.

Shopping:

If you would like to find Philippine items that you miss, start shopping online now. Shopping is one of the things tourists love about the Philippines. This will give you a large selection of sites that offer the products you desire.

Ivi asked:


I received a copy of ‘The Philippines Through the Eyes of a Foreigner’ through an email last June 2007. Why did I not react then? First, I did not have my own blog yet. Second, and more importantly, I did not see the need to do so as it was one man’s sentiment and there was some truth to it. So why am I reacting now? Well, yesterday as I was sorting out my email I chance upon the letter again and then later on as I was doing some research on Filipino culture I chance upon the same essay. This time though, I was surprised to see a lot of reactions from my kababayans, ranging from defensive to violent rections. Why be so harsh on the guy when he is merely voicing out his sentiments as he is entitled to in the first place.

Although there are some truths in his essay, there are also some overstatements.

Let me start with the sad truths:

1. Yes, it is true that we do have streets lined with street people, beggars and squatters.

But, let me remind you that those people did not dominate our sidestreets overnight.

Once upon a time, those people used to live happily in the rural areas. Then one day, a politician named Mr. Trapo arrives in a shiny limo and promises them the sun, the moon and the stars. But there is a catch, they have to go to his town to help him win elections by becoming ‘flying voters’. They were pledged mammoth promises, given a few measly bucks and picked up by huge Sarao jeepneys bound for Zion. After Mr. Trapo wins his election, he leaves all the necessitous folk behind. With their families still with them, hungry, broke and exhausted, where do they go now? With very little money left from Mr. Trapo, they begin building shanties along the sidestreets. And the rest as they say is history……..

2. Yes, it is true that our roads are cursed with pollution and our public utility vehicles are in disreputable states of repair. Yes, we have streets full of potholes and unrepaired streets.

Then one day, after Mr. Trapo is sworn into office, he becomes Congressman Trapo. He decrees that the roads be repaired and lined with asphalt. Since he has the power to pick the contractor, he selects the one who offers him the most proceeds. And because the contractor has to give a huge chunk of his earnings to Congressman Trapo, he figures that to earn more he could probably gain more by using substandard materials. That explains the potholes.

Congressman Trapo runs for the Senate and wins. Senator Trapo is now even more jaded by all his power. He does not care (or he has been bribed enough) to overlook that the other government subsidiaries are allowing bus comapnies to import buses that are really old and dilapidated. So that explains the disintegrating vehicles and the pollution that comes with it.

3. Yes, it is true that our educational system allows children to attend schools without desks or books to accommodate them. Yes, it also true that teachers, even college professors, are paid salaries so disgracefully low that it’s a wonder that anyone would want to go into the teaching profession in the first place.

Senator Trapo has his share of the The Pork Barrel, A.K.A. Pork, Countrywide Development Fund (CDF) or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). These are funds given to both members of the Senate and Congress, these are discretionary in nature so it is up to Senator Trapo to identify the projects that will be funded from these funds. Senators get P 200 million each while the congressmen are allotted about P 70 million each. To have something to show for, Senator Trapo builds small waiting sheds with a huge picture of his face and his name in large fonts to advertise what he has done. He forgets about the public schools that cannot accommodate half the school’s population. Senator Trapo also needs more funds to help him in his re-election bid. He forgets about the teachers who, aside from a meager salary, work long, grueling hours.

There are a lot of Mr. Trapos all around us. He could very well be holding office at your Barangay Hall, the City Hall, the House of Representatives, the Senate, maybe even in Malacañang. Who knows?

There is no ending to my fairy (goblin) tale. The rest is up to you.

As for the overstatements, here’s my take on that:

1. Filipinos do not worship, almost slavishly, everything foreign. Foreigners are not looked up to and idolized.

Filipinos are essentially warm, nurturing, and tolerant to a fault.

Do not mistake Filipino hospitality for worship. Having said that, it is but natural for Filipinos, even Asians in particular to be generous givers. Luxury goods, more often than not, imported brands flatter not just the giver but the receiver as well. Isn’t that what it’s about, status quo?

