SURPRISINGLY MALAYSIA, Truly Asia!

Those who have never been to Malaysia will always be skeptical about what this marvelous kingdom has to offer. Once you hear the word MALAYSIA, basically the first thing that will come to your mind is the PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS where the movie "ENTRAPMENT" was shot, or maybe most of us will have heard of its famed TEH TARIK, a hot tea beverage. So what else is there to this little piece of ASIA? As an underrated tourist destination in Asia, discovering MALAYSIA is a little bit exciting and surprisingly amazing. Traveling in Malaysia is never a boring experience, a lot of places you will never expect to be found here. Well, I was stunned by its LUSH GREENERY throughout the country. From its upland scenery, seashore horizon, and deep down to its diving spectacle, Malaysia is boasting quite a few marvelous wonders and then some.

CAMERON HIGHLANDS for sure will give you a great deal, it is one of the highest areas in mainland Malaysia. It is famous for its cool climate butterfly farm, strawberry plantations, rose gardens, and especially the tea plantation. Malaysia is one of the largest producers of tea in Asia. If some countries in Europe are famous for their vineyards (GRAPES PLANTATION), I guess these TEA PLANTATIONS would be the Asian counterpart for those. You can also enjoy its green scenery and famous hill resorts.

PENANG is famous for its CENTURY OLD SHOP HOUSES and COLONIAL VILLAS, BEACHES, and its food. PENANG's cuisine varies from Chinese, Nyonya, Malay, and Indian which can be best enjoyed at GURNEY DRIVE, PULAU TICUS, NEW LANE, SWATOW LANE, just some of the places I know that will surely arouse your palate.

MELAKA, what interests me is the BUTTERFLY and REPTILE SANCTUARY wherein you can see various beautiful butterflies and different species of reptiles, snakes, scorpions, and other insects. It is educational for me especially and I'm sure the young ones will appreciate these nature's gifts. Since I opted for a summer vacation, definitely won't be gone from my list is "the BEACH!!!". The BEACH RESORT will surely fire your summer HOT, with its stunning location surrounded by palm trees, white-sand beaches and turquoise sea - certainly very comparable to some noted beaches in the Asian region. Well, can't get enough of the beach, for definitely, I am a beach buddy. 

Due to the shortage of time, I wasn't able to see the entirety of this country. Well soon I will be, there will always be a second time around and we'll see what more Malaysia has to showcase. Till NEXT TIME. IT'S JUST A SMALL PART of MALAYSIA I CONQUERED SO TO SPEAK, BUT I BELIEVE THERE'S A LOT MORE and a LOT TO DISCOVER IN THIS MAJESTIC KINGDOM. SURPRISINGLY MALAYSIA!

#malaysia #melaka #cameron #penang #whattodoinmalysia #wheretogoinmalaysia#trulyasia #malaysiaigers #lawakhambar #malaysiaku #negerisembilan #malaysiatrulyasia #malaysiatrending #melaka #johor #kelantan #kualalumpur #melaka #cameron #penang #whattodoinmalysia #wheretogoinmalaysia #trulyasia

KUALA LUMPUR, a MODERN COSMOPOLITAN SOPHISTICATION mixed with NOSTALGIC OLD WORLD CHARM

 "THERE ARE NO FOREIGN LANDS. IT IS THE TRAVELER ONLY WHO IS FOREIGN"

As man comes to perceive a place, it makes him realize that the place might not be foreign to him indeed, he accepts it as what it is, land to enjoy and value. I recently had the opportunity to travel to MALAYSIA, and I must say it's been an awesome experience for me. I stayed in Kuala Lumpur for several weeks and discovered a new world that made me captivated by this marvelous city.

Generally, MALAYSIA is a Muslim country, but a fusion with other cultures makes this place even better. Great culture, diversity a melting pot of culture, above all its natural charm and beauty stand out to her foreign friends, giving a good impression to all who visit this place.

KUALA LUMPUR as the capital of Malaysia is a Metropolitan City - Modern Cosmopolitan Sophistication mixed with Nostalgic Old World Charm. It is a hustling and bustling City that caters both to the modern and the old world. The city EXCELS because it balances all buildings and blends well intimately with all its structures and landmarks. The PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS, MENARA KL TOWER, SULTAN ABDUL SAMAN BUILDING, MALAYSIA TELECOM BUILDING, MASJID JAMEK, MERDEKA TOWER which will be the second tallest in the world after completion and other landmarks here are just extras to see and surely there are a lot of things that can be seen and discovered here.

