Let’s Visit Asia

If you’re looking for a place in Asia where the true religious and traditional meaning of Christmas is celebrated, your best bet would be in the Philippines. The archipelago, having been colonized by the Spaniards for 300 years is largely Catholic and Christmas is a big event. Although it has also become commercialized, particularly in the big cities, traditions and family-focused festivities still prevail. I should know; I just spent the holidays with the rest of the clan.
For more on Philippine culture, have a look at b5media’s FilipinaSoul, particularly these posts on Christmas celebrations:

Pasko Na!
You know it’s Christmas in the …read more

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Those who will be stopping over the Hong Kong International airport during the next few days, you can enjoy lots of shopping premiums until the 8th of January. Get free gifts for purchases starting at HK$800, and enjoy lots of discounts and other freebies.
For example, men might want to know that you can get a free 200ml bottle of JohnnieWalker Blue Label with purchase of HK$2,000 on JohnnieWalker Blue Label products. For the women, various discounts and surprises await you at the jewelry, perfumery and accessories shops.
Check out what goodies you can bring home — a belated Christmas gift, or …read more

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There’s a newly re-branded luxury resort in Langkawi, Malaysia you might want to check out: The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, formerly Sheraton Perdana.

Our 202 new guest rooms and suites boast beautiful panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, glorious woodlands, and scenic tropical gardens. A variety of room types allow you to select your own personal oasis. With the upcoming 20 ultra luxury private Ocean View Pool Villas guests are able to experience the luxurious Westin Lifestyle.
It’s not just a great venue for corporate affairs, or for a relaxing get-away, it might also be a great stop-over destination for business …read more

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Members of the oneworld frequent flyer program will be pleased to know that Dragonair has joined the network, providing its customers great connection to the main cities in mainland China, as well as other destinations in Asia.
The 12 China Mainland cities Dragonair adds to the oneworld network are Changsha, Chongqing, Chengdu, Fuzhou, Guilin, Haikou, Kunming, Nanjing, Ningbo, Sanya, Shenyang and Wuhan. The other three new destinations are Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Phnom Penh in Cambodia and Phuket in Thailand. Dragonair will provide oneworld customers with connections to Cambodia for the first time.
Naturally, for flights flown with Dragonair, oneworld members can …read more

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Just a short note to let you know that I’ve arrive safely, despite another typhoon, Seniang (International name: Utor). It’s been a shaky flight from Taipei to Manila yesterday, and it’s been wet and windy since I arrived. But as long as I’m safe on the ground, I guess I shouldn’t complain. At least they didn’t seem to have cancelled flights this time, unlike the last time.
Hope YOU are having a great time on your part of the world!

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In a few days, I’ll be off to Manila. My reason for going is not exactly a happy one, as I received news that my father has taken ill. Although I will be spending the Christmas holidays there, I expect it’ll be a bit somber than usual for us. I’ll try to keep this blog updated as much as possible, but if it’s a bit less often than usual, you know why.

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Tiger Airways is offering 40% off January travel. Just book until Dec 10, for flights between 8 – 31 Jan 07. The offer is good for all connections, except Singapore – Ho Chi Minh City flights.
Sounds like a good Christmas gift idea, eh?
Check out availability and book here.

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Ok, here are the results of the small poll conducted here in Let’s Visit Asia.
Question: What makes you think twice of visiting Asia?
Answers:
Political Instability: 26% of all votes
Tsunami, Earthquake, and other natural calamities: 26% of all votes
Health Reasons:16% of all votes
Too far, Too Remote: 32% of all votes
I was a bit surprised to see that there are more people concerned about the natural calamities than health reasons.Whenever I talk to people about travelling in Asia, I always get asked about vaccinations and diseases that are prevalent in Asia, particularly in the tropical regions. And then there’s the SARS outbreak a …read more

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From an update from INQ7:
NORTHWEST Airlines has canceled Flights 19 (Narita to Manila) and 71 (Nagoya to Manila) arriving Thursday night, as well as Flights 20 (Manila to Narita) and 72 (Manila to Nagoya) departing Friday, December 1, in preparation for Typhoon “Reming” (international codename: Durian), an official of the airline company said.
For more information and other inquiries, contact Northwest at 841-8800 or your travel agency.
In another report, Manila officials say they might have to divert other incoming flights to Hong Kong. If you’re headed to Manila in the next few days, contact your airlines or your travel agent to …read more

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Travelling in and out of Asia Pacific countries on business? If you don’t have the APEC Business Travel Card yet, go apply for one, or have your company process one for you.
What are the benefits of this card?

Fast-track entry and exit through special APEC lanes at major airports, and multiple short term entry to these economies for a minimum of 59 days stay each visit (click here for details).
No need to individually apply for visas or entry permits each time you travel to any of the participating APEC economies as the card is your visa.
Cards are valid for three …read more

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