Case in point, last week my husband & I were in Greenhills for an errand. In case you don’t know, it is a shopping mecca for everything faked or copied. We traverse the tiangges as I wanted to do some research on the demographics of people who patronize fakes. Surprise, surprise. In one corner, we saw 2 Americans (males) searching for an ‘authentic looking fake’ briefcase. We walk some more and more and we see 3 foriegners (they sounded British but I wasn’t sure) looking for ‘authentic looking fake’ Mont Blanc pen. We walk a bit more and we see 2 foreigners (males) looking for ‘authentic looking fake’ Louis Vuitton bags for their girlfriends. Is that what character is to you? I’m not even making this up.

Allow me to spill another anecdote. A few months ago I was at Louis Vuitton in Greenbelt waiting for my purchase to be wrapped when I was approached by a man in his 60′s (about my Dad’s age) asking my impression on 4 LV bags laid out in front of him. He said he was having a hard time deciding which one to pick as an anniversary present for his wife and the SA(sales associate) wasn’t much help. I gladly oblige. Mind you, he was Filipino, very simply and unostentastiously dressed. He didn’t look like a fashion victim nor did he look uber rich. Maybe just like the rest of us, he appreciates a little luxury. Don’t you think?

Even in HongKong, walk around and you’ll see about 60% of the locals are carrying LV bags. Real ones, I’m sure. We went to all 3 stores and all of them were packed. In one store, we had to wait in a long queue just to get in. You wouldn’t call them slaves to foreigners, would you?

2. Filipinos are not itching to leave the country.

It’s just that sometimes, for some people, there seems to be no other choice.

Do you think our OFWs would still leave the country if they were given the same rate here as they are given abroad? Domestic helpers abroad are paid more than thrice over than what our teachers are paid here.

In the United States for instance, the minimum wage (average) is about $6.00 an hour. Did you know that that same amount is the minimum wage here BUT for a full day’s labor? I **** it when I hear foreigners say, ‘Oh, the gasoline prices here are the same as in the US’ or whatever country. No matter how the numbers match, it’s still not the same. No matter how our government rubs all sorts of figures on our faces, they mean nothing. Absolutely nothing. Why? Because we, the Filipinos, feel nothing. The government has nothing to offer. The jobs they claim to have are mediocre compared to what we as parents have to pay for in tuition fees. What jobs await U.P., Ateneo and La Salle graduates? Jobs at call centers?

To strive for something better is no shortcoming on our part. We will always strive for the best, not just for ourselves, but for our families and our nation.

The government claims that it is helping boost tourism in our country. How exactly?

When we went to Bangkok just a few weeks ago, I wanted to visit Siam Paragon. We could’ve walked as the mall was only about 5 kilometers from our hotel, I merely wanted to ride a tuk tuk so we hail one to take us there. Since the cab and tuk tuk drivers there understood very little English I brought a map, a picture of the mall and a copy of the exact address. About 15 minutes and many kilometers later, still no mall in sight. He brings us to a jewelry store, when we asked why, he said that he’s bringing us there at no extra charge to us. It’s just that everytime they bring in tourists, they get a coupon for free LPG (their petrol) from the government. We aren’t under any obligation to buy, just come in for a visit. He then takes us to another shop (and thus my asthma was triggered by the stench of LPG). We ended up buying some goodies as he says he will get a small commission if we do so (yes, we were that gullible, but to us it was being helpful). Even during the temple tour, the tour guide told us that it was compulsory for them to bring tourists to particular spots. That is because their government encourages exactly that. Do you think the tricycle drivers here would get an incentive if they bring you to Luneta? I don’t think so.

But what about tourism in the Philippines. My husband & I were surprised to see on a cable channel that some of our museums are still open. Note that it was on a cable channel and not even a local channel. Up until that moment we thought all our museums have closed down. Is that the government’s definiton of ‘boosting’ tourism?

We are a free country. We are free people. We are entitled to our own opinion. In the same way that each of us is free to voice that opinion. If you’d want to block or edit everything negative you hear just to make it favorable to you, won’t that be the start of censorship?

The reason behind my poking fun at Filipino drivers (in my blog) isn’t to insult, ridicule or degrade them but maybe, just maybe with those little insights I could reach out to someone to do something about it, be it by doing better at it (it is a skill after all) or by at least implementing the laws that are there for a reason.

Hats off to Mr. Barth Suretsky. I do believe that it was in his best intention to put a little perspective into our culture and I take no offense whatsoever. I thank him for taking the time to analyze the things that somehow puzzle me as well.

