Let’s Visit Asia

Only 24 cities have officially signed up for the Earth Hour 2008, held on March 29 — Bangkok and Manila the two Asian cities among them. What is Earth Hour?
Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.
So for 60 full minutes last Saturday, these …read more

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Am I glad to note that the Manila Peninsula is back to normal operations and is welcoming guests once more, after the being the center of the recent coup attempt in Manila. The Manila Peninsula is by far my favorite hotel in the Philippines.

If you find yourself in the megacity this holiday season, check out the Peninsula’s holiday season programs: concerts, lunch and dinner buffets, gala ball… everything you need to make it a truly festive holiday season!

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Seems like lately, Manila is not the safest place to be. Short after the Glorietta blasts, here’s comes a more serious threat: an brewing coup d’etat.
Detained Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and other officers accused of leading the July 2003 rebellion walked out of their trial Thursday and marched through the streets of Makati calling for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Well, politics aside, if you’re traveling in Manila, expect disrupted traffic, at the very least. And I hope you’re not billeted at the Manila Peninsula hotel.

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Thrill rides is your thing? Here’s a fun place for the family to see next time you’re in Manila: The Global Fun Carnival at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Until Jan 15, 2008, admission fees are just 100 pesos (about $2.35), with ride-all-you-can tickets pegged at P250 to 300. See Sherra’s pics and comments of their recent visit to the Global Fun Carnival.

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My heartfelt condolences to the casualties of the blast in a shopping mall in Manila, Philippines last week. As of writing, it is still uncertain whether the blasts have been accidental or due to bomb explosions.
Just as I was starting to build confidence in the security in the Philippines to the point of even considering a vacation in the southern islands, such jarring news comes.
Inquirer is keeping an updated special feature blog of the developments in the Glorietta blasts.

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From one tropical paradise to another. Hawaiian Airlines just announced that, pending U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approval, it plans to fly between Honolulu and Manila starting March 2008.
Hawaiian plans to start service with four or more flights per week, which will more than double current capacity on the nonstop route and enable significant growth in traffic. Hawaiian’s research shows that approximately 170,000 people traveled between Manila and Hawaii during the past year.
I’d like to add that statistic next year!

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The Mandarin Oriental in Manila has opened a new bar: the Martinis.
Martinis is more than the city’s newest hotspot for drinks, it’s also become the place to go for live jazz in a sophisticated Art Deco setting. World-class jazz performed by a talented chanteuse-led band is on offer every night as is a martini menu that is well worth investigating, with such temptations as Ginger Martinis, Sake Martinis, Choco-chilli Martinis, Dirty Martinis and Cosmopolitans. The classics are here, too, from Singapore Slings to Mojitos and Margaritas –all mixed with flair and offered alongside a range of scrumptious bar snacks and …read more

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For the longest time, travellers have had to pay $10-11 or PhP550 as airport tax, or “Airport Users Charge” as it is now called, on their way out of the Philippines. On my last trip however, this has risen to $15, or PhP750. Based on the breakdown written on the receipt, the additional 200 pesos apparently are security development charges.
Which I find ironic, because never had I breezed through the Manila airport as easily as this last visit. Gone were at least two check points. Hmm.

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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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