My Greetings to All !!!

SeaWorld Adventure Park

This holiday season create family memories at SeaWorld. Enjoy festival decorations, live entertainment, holiday animals and special nighttime holiday shows starring Shamu and Clyde & Seamore. Plus, with 14 months of unlimited admission, free parking, and savings on food, merchandise and guest admission.

ref: westways

Ramada Plaza Hotel

Deluxe guestroom. Double occupancy. 5 minutes to the Zoo, Sea World. Old Town State Park and San Diego Beaches. Full service restaurant and English Pub. Available pool, Spa and free parking.

ref: westways

Old Town Inn

Heated swimming pool is available. Also family suites accomodation. 2 1/2 miles from Sea World. Four miles from the Zoo and Beaches. Walk to Old Town and Trolley Station Attraction.

ref: westways

Carlsbad by the Sea

1 mile to LEGOLAND. Convenient coastal location. Contemporary shuttle. 90 upscale boutique shops and restaurants. Mitues to beaches and local attractions. Outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi.

ref: westways

La Jolla Cove

Walk to La Jolla Cove village restaurant. Pet friendly. Minutes to major attractions. Your family will enjoy your stay here.

ref: westways

The Old Windmill

Brisbane’s first European discovery was made by explorer John Oxley in 1823, although Aboriginal tribes had lived in the area for thousands of years. After abandoning the initial settlement at Redcliffe, a new settlement was established upstream on the banks of the river. Oxley named both the river and the new settlement ‘Brisbane’ after the then Governor of New South Wales.

Brisbane’s early history developed around it being a penal colony for the most hardened of convicts and its reputation for harsh treatment under the command of Captain Logan became well known. With the arrival of the first free settlers and the Petrie family to the area in 1937 the push to close the penal settlement began and in 1842 the Moreton Bay area was opened to free settlement.

The settlement continued to grow, developing with the discovery of gold in various locations around Queensland in the middle of last century. In 1859 Queensland became a separate colony with Brisbane as its capital. It is now a thriving city of 1.25 million people and is the administrative and commercial center for the state.

ref: brisbanevisitorsguide

Alaska Railroad

Take a ride on the Alaska Railroad and see the heat of the Last Frontier. From Seward, past the majestic Mt. McKinley and on to Fairbanks, through the pristine beauty that is so uniquely Alaska.

ref: sierra

Provincetown

Endless Beauty, Boundless Fun. Miles of sandy beaches, magnificent dunes, breathing whales, classic lighthouses and spectacular sunset sails at the tip of Cape Cod. Fish, bike, play tennis and take a carriage ride through historic streets of world-class art galleries, shops, museums, restaurants and intriguing nightlife. Welcome to Provincetown, where the Pilgrims first landed and the excitement never ends.

ref: sierra

The Seasoned Traveler

Spring, summer, fall, the holidays.. no matter what the time or tide..the Steamship Authority is the way to get to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. Year-round, we have the newest and largest ships, the lowest fares and the most frequent daily sailing. Sail from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard or Hyannis to Nantucket.

Spacious decks, snack bars. Coast Guard certified crews. No passenger resevations needed. All ships handicapped-accessible. Do what sesoned travelers do time and time again-sail aboard the Steamship Authority.

Historic Value Vacations

Enjoy all that Plymouth has to other by creating Historic Value Vacations for stays of three nights/four days or more which include admission to most attractions and activities. Free Plymouth Vacation Planner. Plymouth is the heart of the perfect New England vacation!

Pilgrim Sands Motel

Listen to the waves lapping the beach. Smell the salty air. Stroll on the sand a few steps from your door. A short 45-minute drive south of Boston (before the bridge) in America's Hometown, Plymouth!

Plymouth Harbor

Cruise from Plymouth Harbor to view the world's largest mammals...or spend a day deep sea fishing. Capt. John Boats operates daily whale watch cruises or fishing trips aboard modern, comfortabe vessels. Capt. John Boats also offers round trip ferry service from Plymouth to Provincetown. Take our harbor cruise featuring a narrated hitsory of America's hometown.