To all foreigners, always remember this, we Filipinos have managed to unseat 2 presidents in the last 2 decades. It is my belief that we can do so again. It’s just that at this point, there is no one person who could penetrate the system and not be spoiled by it. It will take time, discipline, and the will to change in each of us. Like I said, probably not in my lifetime. But soon, I hope.

I am a Filipino and I am proud to be one. I love my country and it is here that I will spend my old age until the rest of my days.

I hope you can say the same for yourselves.

Christel Lumabas asked:


One unique fact about the Philippines is that we have more than 7,000 islands altogether– and this fact can excite most travelers from around the world. Since the Philippines is situated near the equator, the country is considered as the tropics, with temperatures perfect for a day at the beach. Philippine travel usually consists of island hopping, checking out some virgin sceneries, and visits to great local cities.

For serious travelers, they may opt for luxury vacations in the Philippines through exposure to the beauty of the country’s natural resources.

In every foreign place, one would not help but think of communicating with the locals. But when you are in the Philippines, any travelers with English speaking skills need not to worry, because around 85 percent of the locals can understand English. In any case, for any vacation or travel spot in the country, there is a Filipino in the area that can speak and understand English.

Language barriers aside, the exchange rate may also be quite favorable for travelers. With cheap accommodations, food, and services, any traveler may easily have a luxurious vacation without them feeling the pain in their wallets. In other words, everything is on sale.

The tropical islands of the Philippines showcase some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, and also the most colorful coral reefs in the world. The far fetched island of Palawan features one of the country’s best hotel accommodations, with popular guests such as Mariah Carey and Brian McKnight. The island boasts of clear blue waters, pristine white sand, and rich sea life– all with a relaxed environment. Palawan may be considered as a spot for luxury vacations, simply because of the exquisite accommodations and hotels, such as the infamous Amanpulo. The resort features world class amenities that can rejuvenate and change your perspective of the country altogether. Amanpulo can be reached through charter plane from Manila, and usually costs around $300 per person. Once there, any guest can enjoy all amenities for $850 per person, for a whole week! So if you want to see and experience the Amanpulo in Palawan, try to book ahead of time so as to have proper reservations.

Another popular destination when it comes to luxury vacations would be the in the island of Boracay. This long stretch of pure white sand beach offers not only relaxation, but a boost on social gatherings with beach front parties and good restaurants, offering both local and foreign delicacies. Boracay provides luxury vacations for locals and foreigners visiting the country, with full hotel accommodations to huts by the beach front. Other key destinations include Cebu and Davao, and also key historic landmarks such as Bataan and Corregidor, not to mention the fascinating sights in Manila and Iloilo.

Christopher John Koh asked:


THE GRAMERCY RESIDENCES PHILIPPINES CONDOMINIUMS

For more details, visit my website     http://www.condosphilippinesrealestate.com

I would like to offer The Gramercy Residences at Century City, from Century Properties, Inc., Set to rise along Kalayaan Avenue , Century City is touted as “the development of the new century” and “a city within a city.”

Century City is a fully-integrated development masterplanned by Jon Adams Jerde of the Jerde Partnership International, world-renowned urban planner of the global landmarks Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles, Roppongi Hills in Tokyo Japan, City of Dreams in Macau and the 2006 Winner for Best Master-Planned Community Zlote in Warsaw Poland. It will comprise of luxury residential towers, entertainment and shopping centers, Grade A office buildings in Makati ‘s only IT park, a private recreational club, and an IT school that will be just a short walk or an elevator ride away from the residential towers.

LOCATED WITHIN GRAMERCY’S SKYPARK

The Gramercy Residences will be the only 24/365 hyper-amenitized luxury high-rise in the Philippines boasting of features and luxuries never before attempted anywhere else in the world.

AMENITIES

1. Three World-class Swimming Pools

Featuring a freeform infinity pool, a 25-meter lap-pool with multiple lanes, and a children’s pool – all with breathtaking Makati skyline views.

25-meter Lap-pool with multiple lanes Kiddie Pool Other Auxiliary/wading Pools

2. Cascading Waterfalls

The sound of rainfall like rhythm fills the air with a sense of serenity while the waterfall doubles as a distinct visual interest.

3. Three Distinct Gyms

The Gramercy will have three gyms open 24 hours a day — a general-purpose gym, a purely weights gym, and a third gym with purely aerobic machines.