Discovering KUALA LUMPUR is indeed a priceless moment for me and to other people as well who appreciate more than they see. Amidst the HUSTLE and BUSTLE of this METROPOLITAN CITY, lies a more relaxed and calm people with a serious appreciation of their own CULTURE, TRADITIONS, LANDMARKS and above all its IDENTITY.

#kualalumpur #malaysia #travelingmalaysia #travelingkualalumpur #travelingasia #kltower #klcc #travel #malay #makan #southeastasia #visitkualalumpur #visitmalaysia #petronastower #whattodoinkualalumpur #whattoseeinmalaysia #tourismmalaysia #beautifulcity 

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL: The Philippines Best Festival!

Dinagyang Festival is a spectacular event in the province of Iloilo where people in unique costumes dance all day and night every 4th week of January to commemorate the Christianization of the natives and to honor the Holy Child Jesus. It is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines held on the fourth Sunday of January, or right after the Sinulog In Cebu and the Ati-Atihan in Aklan. It is held both to honor the Santo Niño and to celebrate the arrival on Panay of Malay settlers and the subsequent selling of the island to them by the atis.

Dinagyang is an annual event, when the whole town rejoices, shouting their pride of being an Ilonggo and telling their culture. It is wonderful looking back to the past. It is not just a celebration, it is a religious evangelization. Going back to 

Iloilo is more like a past fulfilled and a looking forward to future celebrations. It is our culture. The Aeta culture. That's why it is painting the town black.

 

Today, the main part of the festival consists of several "tribes", called "Tribus", who are supposed to be Ati tribe members dancing in celebration. There are several requirements, including that the performers must paint their skin brown and that only indigenous materials can be used for the costumes. All dances are performed to drum music. Many tribes are organized by the local high schools. Some tribes receive a subsidiary from the organizers and recruit private sponsors, with the best tribes receiving the most. The current Ati population of Iloilo is not involved with any of the tribes nor are they involved in the festival in any other way.

Dinagyang Festival was voted as the best Tourism Event for 2006, 2007, and 2008 by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines. It is the first festival in the world to get the support of the United Nations for the promotion of the Millennium Development Goals, and cited by the Asian Development Bank as Best Practice on government, private sector & NGO cooperation.

#dingayangfestival #festivalinthephilippines #iloilocityfestival #whatodoiniloilocity #bestfestivalinthephilippines #culturafestivaliniloilocity #religiousfestivaliniloilo #santoniño

BACOLOD CITY: Fun, Festive and Fascinating

Dubbed as the City of Smiles, Bacolod City is the largest and highly urbanized city on the island of Negros. The city was famous for celebrating its Masskara Festival, an event that puts them on the map for the best festivals in the country. 

The city has two pronounced seasons just like the other neighboring cities around the country. The rainy season starts from May to January of the year with heavy rains occurring in August and September, while the dry season starts from February until the last week of April. Bacolod City is named as the capital city of Negros Occidental and is considered as one of the highly urbanized cities around the region.

The city serves as the gateway to the rich cities and towns of the province. Visitors and tourists can easily take for business and leisure in the city because of the modern in-land transportation. The people of Bacolod used Hiligaynon which also referred to Ilonggo after the neighboring province of Iloilo as a means of communication, while the rest generally speak Filipino- the national language and the others Cebuano. The English language was also was used by some Bacolenos.

How to get there

By Air:

With the newly installed New Bacolod-Silay airport that is located 15 kilometers northeast of the city, the airport is capable of handling all weather and landing operations. Philippine Airlines, The Cebu Pacific, and Air Philippines are among the top airline companies that will bring tourists and visitors to the city of smiles.

By Land:

With the two main national roads that are located in the city, Lacson Street to the north and Araneta to the south, accessibility toward this road going to the city was very good because of good traffic plan and no congestion of vehicles that creates a traffic jam that usually creates a major problem of highly-graded cities around the country.

By Sea:

The port of Bacolod is the major door to enter the city of Masskara. Located at the reclamation area, ships and small fast craft just like Wessum Express and Sea Angels have daily trips to Iloilo City and it is approximately 45 minutes of travel from the Port of Iloilo and 18 hours from Manila.