John Carver Inn

At the John Carver Inn you are just a few steps away from all Plynouth attractions and Plymouth Rock. Recently renovated with 79 charming guest rooms, the John Carver retains the cozy warmth and hospitality of a New England inn. Each room features cable TV, phone, AC and room service. Our award-winning Hearth 'n Kettle Restaurant and Tavernate located conveniently on the premises. Outdoor pool, ample parking, meeting rooms and gift shop. Trolley service at our door. Our exclusive Passport to History package is custom tailored to your interests and provides admission to the attractions you want to see.

Plymouth National Wax Museum

Learn the Pilgrim's Story at Plymouth National Wax Museum. Located on top of Cole's Hill overlooking Plymouth Rock, the Plymouth National Wax Museum is a perfect place to begin you Plymouth visit. Over 180 life-size figures in 26 scenes tell the Pilgrim Story from their religious persecution in England, their flight to Holland, and the crossing of the Atlantic in the Mayflower to settle a colony in the wilderness of New England.

Plimoth Plantation

Visit the people of 1627 at Plimoth Plantation.

Plimoth Plantation, a living replica of the Pilgrim's first settlement, is one of this country's great historic attraction. Costumed interpreters present a view of Colonial life that will truly astound you. You will feel as if you were transported back in time of Plymouth of the 17th century as you interasct with the re-created characters in this ongoing live drama.

The Cove

The Cove at Yarmouth.

The vacation you've dreamed of at the largest resort on Cape Cod. Enjoy the indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, tennis, raquetball & squash courts. Experience a romantic picnic and your own private whirlpool bath.

Goat Island South

Discover Newport's Best Kept Secret.

Surrounded by ocean, cool breezes and spectacular views, Goat Island South is Newport's premier residential community. island amenities feature a full-service marina, swimming pools, tennis, restaurants and pubs to name a few.

Dunk Island

Dunk Island remains as beautiful and enchanting as it was when Captian Cook named it in 1770.

Much has remained the same since those days. The rainforest is virtually untouched, and the exotic flora and fauna are as stunning as ever, providing a spectacular backdrop for our 148 suite resort. Visitors can fashion their own holiday from a wide selection of possibilities, whether they simply wander through the island's magnificent surrounds, discover the rich underwater life with a mask and snorkel, or try their hand at a myriad of activities (from golf to sailboarding). Dunk Island truly has something for everyone.

You might miss a lot?

An 1840's Federal Colonial located on the Main Street of Edgartown. Enjoy lively conversation in the living room of library as the innkeepers share their experience on a 2-year family sailing cruise to Haiti and the Caribbean and Linda's efforts to help tear down the catch in our gazebo with other guests. Enjoy the use of our complimentary guest automobile.

15 rooms with private baths and air-conditioning, all lovingly and cheerfully furnished in antique pine, maple and cherry. 10 fireplaces.

Experience it here . . . Madeira Beach Yacht Club

Located just two short blocks from the public beach, situated on the Intracoastal Waterway. Water is an important part of this facility as it includes boat dock, fishing piers and two swimming pools. Land lovers will relax in the recreation building with billiards, pingpong, sauna, exercise rooms, and more. Located across from the city park with handball and lighted tennis courts. Convenient to shopping, restaurants, drug store and the post office.

Pretty Spot

Noosa is one of the prettiest spots along the Queensland coast with a picturesque main street filled with stylish cafes and small boutiques. Noosa also has a great National Park with pathways along the cliffs, to several idyllic beaches. Along the way you'll pass through coastal woodland that is the home of koalas and a host of native birds, while offshore yu can often spot dolphins playing in the waves.

The Sunshine Coast, however, is more that just Noosa with endless stretched of sandy beach and several small resorts sprinkled along the 60 kms that make up this part of the coast.

Kauai

Surrender to Kauai’s natural beauty, found in myriad landscapes: dramatic panoramas of three North Shore, the sunny dry stretch of the Coconut Coast, and the golden beaches at Poipu and Kalapaki.