4. Cafe and Restaurant

Enjoy the fantastic city view 36 levels above the ground as you take a sip of your morning brew or indulge in a hearty lunch

5. Yoga/Pilates Room

Tucked away behind a lush landscape, this facility provides a tranquil workout area for wellness seekers.

6. Spa and Massage Center

From ******* and massages to a relaxing steam bath, the spa at Gramercy provides an escape for those who want to recharge and rejuvenate.

7. Day Care Center

While you work, your small bundle of joy will receive the best care and attention from the center’s experienced and well-trained staff.

8. THX Theater

Aside from the state-of-the-art cinemas within Century City, the Gramercy will have its own surround-sound theater where you can watch your favorite films.

9. DVD Library

Choose from a whole range of Gramercy’s exclusive collection of blockbuster movies, classical masterpieces and award-winning films.

10. Resident’s Lounge

A communal space perfect for casual meetings and conversations.

11. Conference Room

A flexible function room with global communication capabilities, such as video conferencing and wireless Internet for communal use.

12. Library/Book Club

Take your pick from local and international bestselling reads.

OTHER AMENITIES WITHIN GRAMERCY

Internet and Cable TV Ready units

Children’s Playground

Meditation Garden

Wine Bar & Storage

Beauty Salon

Emergency Clinic

Place of worship

Other 5-Star Services within Gramercy

FULLY-SERVICED

The Gramercy will be fully-serviced, a dream come true for those who live the modern lifestyle. Imagine ordering a sumptuous meal served in your bedroom from any of Century City’s restaurants. Or having a personal shopper bring up some new arrivals from your favorite boutiques downstairs, a housekeeper taking care of your household chores, or the Gramercy day care center and playschool ensuring that your kids have countless hours of educational fun.

5-Star Services at the Gramercy 24-hour doormen Delivery service from all Century City restaurants Massage and spa services Personal shopping and delivery services, including groceries, cleaners, pharmacies Messenger services for local pick-ups and deliveries Newspaper delivery Pet-walking and sitting services Pick-up and delivery services for laundry and dry cleaning Technical support services for computers, entertainment centers and telecommunication equipment Extra storage space for sale for boxes, old clothes, sports equipment and the like. Your food can be delivered to your unit even late at night from any of Century City’s top restaurants Enjoy a relaxing massage anytime you want—even at 2 a.m. after a tiring workday With technicians on stand by 24 hours to fix your PC, Internet connection or any other broken electrical fixtures. Hang out with friends in any of Century City’s bars and restos, open until the wee hours of the morning

To learn more about the Jerde Partnership, please go to: www.jerde.com.

INSPIRATION

Inspired by the spirit of the great city of New York, The Gramercy Residences will be the first tower to rise at Century City.

This ultra-exclusive hyper-amenitized condo project takes its name from Manhattan’s ultra-exclusive Gramercy Park, a fenced-in private park in New York City’s most prestigious of neighborhoods, accessible only to the well-heeled residents of the buildings in the area who are assigned keys to the park. It is here that Cyrus Field conceived the Trans-Atlantic Cable, Mark Twain played pool, and an eight-year old John F. Kennedy chased the squirrels on a lazy afternoon.

It is the exclusivity, the history, and the central characteristics of Gramercy Park in New York, that has inspired in no small measure, the first urban icon set to rise in progressive Century City: The Gramercy Residences will feature interiors and aesthetics that evoke the Big Apple’s unmistakable flair, and the exclusivity and style of its Manhattanite namesake.

THE RESIDENCES

With Century City’s citizens, a new paradigm in residential high-rise development will be set, with all residential units not only providing Century Properties’ highly-acclaimed, Fully-fitted, Fully-furnished concept, but taking bespoke living to the next level with more interior design options to allow you to truly personalize your future home. Among them is the piece de resistance: The breathtaking SKYPARK with waterfalls, infinity pools, a designer restaurant, health club and more, 36 storeys above the ground and traversing the entire width of the building.

6 DESIGN OPTIONS

LUSH

Enjoy the comforts of living in an inviting contemporary style.

AZULI

An interplay of arresting blue, pristine white and butter yellow adorn this lively pad, topped off with complementary oriental accent pieces.

SLEEK

Neutral shades combined with dazzling silver, reflective light fixtures and funky artwork make this pad truly stylish and unique.

SAVANNAH

Subdued contemporary design merges with bold animal prints and rich dark leather to create the perfect pad for the adventurous frequent traveler.