Tourist Attraction

The Masskarra Festival is one of the major tourist attractions of Bacolod City, celebrated every year to commemorate the cityhood of Bacolod City. Merrymaking and dance street competition are among the activities being held during the event. Another major event that is celebrated every year in Bacolod City is the Panaad sa Negros, this time it involves all the cities and municipalities under the banner of Negros Occidental, it happens every April and late May or after the Holy Week. Panaad Park is the main venue of this famous festival. The Panaad Park also caters for some big events in sports just like the 23rd Southeast Asian Games 2005, 2006 Asian Football Qualifiers, and our local version of the Olympics, the Palarong Pambansa.

Delicacies and Products

The Bacolod City is not only famous for its festivals, but the city of smile was also renowned for its native delicacies. The piaya is one of the top homemade delicacies of the city, enriched with flour and brown sugar, coated with sesame seeds that provide a sweet savor for the local and foreign tourists. The BongBong’s Piaya and Barquillos is one of the best producers of this product and named the No. 1 Pasalubong Center in the city. Another alluring product that Bacolod can also be proud of is the “Chicken Inasal”. The unique taste of chicken that being grilled in the stick can be found in any streets of the city. Chicken House, Mang Inasal, and the famed Manokan Country are the best place to stop to find this food product.

#Bacolodcity #masskarafestival #negrosisland #manokancountry #whentravelinginbacolod

Bacolod Masskara Festival: An example of Filipino Resiliency.

The City of Smiles, Bacolod City, will once again pulsate with the latin beat and throb with the colorful and fun spirit of the Masskara Festival this October 2010. The highlights of the Masskara 2010 will be on October 1 to 19 and will feature a competition among various dance groups clad in very colorful costumes.

MassKara is coined from two words: Mass, which means “many, or multitude,” and Kara, a Spanish word for “face,” thus MassKara is a mass or multitude of smiling faces.

The festival first began in 1980 during a period of crisis. The province relied on sugar cane as its primary agricultural crop, and the price of sugar was at an all-time low due to the introduction of sugar substitutes like high fructose corn syrup in the United State. It was also a time of tragedy; on April 22 of that year, the inter-island vessel Don Juan carrying many Negrenses, including those belonging to prominent families in Bacolod City, collided with the tanker Tacloban City and sank. An estimated 700 lives were lost in the tragedy.

In the midst of these tragic events, the city's artists, local government and civic groups decided to hold a festival of smiles, because the city at that time was also known as the City of Smiles. They reasoned that a festival was also a good opportunity to pull the residents out of the pervasive gloomy atmosphere. The initial festival was therefore, a declaration by the people of the city that no matter how tough and bad the times were, Bacolod City is going to pull through, survive, and in the end, triumph.

The festival features a street dance competition where people from all walks of life troop to the streets to see colorfully-masked dancers gyrating to the rhythm of Latin musical beats in a display of mastery, gaiety, coordination and stamina. Major activities include the MassKara Queen beauty pageant, carnivals, drum and bugle corps competitions, food festivals, sports events, musical concerts, agriculture-trade fairs, garden shows, and other special events organized ad-hoc every year.

VISITING LEON, ILOILO: I just can't fail to visit old churches in places I've visited here in Iloilo.

The Municipality of Leon was formerly known as Camando which was founded in the year 1730 with Mr. Bernabe Buncag as Gobernadorcillo. In 1866, the town was transformed to Sitio Capan, a vast rice region. Two years after, the town was given the name Leon in honor of the City of Leon in Spain, the place where Fray Agustin Castro, the Parish Priest came from. However, the inhabitants retained their surnames beginning with letter “C” which was given them through the order of Governor Claveria in 1849, in lasting memory of the former town of Camando.

Leon has a prominent place in the annals of Ilonggo history. Records show that the only Civil Resistance movement that did not fall into the hands of the Japanese, the Free Government of Panay and Romblon was established by Senator Tomas Confesor in Bucari area in May 1942. Every time I visit a certain municipality in Iloilo I always see to it to take a photo of their century old churches. It's quite fascinating to see a lot of great and old churches here in the Province of Iloilo.

Leon Church FACADE: The Neo-classical styled Leon Church stands in front of a beautiful and well-maintained plaza. It was planned to be one of Iloilo’s biggest and grandest church but for some reason it was left unfinished.

The right side detail of the church.

The right side entrance detail.

INSIDE: (beams & columns)

Inspection of the present building reveals that that the original length of the building was shortened, evidenced by ruins of the original structure found at the behind the present altar. Also, the belfries needs proper rehabilitation because the currently installed belfries look too crude and are ruining the other side of the beautiful façade.

My SHOT as a PHOTOGRAPHER KuNo!!! Well I just tried...

