Apulit Island, Palawan

 An eco-tourism island sanctuary in north Palawan near the major town of Taytay and El Nido... Resort around the island like the Club Noah Isabelle were all superb. Famed for its beaches and diving. Although scuba diving in Apulit Island resort is a bit expensive comparing to its neighboring resorts. The like of El Nido are great too for scuba diving and snorkeling. The best month to go and hop is May. The transportation may as usual jeepney or taxis. Then by boat to the island will consume about an hour.

Taal Volcano, Philippines

                                        Space Shuttle photo taken last March 1992

This is an image of Taal volcano, near Manila on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The black area in the center is Taal Lake, which nearly fills the 30-kilometer-diameter (18-mile) caldera. The caldera rim consists of deeply eroded hills and cliffs. The large island in Taal Lake, which itself contains a crater lake, is known as Volcano Island.

                                       An overlooking view from inside the crater...

                                            Horseback riding going near the crater...

Hanging Garden of Babylon

Accounts indicate that the garden was built by King Nebuchadnezzar, who ruled the city for 43 years starting in 605 BC (There is a less-reliable, alternative story that the gardens were built by the Assyrian Queen Semiramis during her five year reign starting in 810 BC). This was the height of the city's power and influence and King Nebuchadnezzar constructed an astonishing array of temples, streets, palaces and walls.
According to accounts, the gardens were built to cheer up Nebuchadnezzar's homesick wife, Amyitis. Amyitis, daughter of the king of the Medes, was married to Nebuchadnezzar to create an alliance between the nations. The land she came from, though, was green, rugged and mountainous, and she found the flat, sun-baked terrain of Mesopotamia depressing. The king decided to recreate her homeland by building an artificial mountain with rooftop gardens.
 
The Hanging Gardens probably did not really "hang" in the sense of being suspended from cables or ropes. The name comes from an inexact translation of the Greek word kremastos or the Latin word pensilis, which mean not just "hanging", but "overhanging" as in the case of a terrace or balcony.
 

Boracay: White Sand Beach of the South

Boracay is a paradise island known overseas 20 years ago. Located in the province of Aklan. It is a small island developed by the local authorities through the help of national government, foreign investors attracted to build an island hotels and beach resorts as well as good relationship among the local dwellers. Visitors from around the globe are most welcome, because tourism is the main priority of the local government. Tourists visit here for a vacation and relaxation. The well-organized community are ready to served and protect for their visitors local and foreign individuals. Boracay can be reached from Manila to Kalibo (capital of Aklan) by daily flights... when you are in Caticlan, it takes 15 minutes rides to the island; from Kalibo, it takes an hour and a half by bus  and another 15 minutes by boat to get there.

Once on the island, you will find out the getting around is simple and easy. Friendly people smile at you all the time and ready to serve you. By form of transportation, you can ride pedicabs, tricycle and shuttle to roam around. This island often called "the world's most beautiful tropical island". What else would you do than to eat, drink and spice up your life. Visit this wonderful island and see what I mean.

This happy family have their own interpretation of happiness. Expressing love and affection would worked. They set their honeymoon in this far away island. They have travel almost 2 thousand kilometers to build more bridges of their honey-sweetie relationship. It works because their vacation  have been  more solid as the rock they hold. Like a Pyramid.  (Photo: Carol J. Danao)

Manila Ocean Park

The ocean park along Parade Avenue was opened two and a half years ago (Feb 24, 2008). This were supposedly open on December 17, 2007, but due to weather conditions, and also material not delivered on time, the opening date was moved. It is a state of the art Oceanarium joint project by Malaysian and Singaporean investors cost 1 billion pesos. Close to 300 marine species indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia will be showcased. Entrance fees to the Manila Ocean Park would be affordable to all — P250 for students, and P350 to P400 for regular patrons. The price though is reasonable. The funny thing was, I left Philippines (Feb 24, 2008) when it is opened.

Disneyland, Hong Kong

Don't forget your camera and video if you travel in this four themed land. It is the fifth Disneyland park around the world. They are Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Adventureland in Hong Kong Disneyland is the biggest one among all the Disneyland parks. An hour and forty-five minutes from Manila. This easy access will be an advantage to enjoy your vacation for 3 days. Grand attractions have been built and some other extension. Millions of visitors have visited here annually. Hotels found inside the perimeter, inspired by 1930's-1940's Hollywood. 

The spectacular fireworks display you are about to witness at the finale... everyone gathered in one place in front of the castle and the light swiftly lit up. A must-see because of its colorful displays. 

With unique scenic spots and Disney Theme Hotels, you can go escape from the real world, and make your dreams come true. The availability of delicious Chinese and Asian food is also a lure for many visitors and Disney fans. 

 

Still a dream for many of us to go and see what's in store in this fantastic and magical journey. Hopefully, sooner --- a destination, a fulfillment and a journey of a lifetime.