ARISTO

This elegant living space combines modern design with contrasting neutrals and tones, and touches of old world furniture.

BARLEY

Black and gold merge to create a strong sense of character in this design, given a further edge by retro-classic furniture, carved mirrors and high-gloss finishes.







STANDARD UNITS CONFIGURATION:

Studio Unit -      28 sqm. to 34 sqm.

1 Bedroom Unit -39 sqm. to 45 sqm.

2 Bedroom Unit -  66 sqm.

3 Bedroom Unit -  153 sqm.

LOFT UNITS CONFIGURATION:

1 Bedroom loft Unit -  44 sqm. to 58 sqm.

2 Bedroom loft Unit -  88 sqm. to 107 sqm.

3 Bedroom loft Unit - 149 sqm.

Also, we have other condominium projects like the Knightsbridge  Residences in Century City Makati, the “Soho Central” in Mandaluyong,  the “Grand Soho Makati” in Buendia/Salcedo Village, and a high-end house and lot project “The Canyon Ranch” in Carmona, Cavite.

Should you require additional information, I would be very happy to assist you. Just let me know if you are interested and I will send you our pricing and sample quotations. If you have friends who may also be interested in our project, I would appreciate very much if you can refer our project.

Warm regards,

Mr. Christopher John T. Koh

Century Sales Officer

CENTURY PROPERTIES INC.

21st Flr. Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Cor. Makati Ave.

Makati City Philippines 1200

Mobile no. (+63)929-3737239/ (+632) 8563834

Email:  mycenturyproperties@yahoo.com

Website:  http://www.condosphilippinesrealestate.com

Ritu Raj Mishra asked:


Lying between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea and consisting of around 7,107 islands, Philippines is enriched with verdant nature, vibrant culture and various adrenaline pumping activities. Obviously, with all these enticements, this land of beauty has created its niche in the world’s travel map. Keeping a track with the inflow of travelers, the hospitality sector in the country is sprouting day by day. The hotels in Philippines have created a comfort zone for all travelers having different budgets and needs. So, while exploring this amazing archipelago, you will definitely enjoy the caress of comfortability available back at your home.

Mainly, tropical climate is noticed in the country of Philippines, which makes March to May hot, June to October rainy and November to February cold. However, the best time to explore this country is from December to the middle of May. Getting in this country is easier as well. Two major cities, Manila and Cebu have connected Philippines with the rest of the world by air. Even more, it is also possible for travelers to come here by sea from the nearby parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.

As a famous tourist spot, Philippines has so many things to offer to its guests. Beguiling beaches and hair-raising beach activities are the prime attractions to the travelers here. Especially, Boracay Island, Mactan Island, Panglao, Samal Island, Negros Island will entice you to get marooned amidst sun, sand and sea. In addition, the country has been adorned with some unforgettable sights. These are like, Banaue, Chocolate Hills, Hundred Islands National Park, Lake Taal & Taal Volcano, Siquijor Caves and so on. So, your itinerary for Philippines mustn’t miss all these places.

Nonetheless, Philippines houses a wide range of hotels sprawling in different parts of the country. Besides Manila and Cebu, other places including Bacolod, Bohol, Boracay, Butun, Davao, Palawan etc. boast a wide range of hotels. All kinds of accommodation ranging from luxury beach resorts to budget hotels are available here. And definitely, it gives an assurance of accommodation to all travelers having different budgets.

Some renowned hotel groups like Intercontinental, Hyatt, Sofitel, Shangri-La, Holiday-Inn, Pan Pacific, Crowne Plaza, Mercure have possessed a number of hotels in Philippines. Accenting on high-end facilities and services, all these hotels offer sheer comfort and luxury to their guests. On the other hand, the budget hotels in the island have catered to necessary amenities and services, with which budget travelers will enjoy their sojourn without comprising anything with their comfort.

Most of Philippines hotels have their official websites, where the briefs of their locations, rooms and amenities are available. Apart from that, other websites also publish unbiased testimonials and travelers’ reviews on various hotels in the country. All these information will enable you to choose your accommodation during your trip to Philippines.

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Hong Kong, also referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient,’ is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asia. Until the arrival of the British in 1842, it was just a typical small village.

In 1997, Hong Kong was handed over to China, under the policy ‘one country, two systems.’ The city has now become one of the vibrant as well as s sought after destinations not only in Asia but also in the world.

