Tag: Southeast Asia
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50 Things to See in ASEAN Countries
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On August 8, 1967, five countries banded together to form the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These are Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines. Now, the ASEAN marks its 50th year and it has grown into 10 countries, which now includes Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. I realized…
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Philippine interconnectivity with Palau and Guam
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There’s good news for Palau and Guam! And this is good news even for travelers heading to these places, too. There is  a recent development in terms of interconnectivity with Southeast Asia and the US that will create milestones on the services and communities of Palau and Guam. Things will…
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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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Visita Iglesia in Bacolod and Bago
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No longer familiar with the city where I grew up, I relied on my sister and Google in plotting our Visita Iglesia, or the traditional church visitation every Holy Week, around Bacolod. Since we have not visited that many churches in our own hometown, we thought of going to churches…
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It’s More Fun in the Philippines videos
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Smiles. Laughter. Fun. Whatever the circumstance is, Filipinos always find a reason to inject humor or joy into it. And with the catchy campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, I’d like to share several videos why it’s truly fun to come to my country. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADNgEHFDYzo&feature=player_embedded] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YgQJBajMdg&feature=player_embedded] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8nYOf2gcNE&feature=player_embedded]
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First-time acquaintances in Batanes
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In this particular trip, I realized that I have paid a lot of attention to the people I’ve been with and I met in the journey. I’m not sure if it was the isolation of Batanes from the rest of the Philippines, perched atop this archipelagic nation. Or, it must…
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First-time in the Ruins, Talisay
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I went home last Christmas with a mission: to visit another tourist spot in my own province. It helps to know what’s going on in my own backyard, such as the Ruins in Talisay City, so that when I travel, I also get to talk about interesting things about my…
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Highlight of 2009: My first-time travels
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Watching travelers in an airport coffee shop while waiting for my flight, I couldn’t help but wonder what 2010 has for me when it comes to traveling. Of course, 2009 was a good one. I have covered almost 20,000 miles, visited four countries, and enjoyed several beaches and landmarks. It…
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First-time in Calauit Island: A Sanctuary for Animals
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As Alex the lion, Melman the giraffe, Marty the zebra, and Gloria the hippo escaped to Madagascar and to Africa, we also had a little escapade of our own into a small island in the Calamian group in Palawan, called Calauit. It’s a wildlife sanctuary created by the Philippine government.…
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First-time in Coron: A Paradise in the Philippines
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Coron is one of the must-see places in my list of destinations within my home country, the Philippines. Together with Busuanga, Culion, and several islands, they form the Calamian group of islands in the northern tip of the Philippine province of Palawan. Though not as hyped as Bali or Boracay…
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First-time in Sentosa: The Island Escape of Singapore
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Sentosa is an island in Singapore that has been home to the tiny state’s major recreation spots. The once fishing village island was formerly known as “Pulau Belakang Mati” which literally means as “island”, “behind” and “death” because so many people died at the other side of the island during…
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First-time to volunteer vacation in Oriental Mindoro
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The eastern side of the Mindoro Island—Oriental Mindoro—is known for the white sand beach at Puerto Galera. Apart from Boracay, it is one of the most sought-after beach destinations in the Philippines because of its proximity to the main island of Luzon. Despite its popularity, this writer, unfortunately, has not…
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First-time in Siem Reap: An Expedition into Cambodia’s Jewel
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Coming from Kuala Lumpur and flying early morning to Siem Reap, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Flying over Tonle Sap Lake, the small houses and boats were first barely discernible until figures of Buddhist temples and typical Asian architecture came into shape that I realized we have truly…
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First-time in Kuala Lumpur: Exploring the Vibrant Heart of Malaysia
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As the airplane descends, my heart quickens with anticipation. The sprawling cityscape of Kuala Lumpur, or KL as others would want to shorten it, is a few hours away. I couldn’t wait to experience the tapestry of towering skyscrapers, verdant parks, and vibrant streets. Upon arrival at KL by bus…
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Prelude to Malaysia-Cambodia-Vietnam visits
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Years ago, after my return to the Philippines from a seven-month stay in Indonesia, I gifted myself with a Southeast Asian Travel Guide. It was sold on a very big discount because it’s the non-updated version. I didn’t mind and I figured that it would always be useful and I…