The Good Life at Casino Filipino

Entertainment lovers and leisure seekers visiing the Philippines will find what they have been looking for when they visit Casino Filipino. Whether they are seeking exciting games fo chance or fine dining or classy musical entertainment, it can be found in an atmosphere of warmth and genuine hospitality.

The Bamboo Organ

Built from 1816 to 1824, the organ of San Jose Church in Las Pinas has been played by famous organists from all over the world during the annual Bamboo Organ Festival.

Quiapo Church

This is one of the old church and a Historical one in Manila ..... QUIAPO CHURCH. Many devotees came here to ask to God all the blessings.

The Outside

The Inside

We have here the Black Nazarene. When it will be celebrated, many attended the procession of that Black Nazarene. Just take a peep look of how the people sacrifice as long as they saw their Saint.

The Procession

Paco Church

It is actually a former municipal cemetery for the well-heeled and established aristocratic Spanish families. Again this is one of the edifices built during the Spanish regime completed in 1820.

On December 30, 1896, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, was interred in Paco Park after his execution in Bagumbayan (Luneta). In 1966, the park was converted into a national park during the term of President Diosdado Macapagal.

Baclaran Church

One of the most visited Churches in Manila every Wednesday is the Baclaran Church. And it will be also one of the busiest church this Christmas!

Manila Bay

The famous Manila Sunset along Roxas Boulevard

DAKAK

Imagine strolling on a pristine powdery white sand beach. . . looking across a beautiful shaped island cove stretching out to deeper blue waters . . . picture gazing a sunset horizon while lying on a harmmock set under lush native trees, hearing the waves clash quietly against the shore. . . . only a few relaxing pleasures we have to offer.

The Resort

Our resort boasts of 15 hectares of wooded land, a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, providing the ideal setting for a 750 meter private beach blanketed with powdery white sand. Natural spring water and tumbling waterfalls feed our resort's two pol, whilst providing the ultimate hideway at a private open air jacuzzi where you can relax in the sauna and whirlpool amidst an atmosphere of blissfulsolitary refinement. Spend your days on a neon sailboard weaving skillfully among the masts, waterski on calm turquoise seas or discover vibrant marine life in crystal clear waters! The resort's Aqua Sport Centre becomes a mecca for watersport enthusiasts and for divers, the ultimate diving experience awaits as you explore Dakak's many nearby coral reefs.

PAGUDPUD

On the way to Pagudpud

A nice view to a Northern Luzon’s rugged coastline

Pearlfarm Beach Resort

Pearlfarm Beach Resort is among the country's world class resorts. It is located in Davao City which is considered by many expats an ideal place to live for retirement. Pearlfarm Beach is in Samal Island just few minutes away from the mainland of Mindanao.



The tropical climate makes this resort an ideal place for vacation thoughtout the year. Like any other beaches, not just its natural landscape that a tourist will consider but the variety of foods that are available here such as tropical fruits, sea foods of course and the warm hospitality of the Filipinos.

Boracay

I hope when you visit the Philippines you will have your vacation here. It will be perfect for the family to stay and have their memorable tour.

Boracay is a small island set on the north tip of Panay just 45 minutes flight from Manila. It is about 10 km long and not much more than 1km wide and it is by far the most popular and best known of all the destinations here in the Philippines.

Panglao Island Nature Resort

Just look at the place. How romantic and peaceful.




Panglao Island Nature Resort in Bohol is a perfect getaway place to escape the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle. It is located in Dauis, one of the two municipalities that politically divides the island of Bohol.


There are two things that make this resort special among the many resorts located in the island of Bohol. First is the green landscape composed of various species of trees and plants and second is the open swimming pool with a magnificent view of the resort’s white sand beach. This made skinny dipping into the warm water of the pool during night time romantic and peaceful. Perfect for honeymooners and couples who are out to relax and enjoy each other’s company.


Another attraction of the resort is a man-made islet located just a few meters away from the beach. This man made islet serves as a diving and snorkeling spot during high tide.

El Nido Palawan

Visit Palawan's stunning archipelago, El Nido. Explore remote beaches and snorkel in hidden lagoons, island hopping through the crystal clear waters of El Nido's rich marine sanctuary...