Bordered by the South China Sea and Sea, Hong Kong, al though a part of China, is different from rest of China. With its own government, stamps, and laws and regulations, the city consists of four geographic areas, such as, the New Territories, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the Outlying Islands, all of them packed with a plethora of attractions and facilities.

It also consists of more than 200 islands, which consist of both small and tiny islands. In addition, Hong Kong is much famed for its superb deep water harbors. According to the survey conducted by the World Tourism Organization, the city has been ranked among the 15 most preferred tourist destinations in the world.

An incredible city blending the best from the East and West, Hong Kong’s attractions, among many others, are Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with its unique curved three-tier roof and glass walls; the covered Central-Mid level Escalator, which is the longest in the world; and Hollywood Road, packed with a range of antique and curio shops selling Buddha statues, Japanese specialties like ikebana baskets, Chinese furniture, and snuff and perfume bottles.

Despite these attractions, perhaps the most famed attraction of the city is Victoria Peak, from whose summit you can gaze down to enjoy the wonderful vistas of skyscrapers and Victoria Harbor. During nights, the sights from the peak become more dazzling.

Also, of special significance are the temples of the region. Since Buddhism being the most popular religion of the place, Hong Kong has to its credit more than 400 temples, each of which is regarded as not to be a missed tourist attraction.

One of the most prominent Buddhist shrines is the Chi Lin Nunnery, located in Kowloon. Considered a living museum of the Tang Dynasty, it has been stunningly renovated in the traditional Tang-era architecture with several magnificent Buddhist halls. Another popular Buddhist shrine is Po Lin Monastery, whose focal point is a bronze statue of the Lord Buddha, which is the largest in the world. In addition to Buddhist shrines, the place also consists of several other popular shrines such as St John’s Cathedral, which is considered to be the oldest in the Far East and Shelley Street Mosque, which is noted for its minaret of green and white colors.

A visit to Hong Kong would be incomplete without taking a tour to many of its fascinating museums, showcasing unique art and antiquities representing several aspects of the place such as its history, film industry, space and science, and coastal defense. Some of the most visited museums in the region are Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong Film Archive, Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, Hong Kong Racing Museum, Hong Kong Planning and Infrastructure Exhibition Gallery, and Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre.

Attractions also include a continuum of beautiful beaches, including Repulse Bay, the most spectacular among the city’s beaches; Deep Water Bay, which is connected by a pathway to the Repulse Bay Beach; Turtle Cove, a tranquil beach; Golden Beach, the first artificial beach in Hong Kong; and Hung Shing Yeh – a marvelous beach on the Lamma Island.

Also, the gastronomy of the place is amazing, with specialized areas for enjoying remarkable delicacies, like, SoHo with a variety of restaurants serving international cuisine; Gage Street, dotted with an array of stalls, from where one can enjoy the best of Hong Kong style cuisines comprising noodles, soups, pastries, and herbal teas; and floating style restaurants found in Aberdeen.

Apart from this, excellent options are available for shopping, with areas like Lyndhurst Terrace packed with shops selling ancient paintings and maps; Stanley Street, considered a paradise for shopping cameras and film accessories; and Li Yuen Streets, dotted with shops selling knick-knacks, leather items, and casual wear.

With these fabulous attractions and options to enjoy a variety of activities, tourists flock to Hong Kong all year round. No matter you want budget or luxury accommodation, the city has options to cater to all types of tourists. Majority of the hotels and resorts are located within the heart of the city, and hence are within easy reach of almost all top tourist attractions.

Nowadays, many of the hotels, both budget and luxury accommodation, have their own sites on the web, which in turn enables the visitors to check price and room as well as make bookings in advance.

Bercle George asked:


There are many islands located in the Philippines, and one of them is the Boracay, which covers three kilometers of white beach.

Visitors can either decide to join a guided tour or hire a tourist guide for their group alone. Rain forests offer a huge variety of tropical fruits, such as bananas, papayas, pineapples, durians, mangoes, and many others. The natural landscapes, the climatic conditions, the tropical animals, fruits, and vegetables found here make the Philippines a beautiful place to visit.

Tourist Destinations:

-Bohol is also blessed with a numerous white sand beaches, and Panglao Island is one of the famous destinations, having powdery sand.

-White Beach, Boracay Boracay Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

-The province of Palawan is an island in the South China Sea.

