Best Wedding Destinations in the World

Every couple is always looking for that one perfect place for the ceremony of their dream and choosing a venue is one of the biggest decisions they will make as an engaged couple. Every couple would always want to seal their love and devotion in a place where they feel romantic – be it in a beach, in the mountains, inside a church or in a garden.

Here as some suggestions for a great wedding destinations in the world before you say “I do” :

Hawaii

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The white sands and turquoise waters of Hawaii’s oases would really mesmerize any couple planning for a beach wedding. But aside from the pristine beaches;  the exhilarating cliffs and the lush mountains, make Hawaii one of the most loved wedding destinations in the world. It is best for couple who are looking for a venue that is closer to nature.

Bermuda

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The pink sand beaches and clear, cerulean blue ocean waters make Bermuda a popular wedding destination. The place is perfect for couple looking for a taste of tropics for their big day. There are also cliffs and other historical places that might also be considered as wedding venues.

Malaysia

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There are a lot of resorts and historical places in Malaysia perfect for a beach or a garden wedding.

Lake Gardens, for example, offer a tranquil and scenic view as couples exchange “I do’s.” Malaysia, actually, has a lot of tropical and exotic locations to choose from.

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France

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There are a lot of beautiful and inspiring wedding venues in France. There are museums, gardens, chateaus and never to forget the famous Alps. I guess, France, specifically Paris tops a couple’s list as it is known to be the city of love.

Greece

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How could a couple forget the place dubbed as one of the most romantic places on earth on the list? Santorini especially, is a great choice for a wedding venue. Exchange vows in a whitewashed chapel with a backdrop of a beautiful sunset, the breathtaking views and scenery of the cliffs. There are a lot of historical places in Greece wherein the couple would feel like gods and goddesses on their wedding day.

Mardi Gras Around the World

Mardi Gras is French word for “Fat Tuesday” which reflects the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the fasting of the Lenten season.

In some countries, it is called Shrove Tuesday referring to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday.

Mardi Gras all around the world

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Mardi Gras really showcases the enduring French traditions in New Orleans. It begins with a masked ball on the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6 but the largest and most elaborate parades take place the last five days of the Mardi Gras celebration.

Photo credit: Miguel Discart (Flickr)
Photo credit: Miguel Discart (Flickr)

Veracruz, Mexico

Mardi Gras in Veracruz is called Carnaval. Eight days before Lent, the festival kicks off with the quema del mal humor—the “burning of ill humor” in the form of an effigy of Satan or an unpopular political figure. The Carnaval is enjoyed with festive parades, floats, costumes, music, dancing, and all-night partying which cause the city of Veracruz to shut down all throughout the event.

Photo credit: Byron Howes (Flickr)
Photo credit: Byron Howes (Flickr)

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Cologne, Germany

Karneval, also known as Fasching in some parts of Germany, begins November 11 all the way through winter. In Cologne, the festive events include parades, balls, concerts, and traditional variety shows. The highlight of the carnival is Rose Monday which happens two days before Ash Wednesday. Cologne folks go out masqueraded and greet each other “Kölle Alaaf!”

Photo credit: LenDog64 (Flickr)
Photo credit: LenDog64 (Flickr)

Venice, Italy

The flamboyant Venetian Carnevale  is known to be the mother of all Mardis Gras celebrations. About two weeks before Lent, locals will be seen in authentic costume. Masks are an important feature of the Venetian celebration. Several distinct styles of mask are worn by people according to their occupation. Some of the most popular types of masks are bauta, a white mask covering the entire face; colombina, a half mask; and the Medico della peste which is a mask with a long beak.

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Patras, Greece

The Patras’s Carnival, Patrino karnavali, was inspired by Dionysus, the god of wine. It officially starst on St. Anthony’s Day (January 17) and stretches all the way into early March, and ends up with a lavish parade and a kite-flying competition. It is one of the largest festivities of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in the entire Europe.