El Nido is located in the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, Philippines. Established as a marine reserve. El Nido's majestic limestone cliffs are estimated to be 250 million years old. With 200 species of tropical fishes, more than 100 species of corals, and three species of endangered sea turtles. El Nido's forests are host to 100 species of birds. You can snorkel with tropical reef fishes. A short kayak ride away are the spectacular big and small lagoons. And 0ver 50 pristine islands to explore.

Mt. Everest

If you want to climb to the highest mountain in the world you have to go to Himalaya Mountain whose snow-covered peaks form the highest mountain range on earth.

There, on the boarder of Nepal and Tibet in Asia, is Mt. Everest—the worlds highest mountain. It towers 29,028 feet – almost five and a half miles – above sea level. (Usually a mountain’s height is given in feet above sea level because this is approximately the same all over the world).
By using special instruments and mathematics, surveyors can measure the height of a mountain without actual climbing it.

Altogether, 28 Himalayan peaks rise higher that 25,000 feet to form an almost impassible mountain wall between India and the rest of Asia. Many people think that the Himalayas are the home of the legendary Abominable Snowman.

Jerusalem

So peaceful looking place. One of my dream is to visit this place where Jesus Christ was born. I want to feel the holiness of the place. I wish God will grant us someday!

Amazing Thailand – 4

Hello everyone! As this is our last trip to Thailand, I hope you enjoyed with me. The next time we will have again our travel to another beautiful place.



Day Six: The return trip to Bangkok of well another three hours was interspersed with interesting stops: first, to Dan Kwian Pottery Village, second, to the Outlet Village, and lastly, the National Corn and Sorghum Research Center where one can eat the sweetest corn.

Our last night in Bangkok was concluded with a final journey to the enchanted kingdom of Siam through a magical presentation at Siam Niramit that brought us to the ancient kingdom of Lanna, the South Sea, the Khmer civilization, Ayunthaya, fiery hell, mystical Himapaan, and finally, to blissful heaven. The stage of Siam Niramit transforms into a mountain, a river, heaven and hell in the blink of an eye, and is certified by Guinness as the highest stage in the world.

Day Seven: Shopping in Bangkok is a must, particularly in MBK, Platinum, and Prattunam. Before flying back to Manila via TG 624, delegates were given this luxury.

At the end of the Mega Familiarization tour, new friendships were formed, new destinations were discovered, and everybody had this to say: We had fun in I-San!

Amazing Thailand - 3

Leeches, Moss, and Waterfalls

Day Four: Team Philippines trooped to Khao Yai National Park, named a World Heritage Site for a flora and fauna experience. The 20-minute drive up the mountain was in a truck, the Thai’s version of the jeepney with a higher stainless roofing and at least two ceiling fans. All donned socks there to keep the leeches off. The trek took 30 minutes and the leeches had a blast getting into the shoes. From the park, they proceeded to haew Narok Waterfalls where Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach movie was filmed. Lunch was home-cooking at its best. Fueled with the spicy food, they moved on to visit the Matchada Thai Silk Village to look at the weaving process. Silk is unique to Paktongchai. Fold dance and upbeat music too. At the Thao Suranari Monument, the delegates of each country were presented with commemorative sandstone carving for visiting I-Sand and helping to promote its tourism potentials. The Sima Thani Hotel was their home in Pakchong.

Day Five: The I-San Tourism Forum kicked off with a blast at the Sima Thani with the delegates declaring that “I-San” has the biggest smile in all of Thailand. It also serves as the gateway to Khmer civilization and this saw at the Phimai sanctuary which was believed to have been built in the 16th Buddhist century during the reign of King Suriyaworaman I. The characteristics of the ruins are similar to Angkor Wat. With Minister Kowsurat leading tourism officials, a lights and sound show of the Vimayanataka Story was presented in all its splendid glory – truly a feast to the eyes and the senses.

Amazing Thailand – 2

Amazing Countryside, Vineyard, Farm, Cowboys

Day Three: The bus ride to Pak Chong District in Nakhon Ratchasima province was a full three hours with toilet and humor stops as provided by our amiable guide Simon. As the fresh scent of the countryside lulled us to complacency and quiet expectancy of what was to come.