Luxury resorts will often also be in based in exceptionally desirable and strategic worldwide locations, from beautiful tropical islands, to snow caked mountains, to scenic lakes and rivers, to exhilarating cities. Boholanos, as what the natives are called, are very proud of the natural wonders that are bestowed in the island. Everyone head for the nearest beach so if you don’t want to feel crowded when you’re sunbathing, set your travel date for another time of the year.

Foods:

The Filipinos also eat uncooked seafood that is stuffed with onions and wrapped in a banana leaf. People, who have sensitive taste buds and are ready to experiment with different cuisines, can try the dishes cooked by the Philippines. To the Filipinos, simple cooking basically means fish and its varieties, fetched directly from the sea.

The American culture has brought with it major fast food giants, such as KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and Burger King.

The Philippines’ recipes reflect the tastes of India, China, and Japan, as well as Spain, Portugal, and even the US.

Events:

-The World Pyro Olympics is held in the Philippines every year starting from December 2005.

-The Santacruzan during May and which each and every town parades its most beautiful residents in a walk around town.

-The flower season of Baguio-described as the summer capital of the Philippines because of its perennially cool weather-is something to look forward to.

Shopping:

Prices of the goods for Philippine bargains are comparable to the ones in Thailand and in China. Bargains in the Philippines are cheaper compared to the bargains in Singapore and Hong Kong. For personal gifts or gifts for the home, you will find an enormous selection for Philippine online shopping at Internet malls.

Brian Garvin asked:


If you had the choice between waiting to go live in an inner city ghetto, a retirement home, a nursing home or retiring to the Philippines, which would you choose? Follow your dreams and retire to the Philippines and live a life of luxury depending upon your resources. The Philippine Dreams Home Study Travel Guide which you can use in place of a Philippine Travel Agency is the secret discovered by Perry Gamsby, who has lived the dream for the last 6 years. Although he spent many vacations there for 13 years before making the final move, he is now a permanent resident and would have it no other way. The Philippines is the only Asian country that the language spoken is English.

The call of the Philippines allows you to live in happiness for much cheaper than almost any place else in the world. Way below average rents, live in maids, and about any category of pleasure that you can think of – golf, fishing, night life – is ready and waiting for you in the country of the Philippines and it can be your very own way of living if you choose Filipino Travel.

The number of folks who Travel In The Philippines and retiring to the Philippines is increasing as more retirees understand Philippine Dreams. If you are a divorcee or haven’t married yet the options for a new living with a Filipino girl is an option that many men are finding that Philippines and Travel is exactly what they want. The beauty of the country and the beaches have a magnetic attraction that you do not want to leave behind after spending any substantial amount of time in this amazing country.

Philippines Travel Information

Some of the hot topics of this course include how to mingle with cool singles, what to say and to make sure you don’t mingle with the wrong ones. It’s easy to get lost in a country like this only if you don’t know where to go. This guide will not only show you all the hot spots, it will let you know what places to avoid as well. If you need income assuming you don’t have a fixed source of income, you’ll find out how you can start your own business out there, and if needbe, you’ll find out how to get a job as well. It’s all included in this Filipino Travel Guide.

The folks of the Philippines are beyond polite and soft-spoken folks who are some of the nicest folks you will ever meet. To realize their politeness you need to live amongst them and realize how ecstatic they are to have you for their neighbor and colleague. If you are sick and tired of the rat race and want to live where living is much simpler and a colleague is truly a colleague, you definitely need to at least take part in Philippine Air Travel and visit the Philippines to get an idea of what you are missing.

This guide to the Philippine Dreams will show you how to Travel to Philippine any time you need to and why you don’t need a Filipino Travel Center and is yours for a small fee that includes updates for life. Their free monthly newsletter will keep you in the know about events and you will get a 100% money back warranty if you are not fundamentally ecstatic. All the information that you will want about the hospitals, schools, and where to find domiciled help is all contained in the guide.

Travel In Philippines

When you are ready to take charge of your life and live a life of dignity and independence, reading the Philippine Dreams Travel Guide instead of using a Philippine Travel Agency might just be the right solution for you. This manual is loaded with different Website URL’s, that will teach you everything you need to know about the country. Whether you need a helper, driver, cook or maid, you can get them all for about $30.00 a month each. For just a grand or two per month, you can live like a king would out in the United States. Whatever your decision is, we wish you the best of luck in your travels and in your life.