Category: with locals
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First-time in Haw Par Villa Singapore: A Fantasy World
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Colorful sculptures and scenes depicting Chinese folklore, mythology and life activities fill the 3.2-hectare area of the Haw Par Villa theme park in Singapore. The good thing about visiting this place is that entrance is free. So if you are in Singapore on a shoestring budget, this is one attraction…
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Kumarakom: Life in a Kerala Village
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The kids were intently watching our group — mostly foreigners — wandering in one of the backyards in their village. One shyly peeked through the plants and smiled as I eyed her. This was one of the scenes when we went for a responsible tourism visit in a local community…
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First-time Travel Guide: Bacolod City, The City of Smiles
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A Travel Guide for First-time Travelers to Bacolod Bacolod City (10° 40′ 12″ N, 122° 57′ 0″ E), known as the “City of Smiles”, is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental, which composes one half of Negros Island. It is located in the Visayas part of the Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia with 7,107…
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Sinulog sa Kabankalan, Negros Occidental: A Festival with Deep History
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Kabankalan City is where I spent the early four to five years of my life. It was still a town then and we lived in its mountainous areas where my parents worked in a sugar central located there. Kabankalan is in the southern part of the province of Negros Occidental…
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First-time in Malalison Island: Rolling Hills and Sand Bar in One
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Lush, breathtaking hills one end and exquisite sand bar on the other. This is the beauty of Malalison Island, or more often referred to by the locals as Mararison Island. With only 55 hectares in land area, Malalison is a piece of paradise located in the municipality of Culasi in…
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First-time in Tibiao, Antique: Where it Feels Like Home
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Tibiao came into view as we crossed from Iloilo into Antique, the road winding through Panay Island’s western countryside. Rice fields stretched on either side, glistening under the sun, their orderly rows giving way to clusters of coconut trees and thick bamboo groves. I knew my father’s roots lay somewhere…
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A Road Trip to South Iloilo and Antique
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I opened my 2017 with an adventure through the southern part of Iloilo to Antique, particularly in Malalison Island (often called Mararison Island), a road trip that I will always remember in my lifetime. The year 2016 was a great one for me, which I refer to as my Globe…
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Food Trip in Brunei: A Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures
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When traveling, especially to a foreign country, local food is one of the things I always try. Eating in restaurants and eateries of different types and economic levels is one way of blending with the locals and observing their day-to-day life. Flavors and how food are prepared and presented often…
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First-time in Qing Yun Rest House, Brunei
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We climbed a few steps along a narrow stairway to the entrance of Qing Yun Rest House in Block I of the Abdul Razak Complex in Gadong, Brunei Darussalam. The inn occupied the entire floor and there were only six rooms and a reception room. Apparently, Qing Yun Rest House…
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Victorias City opened its Organic Market and Pasalubong Center
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Victorias City, known as The Sweet Green City, located in the northern part of Negros Occidental, Philippines, is strengthening its organic farming industry with the recent opening of its Organic Market and Pasalubong Center. The local government believes that when it goes organic, it supports: O – Okay for you…
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15 Places to Visit in the Brunei-Muara District
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Bandar Seri Begawan or BSB, the capital of Brunei, is the main hub of this small wealthy nation. It is located in the Brunei-Muara District. Among the many capitals that I have visited, BSB is unique, because it has a laid back feel, where you get the luxury of time…
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Chino’s Deli at MassKara Festival
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Since this is the longest celebration of MassKara Festival, the Bacolod City Public Plaza is now teeming with food stalls since it started in October 1 and they are there to stay until October 23. It remind me of years past, during my student days when I had experienced the…
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First-time in Brunei: A Sparkling Jewel in Southeast Asia
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It was a spur of a moment decision and about a month to prepare. It all started with a simple inquiry of a friend about Brunei, and which I thought was an invitation to travel there. And it led to one wonderful adventure to “The Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures“, which…
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MassKara Festival 2018 Schedule of Events
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It’s this time of the year once again when my city is alive with colors, songs, and other attractions. Yes, October is MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, the capital of the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. But what is it all about and how did it all start? Read my…
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First-time in Lakawon Island: Tales from an Idyllic Retreat
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As the sun painted the horizon in vibrant hues of gold and crimson, casting a mesmerizing glow upon the rippling waves, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The ferry sliced through the crystal-clear waters, its bow carving a path toward an ethereal destination. The mere sight of Lakawon Island…