Granmonted vineyard in the scenic Asoke Valley of Khao Yai National Park, one of the world heritage sites, is a family estate established by the Lohitnavy’s from what used to be a cornfield. The vineyard is reminiscent of those found in California’s Napa Valley. Its unique features include Vincotto, a homestyle cooking restaurant that serves the juiciest Braised Veal Shank and Pork Ribs, the tastiest Pacific Dory, and the hard-to-resist grape tarts.

Farm Chocchai offers the best facilities for camping, which include 50 large boutique tents with airconditioning, open shower and bathroom facilities (where the shortest showers reportedly take place, ice cream workshop, dairy farm, and rodeo show. It’s return-to-nature kind of trip with all the comforts and amenities.

Thongsomboon Club is truly one in the Kingdom and is the perfect vacation spot for families. The attractions here are the Flying Fox, Buggy Family Ride, Rodeo, Skylift, Go-Karting, Rodeo, Horseback Riding, and accommodations in covered wagons and airconditioned teepees. Delegates from all over the world were treated to a cowboy night. The host resort in Pakchong was Juldis Khao Yai Resort and Spa.

Amazing Thailand - 1

Good day to all of you! We are going to travel now in Thailand. Many said that this country is one of the beautiful Asian country. So let me just share with you what all I’ve know in the country of Thailand. As you come along with me, you will feel that you are also traveling in real.

Thailand is a safe country to visit

At the welcome reception that launched the Visit Thailand Year 2009 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Tourism and Sports Minister Kowsurat downplayed the violent dispersal of demonstrators in front of the Parliament Building in downtown Bangkok by saying that “Thailand is a safe and secure country to visit. Thailand is beautiful, warm, and hospitable.”

TAT Governor Phornsiri Manoharn pointed out the seven wonders of Thailand which are: Thainess, Treasures, Beaches, Nature, Wellness, Trends and Festivities. “Life continues as usual in Bangkok and in the rest of Thailand, Companies and shops are operating as usual”.

TG president Apinan Sumanaseni said he was pleased to co-host the invitation to Visit Thailand 2009. “Amazing Thailand will give you a very pleasant experienced and lots of fond memories.

Taal … Turning Back Time – 4

A Town of Culture and Heritage

Aside from a tour back in time, a visit to the town of Taal will not be compete without its famous delicacies and products. In order to have a complete experience of what it was like to be there during Spanish times, tasting local delicacies is something to look forward to. Tourists can indulge in the excellent tapang taal, the local version of adobo, and the scrumptious empanadang gulay, tableas (chocolate balls) and suman for afternoon merienda madness.



Taal’s public market contains stalls of their fine products which are known through the country. Guests can go through different stalls of hand- and machine- embroidered raw or finished barong tagalong, table linen, and fashion products.

Taal ... Turning Back Time - 3

Hometown of Miraculous Churces





Caysasay Church of Taal in Barrio Labac enshrines the miraculous 400-years-old image of Our Lady of Caysaysay. The miraculous image attracts legions of devotees from many parts of the country. It was in 1619, after a woman named Catalina Talayan witnessed an apparition on the rocky hillside of the village of Caysaysay, that the image started to five our miracles.

The Town of Taal also prides itself on having one of the largest Catholic Basilica in Asia, the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, more popularly known as Taal Basilica. The imposing church emanates an old-world simplicity and has replica of Our Lady of Caysaysay. The Basilica was dedicated to the town’s patron saint St. Martin of Tours and was built in 1755 but was rebuilt a century later after it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1849.

Taal ... Turning Back Time - 2

Remnants of the Revolutions

The early 20th century ancestral house of Don Gregorio Agoncillo is among the interesting heritage houses in Taal. Don Gregorio was an active supporter of the Philippine Revolution against the colonial government during the Spanish period.

The revolutionary hero also launched the modernization program of the sugar industry in Batangas which catapulted the economy of the provicn3e during his time into new heights. Aside from intricate antique items and interiors, another interesting fact about the house is that it was also the home of Marcela Agoncillo, the principal seamstress of the firs and official flag og the Philippines.