Photo credit: linmtheu (Flickr)
Photo credit: linmtheu (Flickr)

Mardi Gras in the Philippines

The European countries and the United States are not the only places known for Mardi Gras celebration. The Philippine culture also showcases the festival with their own version of it like the the Ati-Atihan of Kalibo, Aklan celebrated every January 14 to 16; Iloilo’s Dinagyang from January 17 to 23; the Sinulog of Cebu City every January 23; and the Masskara Festival of Bacolod City every October 19. The Pasayahan sa Lucena in Quezon province also reflects the Mardi Gras. The grand parade highlights colorful costumes, props, elegant floats and street dancing.

Photo credit: Ree Dexter (Flickr)
Photo credit: Ree Dexter (Flickr)

Indulge in Romantic Places Around the World

There are some cities that just scream romance, hearts and flowers. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to take it all in and revel in love.

Love should be a year round event but everyday life can have us yearning for more time together, special moments, and fond memories. If there’s one day where we can all take the time to show that special someone just how much we love them it’s Valentines Day.

From the usual dreamy spots to the truly magnificent, we present places to visit and indulge on romance.

New York City, New York

Central Park represents the majestic in a city of hustle and bustle. Smack dab in the middle of urban life is a place where one can go on a romantic paddle around the lake, have a picnic in Sheep Meadow, or Ice skate at Wollman Rink.

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The Conservatory Garden, a six-acre garden offers a deluge of flowers where you can stroll along and appreciate.

Make sure to also visit the famous LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana on the corner of 6th Avenue and 55th Street in Manhattan.

Where to stay in New York City.

Verona, Italy

Can there be any place as romantic as that of Verona, Italy home to Juliet’s Balcony at Casa di Giulietta (Home of Juliet)? The tragic and devastating Shakespearean love story is one that strikes the heart of anyone who hears it.

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Witness a beautiful sunset on the skyline of Verona from Castel San Pietro.

During the Valentine weekend, 11-14 February the city of Verona dresses in red. The whole city goes all out to celebrate the day of hearts and love with a series of initiatives hosted by restaurants, bars, theaters and museums.

Romantic getaways in Verona.

Bali, Indonesia         

There are many places to choose in Asia to experience romance but Bali is among the top few and is often a wedding destination because of its gorgeous collection of beaches.

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The Balinese massage is one to be had and pampering that a couple can take joy together.

Have a cultural experience by visiting centuries-old temples such as the Tanah Lot, Goa Gajah, Uluwatu Temple, Besakih Temple and more.

Ocean view rooms in Bali.

Philippine Delicacies from North to South

Philippines is a very diverse nation. Diversity can be found in its culture, heritage, tradition and of course, food. Filipinos love to cook and to eat. Their love for food is the reason why there are a lot of delicacies to enjoy from the north to the southernmost part of the country.

Delicacies from Luzon

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Tupig

Intemtem or more commonly known by tourists as Tupig is a popular native delicacy from Pangasinan.  It is made from ground glutinous rice and young coconut strips wrapped in banana leaves then cooked over charcoal. Before, this delicacy is only available during Christmas, New Year and All Saint’s Day, but nowadays, it is being sold almost anywhere, especially in the fresh market, specialty shops and bus stations around Pangasinan, Tarlac and nearby provinces. Some local folks made variations to the usual tupig, some now have flavors like jackfruit, pandan, strawberry and purple yam.

Bibingkoy

Bibingkoy, a rice cake,  is a famous delicacy from Cavite. It is made up of glutinous rice stuffed with boiled mongo, then baked in an oven. It is made even special by a sauce made of gata (coconut milk) with scented langka (jackfruit) and sago (tapioca), which is poured over the bibingkoy.

Kalamay

Kalamay is a sticky Filipino rice cake, usually served during special occasions like holidays and town fiestas and is famous among the Tagalogs. This is made from glutinous rice flour, muscovado sugar, and coconut cream.  Kalamay is best enjoyed when sprinkled with Latik, a coconut residue.

Sinapot

Sinapot is a fried banana somewhat similar to turon.  This delicacy from Bicol is made from horizontally sliced Saba or Cardaba banana, mixed in a batter consisting of flour and eggs then deep fried.