Part of my travel is taking some personal photos and of course trying to capture some beautiful and picturesque locations and subject that I personally collect. When I was in Guimbal, Iloilo, Philippines. I roamed around their town plaza and capture some photos.

THE GUIMBAL CHURCH FROM A FAR THE GUIMBAL CHURCH BELL TOWER GUIMBAL PLAZA HAVE ARRAY OF BEUTIFUL ORNAMENTAL PLANTS A PLANT KNOWN AS "anahaw" ANAHAW LEAF INSIDE OF A FLOWER FLOWER GARDEN A LEAF OF A PLANT ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOTS RUNNING WATER FROM THE POND

The GRANDEUR of GUIMBAL CHURCH.

I was privileged to roam around the Province of Iloilo and been able to see different places there. One of the Place I visited was the Municipality of Guimbal.

THE FACADE OF GUIMBAL CHURCH

Guimbal was annexed as a visita of Oton in 1575. In 1590 it became an independent doctrina (mission) but in 1618 was handed over to the secular clergy for lack of Augustinian friars. In 1626, Guimbal returned to the administration of the Augustinians who appointed Fr. Pedro Ramirez as vicar-prior. In 1656, Guimbal was placed under Tigbauan. Guimbal was affected by the jurisdictional conflict between the Jesuits and the Augustinians. The former was working to convert the Mundos who lived in the upland but within the boundaries of Guimbal. Miagao was annexed to Guimbal in 1703. The conflict between the Jesuits and the Augustinians was resolved in 1751. Fr. Juan Aguado who worked in Guimbal in 1742, 44 and 53 began building the present church and Fr. Juan Campos finished it between 1769-74. Fr. José Oranguren enlarged the church in 1893, but two years later the church was burnt. Fr. Agustín Llorente restored the church and built the tower. The church is presently under going renovation, the cement and stucco finish of the church is being removed revealing stonework made of yellow sandstone similar to the type used in Tigbauan and Miagao.

Guimbal Church is a rather squat structure, made even more so by raising the level of the street. The façade with the wide base of the bell tower makes the whole structure appear wide rather than it is tall. The bell tower is made of three unadorned quadrilateral structures of diminishing sizes with arched windows piercing the walls. The façade is divided horizontally into two stories by a frieze decorated by rosettes and vertically by engaged columns. Twin columns resting on plinths flank the central section. Composite capitals crown the columns. A narrow pediment terminating in a cross caps the central section from which a shallow curve links the pediment with the lower story. Vases and pyramid finals decorate the façade. The Guimbal Church is one of the oldest churches in the country. This yellow sandstone church is made made from adobe stones called igang and coral stones quarried from Guimaras. It was built in 1774 by Father Campos. The façade is a two-story affair flanked by twinned round pilasters decorated with floral carvings. Its vintage belfry is 4 stories high and doubles as a watchtower during the Spanish town against pillaging Moro pirates. The Guimbal Church is located beside the Guimbal Plaza.

The grandeur of San Joaquin Old Cemetery

San Joaquin Old Cemetery was built at the twilight of Spanish rule, San Joaquin cemetery was initiated by Fray Mariano Vamba, the last Augustinian parish priest of the town. Terraced stone steps culminate at the cemetery’s crowning glory—its capilla, sumptuously decorated with stone carvings of a distinct floral and leaf pattern.

The CapillaThe capilla also, known as “Campo Santo,” is made of coral rocks and baked bricks.That's me under the scorching heat of the sun, enjoying the grandeur and the monumental of this edifice.

San Joaquin Church in the Province of Iloilo

San Joaquin Church

The militaristic motif of the San Joaquin Church distinguishes itself from other churches in the Country. Carved on a disproportionately large pediment on the church’s facade is an intricate sculptural relief depicting the Spanish victory over Moroccan forces in the Battle of Tetuan.

The FACADE: The unique features of the San Joaquin Church has received the admiration of its onlookers including the National Historical Institute, which has listed the church as a National Cultural Treasure. The declaration was made in support of the state policy to preserve and protect important cultural properties and safeguard their intrinsic value. The low relief mural captures the drama of victory where cavalry and infantry are tearing down Moorish defense. So intricate is the sculpture that even the expression of agony by wounded soldiers is visible. The title of the composition “Rendición de Tetuan” is carved at the base of this animated relief. The Bell Tower: One of the bells of the San Joaquin Church hangs silently from the chains. The year inscribed on its mossy figure, año 1861, hints at the amount of history it has seen from the top of the bell tower. One would wonder, how many times has this bell pealed? How many masses has it welcomed? Lower Facade Detail: The San Joaquin Church, built in 1869, is made of limestones quarried from the mountains of Igbaras and gleaming white coral stones abundant in the shores of San Joaquin. The facade is decorated with rosettes and divided vertically by engaged columns. A plaque above the arched portal displays the Augustinian seal flanked by cherubs. The three altars are also of carved limestone, and were originally painted in bright colors. The San Joaquin Church is flanked by a three story bell tower to its right and ruins of its old convent to its left. Among the sprawling ruins of the convent are an oval well and a kiln for baking bread.