Another distinguished heritage hone in the town is the ancestral house of the Villavicencios. It is the home of Dona Gliceria Marcella de Villavicencio, one of the heroic women who contributed great sums of money and energy to the revolution. She was named the Patroness General of the Revolutionary Host when the Philippine Republic announced its independence in 1898.

The interior of Villavicencio house is painted with elaborate bright colors, while the ceiling is decorated with him, embossed with a floral motif. Another interesting feature of the house is their hand painted canvas walls. The designs on the wall are done in fashionable art nouveau style by Emilio Alvero, the era’s famous architect, painter and interior designer.

Taal ... Turning Back Time - 1

Near the Breathtaking beauty of Taal Volcano is a town that has managed to stop time. The hill town of Taal, Batangas contains sites and scenery that are impervious to time and allows guests to visit the past, making entertaining discoveries about our country’s history.

Two hours from the hustle and bustle of the metro, the town of Taal is among the few surviving 19th century Philippine towns. The town is composed of ancestral houses and centuries-old churches that date back to the Spanish and American colonial eras yet are preserved in their origin forms.

Rusttic Appeal of the 19th Century

The ancestral houses, the fresh air, and the nostalgic ambiance of Taal and its proximity to the metro set this place apart from the few remaining heritage towns in the country. The cluster of 19th century Spanish colonial stone houses (bahay na bato) have beautiful urbanscapes in the country.

A tour of the gracious and quaint town of Taal will lead to an entertaining exploration of the history of the country. As tourists make their rounds of the town, they will discover the pre-eminent stature of Taal in Philippine economic, political and social history, for it was the most important urban center next to Manila in Spanish times.

Among the important discoveris for tourists is how much Taal contributed to the patriotic pursuits of its old landed gentry, who helped the country gain its independence. Some of these ancestral houses are still private residences. The ground floors are usually made of stone while the second floor is made of wood. Many of these houses are located near the town hall.

My Augustinian Church Visit - 2

Good morning. Are you still there folks. I hope so. Folk out there, I’m sure you don’t want to miss to know what happened to my visit. Let me continue now.

At the entrance of the museum, we saw a granite lion sculpture that acts as a reminder of Chinese influence to Filipino culture. And we went inside the museum and looked at every statue displayed that made me think how great is there importance given to the preservation of the remains for the history of the Augustinian church.

We already went around the museum and saw Fr. Blanco’s garden and everything inside the museum especially the paintings telling the story of St. Augustine and the Augustinian church itself plus the statues of some saints. Two of them that I saw were St. Thomas Villanova, the patron saint of Valencia, Spain and St. Michael the Archangel who is one of the principal angels and fought in heaven against the evil.

Since series of weddings are happening inside the church, we are not able to go inside and look for its paintings, sculptures and statues but we were able to go to its choir loft. There, you can see the beauty of the whole church and a very big songbook that is maybe for the choir members sitting on 68 huge chairs. The songs in the book were written on maybe Spanish. After that, we took our picture at the garden.

I actually have a plan to go back and go inside the church when no weddings are taking place.

My Agustinian Church Visit - 1

Hello folks! I just remember that I have something to share with you about my visit in one church here. It was a nice visit. Let me share it with you now….


As we reached Intramuros, certain excitement entered my heart as if something different awaits me. It is our first time to go there that’s why views and ways inside were stranger to us. We really do not know where to go first. We are suppose to enter into a church expecting that the guard will collect payments from us as we enter but the guard did not so we thought that we got the wrong way so we asked him. He told us the right way and that going inside every church or anywhere around Intramuros is for free. I was also amazed with the costume of every guard. It really looks awesome.

And then, we now reached the San Agustin Church which is assigned to us and it looks like that certain renovations are taking place outside the church and wedding ceremonies are happening inside. So we decided to just go first to the museum as we are waiting for the wedding to finish so that we can go inside.

I have to stop you first, I want to see you on my next part and I want you to know what I happened there………. See you !