Delicacies from Visayas

Simple Wikipedia
Simple Wikipedia

Binagol

Binagol is a sweet delicacy from Eastern Visayas, specifically Leyte. The name came from the word “bagol” the Visayan term for coconut shell. Binagol is a taro root mixture with glutinous rice and nuts. The taro mixture is contained in a polished coconut shell then a well is made at the center. A raw egg yolk is then dropped in the well then covered again with the mixture and steamed.

Inday  Inday

This repetitive-feminine named native delicacy from Iloilo which is made from rice, is actually a combination of two native delicacies – muasi (palitaw) and bukayo. It is similar to palitaw but is more firm and gummy which makes it more like a white kutsinta.

Salvaro

The Salvaro of Cebu are very thin and crispy biscuits. These oval coconut crackers are made from enriched wheat flour, sugar, sodium bicarbonate, shredded coconut, and shortening.

Caycay

Caycay is a famous comfort food in Cebu. This crunchy layered biscuits rolled in toasted peanuts

is made from flour, calamansi, sugar and peanuts. Local bakers in Cebu made some twists to the recipe, some biscuits are now topped of filled with peanuts.

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Delicacies from Mindanao

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Daral

Daral is a Tausug delicacy similar to lumpia or crepe. This delicacy which originally came from Jolo Sulu, is actually bukayo  (sweetened grated coconut) wrapped in a thin dough.

Pasung

Pasung is a cone-shaped steamed rice cake covered with a banana leaf. This sweet delicacy which is most common in Zamboanga, is usually prepared on Ramadhan Ifthar and is best eaten with hot coffee, tea or chocolate drinks.

Pali Kambing / Tibobol

Pali Kambing or Tibobol is an original Tawi-tawi delicacy. This sweet cylinder-shaped delicacy which is also common in Zamboanga is similar to Chinese buchi. It is made from banana rolled in flour then fried.

Panyalam

Panyalam is an exotic delicacy with crispy crust and edges from the Mansaka tribe of Compostela Valley. This famous Muslim dessert in Mindanao mainly in Zamboanga Region, is cooked deep fried using ingredients such as powdered rice, sugar, and coconut milk.

Four Amazing Vacation Destinations for Kids

Planning to go on vacation with your kids but can’t decide where? Here’s a list of places that offer fun and enjoyment not only for children but for the entire family.

Orlando, Florida, USA

There are so many attractive places and fun activities to do in Orlando, Florida, which makes it a dream destination for the young and young at heart. You can visit their world-class theme parks at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and Legoland Florida Resort. You can also watch exciting dolphin shows and killer whale performances at SeaWorld, take selfies with your favorite Hollywood celebrities at Madame Tussauds wax museum, experience thrilling roller coaster, hot air balloon, and Orlando Eye rides, and a whole lot more!

Lapland, Finland

Do you want to go to a place where Christmas never ends? Then pack your bags and head to Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland. Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa Claus. At the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, you will see Santa Claus every day with his hardworking helpers, the elves, and his reindeers. You and your kids can also send postcards to people you care about from the Santa Claus Main Post Office here. Other attractions of the Santa Claus Village include an igloo hotel, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as sleigh rides and snow mobile tours.

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Paris, France

You can also make your kids’ holiday vacation extra special by booking a trip to the city of Paris in France. Climb up the iconic Eiffel Tower. Learn more about France’s culture and history by visiting important museums and landmarks in Paris like the Musee du Louvre, Grevin Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Grand Palais, Conciergerie and Ecole Militaire, among many others. And while in Paris, bring the whole family to Champs-Elysees. This is where the locals hold their major celebrations like New Year’s Eve and the Bastille Day Military Parade. Restaurants, movie theaters, malls and luxury shops can also be seen around the area.

 Sentosa Island, Singapore

Sentosa is an island resort in Singapore that attracts a lot of tourists every year. Here, you will find the Tiger Sky Tower, Singapore’s tallest observation tower, which gives visitors a panoramic view of the island.  Looking for some outdoor adventure? Try the Skyline Luge. It’s a three-willed gravity ride that will get your adrenaline pumping. At Resorts World Sentosa, you can shop, dine, get pampered, and see the following top-rated attractions: Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Dolphin Island, The Maritime Experiential Museum, Trick Eye Museum and Tall Ship.

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