Category Archives: Asia

Chase the Winter Season in China

Winter in China is a cold one but it can also be enjoyable. In China, the average temperature is between -6 to 4 oC, and you need to brace yourself in this freezing climate. Take your winter clothes and see take in the majestic view of cities in China.

One of the best things you can do when you’re planning to take a vacation with your family is to take on these activities.

Love skiing? Beijing has a lot of ski resorts around the city. Nanshan Ski Resort, Wanlong Ski Resort, Shijinglong Ski Resort and Jundushan Ski Resort are some of the best place to go ski activities. Hop in to hot springs at Badaling and amaze with the frozen lake in Xiadu Park.

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Going northernmost part of China, you may check out the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival runs throughout January. Take a glimpse of world famous landmarks, such as the Great Wall and Disney Castle, made out of ice and snow and lit up with colorful lights.

Photo by Brian Jeffery Beggerly (Flickr)
Photo by Brian Jeffery Beggerly (Flickr)

If you’re looking for enchanting mountain snow scenery, check out the Yellow Mountain located at the Huangshan Prefecture, Anhui Province, Eastern China, about 300 km west of Hangzhou and 500 km southwest of Shanghai. It was listed by the UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Site in 1990.

Photo by Carl Mueller (Flickr)
Photo by Carl Mueller (Flickr)

You may enjoy seas of cloud at Yuanyang Rice Terraces located at the Kunming prefecture, southwest part of China. It is also known as China’s five most beautiful rice terraces. If you love taking pictures, this place is recommend for magnificent scenery.

Photo by François Philipp (Flickr)
Photo by François Philipp (Flickr)

Cameron Highlands in Malaysia

The beautiful landscape of Cameron Highlands in Malaysia is indeed breathtaking. Famous for its winding trails and tranquil surroundings, the extensive hill station was first developed by the British in the 1920’s.

Not only do they have these lush hills but they also have a strawberry farm, butterfly farm and rose garden to explore. Cameron Highlands is a popular tourist destination and is well preserved.

Photo credit: Fabian Greiler- Flickr
Photo credit: Fabian Greiler- Flickr

Tea Plantation

Tourists often book the guided “tea” tours to see the vast tea plantations. The tea industry is a thriving one in Malaysia particularly in Cameron Highlands.

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Strawberry Farm

Photo credit: amrufm- Flickr
Photo credit: amrufm- Flickr

Butterfly Park

Photo credit: Will Ellis- Flickr
Photo credit: Will Ellis- Flickr

Rose Garden

Photo credit: I'm "[Yi.En.Shawn]- Flickr
Photo credit: I’m “[Yi.En.Shawn]- Flickr

Do’s and Don’ts When Visiting Thailand Temples

Thai temples also known as “wats” are the beautiful representations of historical and cultural significance. Buddhism is a central element of Thailand culture. Monks have a certain identity and are surprisingly friendly and many speak English and have kept up with the times.

Thai temples are usually located in a courtyard with housing and small worship areas. The sheltered areas with Buddha statues are known as Bots. These areas are considered more sacred and as such rules of etiquette should be followed.

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  • Step over the threshold not on it when walking into a temple
  • Dress modestly covering your knees and shoulders
  • Remove your hats, sunglasses, shoes before entering

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  • Never turn your back away from the Buddha statue but rather back away facing the statue
  • Don’t touch sacred objects in the worship area
  • Do not raise yourself higher than the image of the Buddha
  • Sit with your legs underneath you when worshiping in the Bots area. Avoid pointing your feet at the image of the Buddha

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  • If you are sitting, stand up when monks or nuns enter the Bot
  • Use your right hand when giving or receiving something from a monk
  • Women are not allowed to touch a monk or his robes or cross their legs in the presence of a monk
  • Treat monks with the highest respect
  • Don’t point at a monk or Buddha statue, either with your fingers or feet.

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  • Don’t touch a Buddha
  • Smoking, spitting, chewing gum, or eating are not allowed
  • Don’t photograph or disturb monks or others who are worshiping
  • Learn a few basic phrases in Thai, like ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’
  • Turn off your mobile phone
  • Keep your voice low at all times

VISIT THE THAILAND TEMPLES NOW

Fabrics and Culture: Some of the best Fabrics in the Philippines

One of the best souvenirs that you may bring home from your trip to the Philippines are clothes that are locally woven and made. By bringing these home, you carry the Filipino Heritage with you. Here are some of the fabrics that you might want to check when you are in the Pearl of the Orient.

  1. Ifugao Tapis

The tapis is usually a piece of cloth that is wrapped around one’s body as clothing. The “Alampay” of the North is a kind of handwoven fabric that is used to wrap one’s waist.

Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
  1. T’boli T’nalak

This fabric from the T’Boli tribe in the southern part of the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, is a rare product, since the weavers aren’t as numerous as before.

Tboli Tnalak Flickr Constantine Agustin

  1. Jusi and Pina

These two are both from the pineapple plant, and are traditionally used to make Barong Tagalogs, or the Philippine National Costume for Males.

Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
  1. Abaca

The Abaca is one kind of Filipino Fabric that has been known worldwide for the longest time. Strong and strudy, this expensive fabric is usually made into slippers and ropes.

Photo credit: Flickr Ronald Tagra
Photo credit: Flickr Ronald Tagra
  1. Abel Iloco

Made from “sagut” or a locally grown cotton fabric, this kind is also found in the northern part of the country. This handmade fabric may be made into garments, bags, and others.

Viva Pinas | Filipino Festivals in July

Viva! Pinas is a series that features some Philippine Festivities to help you plan the itinerary of your next vacation to the Pearl of the Orient. This time, we feature some of the festivals during the month of July.

1. Sandugo Festival

This is a festival that is celebrated every July in celebration of the friendship between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

Sandugo Festival
Photo Credit: boholsandugofestival.com/

2. Kinabayo Festival

This colorful festival is held in Dapitan every July to commemorate the city’s conversion to Christianism during the 1600’s.

Kinabayo Festival
Photo Credit: dapitancity.gov.ph

3. Cordillera Day

Cordillera Day is celebrated with colorful dances and good food in commemoration of the founding of the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Cordillera Day
Photo Credit: cpaphils.files.wordpress.com

4. Pagoda Festival

This is celebrated every July, in commemoration of the Holy Cross of Wawa. The Cross is paraded in a special pagoda along the Pasig River, accompanied by other pagodas in a parade.

Pagoda Festival
Photo Credit: bulacan.gov.ph