WHY YOU NEED TO VISIT ASIA: Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

JUST WATCH AND SEE FOR YOUR SELF. SEE THE EXCITEMENT AND THE GRANDEUR OF ASIA. VISIT ASIA NOW!!!

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Singapore Nightlife: Nightlife with Hot Spots

At night time, Singapore practically transforms itself from an ever-so-efficient business hub to a buzzing network of bars and nightclubs. Busy executives loosen their ties and kick up their heels to the sound of jazz swing in at Harry's Bar along Boat Quay, and earnest students-by-day let down their hair for some laid-back bar-hopping at famous Mohammed Sultan Road.

In the past decade, bars and nightclubs have blossomed in a big way in the Lion City. Long labeled as an over-protected nanny state where its well-behaved inhabitants just don't know how to have fun, partying the night away has become a norm. Many of the bars and clubs have taken on a unique Singapore or Southeast Asian character; you'll find restored Chinese god owns pumping out rap or retro, trendy bars of glass-and-steel exteriors and buddhist temple-style interiors, historic drinking dens that will you bring back to the days of the Raj.

BOAT QUAY & CLARKE QUAY

Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are dotted with restaurants as well as pubs, so the mood here is slightly laid-back and the crowd mixed. Patronised by serious party-goers, but also people just out for a pint after work, couples chatting over a leisurely dinner, and tourists. The pubs are old Chinese god owns and shop houses given a heartening face lift.

ORCHARD ROAD

This famous shopping belt also harbours some great clubs. Venom (Pacific Plaza Penthouse, 9 Scotts Road, 7347677) boasts a state-of-the-art dance floor and a sweeping view of Orchard Road. The theme changes every night, and the music ranges from pop to retro to house. The crowd -- well-heeled and chic.

MOHAMMED SULTAN ROAD

In the past few years, this once-forgotten back alley has taken on legendary proportions. Once a ramshackle row of old Chinese god owns, the street has been transformed into a vital, throbbing artery of Singapore's nightlife. The god owns have retained their colourful Peranakan facades, and many of the bars in this area have adopted a Shanghai-Old World type of interior.

ZOUK

Any review of the Singapore club scene should begin with Zouk (17, Jiak Kim Street, 7382988). This hugely popular club, which has been compared with some of the best in Europe, plays mainly House music to a mostly young crowd. Zouk's music is spun by its seven resident DJs, while regular live acts from visiting artistes - such as Galliano, Chemical Brothers, Heart and Kylie Minogue -- are an added draw.

LONG BAR

No list of Singapore nightspots would be complete without a mention of the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel. Housed in the historic Raffles Hotel, this is where the Singapore Sling, the island's most famous cocktail, was invented. The decor, in line with that of the hotel, is high-class colonial. Old-style fans flap about on the ceiling (although now they're automated, not pulled by some poor servant), and you're encouraged to throw your peanut shells on the floor -- they're there to add to the planter's ambiance.

It's convenient to go bar- and club-hopping in Singapore, as the golden triangle of nightspots -- Zouk - Mohammed Sultan - Boat Quay -- are all a short taxi hop from each other. Be warned, on Friday and Saturday nights the clubbing herd comes out in full force and you may have to call for a taxi to avoid waiting in queue. Drinks - including beer -- are fairly expensive in Singapore. Most bars have happy hours, where drinks are at a sharp discount or standard drinks like vodka tonic are on one-for-one offer. Wednesday night is Ladies Night at many bars, while some bars and clubs mark out one night of the week with a special dance or music theme. The bars serve finger food, some offer the usual pub grub like fish and chips or spring rolls, while the trendier ones have sushi or teppanyaki on their menus. If you're hungry for a real meal after all that clubbing, there's usually an Indian roti prata stall, hawker centre or coffee shop open nearby. The Newton Circus hawker centre is alive all night, while many hotels have coffee houses that welcome the tired and hungry until the wee hours of the morning.