1st Issue September 2009

8/14/2019 1st Issue September 2009

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1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009 VOLUME II NO. 6

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News Feature

Lifestyle and Leisure

Travel and Tourism

Disclaimer-

Special Feature

Global Connect

Palawan now on list of high-end adventure travel destinationsMountain Travel Sobek andWilderness Travel, two of theleading global international touroperators, have included Palawanin their list of high-end adventuretravel destinations. With thisinclusion, Palawan is now amongthe destination offerings of leadingtour companies in the worldalongside the Mt. Everest andMachu Picchu treks, theKilimanjaro and Alps climbs, andother highly specialized tours.Being on the list of these touroperators means that the industrycan meet the expectations of morediscerning travellers, Philippine

Department of Tourism SecretaryJoseph H. Durano said. Thisproves that the Philippines haswhat it takes to be on the map oftop-quality adventure destinations,he added.

Wildlife at Palawan, PhilippinesMountain Travel Sobek andWilderness Travel are consideredpioneers in adventure travelpackages, which range from hikingand camping expeditions tophotography sessions in wildlife

areas. Foreign travellers are nowbeing lured to try kayaking andsnorkelling in the Calamianarchipelago and in equally stunningislands in Palawan.

Mountain Travel and TrekkingPhilippines On its web page on theCalamian kayaking trip, MountainTravel Sobek invites adventurers todiscover spectacular tropicalwilderness scenery, wild primaryrainforest, secluded sandy coves,and golden, empty beaches, allwhile experiencing perfect paddlingconditions in crystal-clear turquoisewaters and unparalleled snorkellingin coral gardens. The packagetakes 11 days and costs aroundUS$4,500 per person.

Wilderness Travel includessnorkelling in Palawan under itsWT New Exploratory Expeditionsfor 2008. Destinations under thisoffering are considered the

Copyright 2009 All RightsReserved . Materials in thisnewspaper are copyrighted

and all rights are reserved totheir respective owners. Allcontent and other intellectualproperty may not be used inany way without consent andpermission from us in writing,under any circumstances.Respect Intellectual PropertyLaws.

Contact Us-GREAT EXPEDITION PUBLISHING

1725C Dian St., PalananMakati City, Philippines(+632) 381-2285

[email protected]

favourite places of WTs tourexperts who designed the tripswith adventurers in mi nd.According to Secretary Durano,the islands of Palawan havealways been a favourite of divingenthusiasts and those looking forthe perfect island getaway with itsbalanced ecological system andwell-preserved natural resources.

The Calamian Group of IslandsExtending southwesterly towardthe direction of Palawan Island

from Mindoro Island is theCalamian Group of Islands orCalamianes. It is said to be aconcentrated version of the restof Palawan where you can find allthe attractions of the island-province packed into a muchsmaller space: white-sandbeaches, great adventure activitysites, private islands, denserainforest and comfortableresorts. In addition, the islandsboast of several attractions thatcannot be found in the rest ofCalamianes Philippines Palawan,including the crystal-clear lakes ofCoron Island and some of thebest wreck diving sites in theworld. The Calamianes is anadventure-sports paradise whereone can go snorkelling and divingin the shipwrecks littering thebottom of the pristine Coron Bay,mingle with the local Tagbanuapeople who gather swallowsnests from the islands limestone

caves, and go kayaking aroundtowering limestone cliffs andsaltwater lakes where one mayeven chance across anendangered Philippine dugong, aclose relative of the manatee.The isl and group is al so abirdwatchers paradise as its vastDipterocarp forests are home to anumber of endangered andendemic birds including theTabon bird, talking Mynahs,Palawan Peacock pheasant,Philippine cockatoo, Palawan

Hornbill, the PalawanFlowerpecker, the YellowThroated Leafbird, the WhiteVented Shama and the BlueParadise-Flycatcher.

Calamianes Island PalawanPhilippines The Calamianesconsists of 98 islands spread outin an area totalling 1,750 sq km(680 sq mi). Of volcanic origin, itis largely mountainous andforested, but has fertile areasyielding rice, sugarcane, tobacco,and tropical fruits. Importantindustries in the islands are cattleraising and fishing. Thearchipelago is recognized as oneof the last unspoiled marineCalamines Palawanenvironments and animal habitatsin the world. Fortunately, the areahas begun to benefit from publicand private environmentalpreservation efforts. Continuedto page 2


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RODEL T. RABARA

Managing Director/Editor

MA. FRANCIA C. ROSERO

Associate Editor

GEORGE STANLEY T. SERRANO

Creative and Research Staff

ULYSSES O. MANUEL

DR. RAQUEL T. RABARA

Public Relations Officers

OLIVER L. OLIVEROS

NIGEL TOLENTINO

MA. SHEEN D. OANIA

Writers/Contributors

BOYET GUEVARRA

EMMANUEL ARIOLA

Photographers

JOHN REY B. GARCIA

RONEL T. MERCADO

ROMA T. FEROLINO

Advertising Representatives

REINALYN R. TORADO

Toronto, Canada Bureau

ALEXANDER O. MANUEL

Chicago, USA Bureau

ISRAEL SAVELLANO

Honolulu, Hawaii Bureau

1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 20092 NEWS FEATURE

STAFF BOX CIRCULATION

From page 1Easily accessible from Manila,flights from Manila to Busuanga,the main island in theCalamianes, take just 65minutes.

Island Hopping

The Calamian Island group isamong the most beautiful

regions in the country andringing with tiny islands. Themajor islands in the Calamiangroup are Busuanga, Coron andCulion.

Busuanga Island The biggest ofthe island group, serves as the

jumping point to all differentactivities and links to the otherisland. Included in its places ofinterest are: "Asias biggestCattle Ranch," the YKR or the

Yulo-King Ranch; the CalauitGame Preserve and WildlifeSanctuary, established as aprivate refuge ground forimported animal species fromAfrica like giraffes and zebras,and other indigenous animalslike the Palawan bearcat and theCalamian mousedeer are keptand bred; Busuanga River, agreat place to paddle a kayak to

experience an ecosystem whichis said to be reminiscent of theAmazon; Maquinit Hotspring;and Coron Town, located at thesouthern part of Busuangaisland and haven for wreckdivers, because of its "JapaneseWrecks" sunk during WWII.

Two kilometers southeast ofCoron Town, is CORONISLAND. It covers an area ofapproximately 75 km with a

length of about 20 km. It is theancestral land of the indigenouspeople of the TAGBANUA tribe,who generally subsists onfishing and edible birds nestgathering. Coron Islandstopography is highlighted bydramatic limestone crags, whichrise from the water edge andvalley floors to sheer verticalheights to 625 meters above sea

level. These "karst" were formed260 million years ago as coralreefs in a shallow sea runningthe length of Southeast Asia,and uplifted by tectonic platesmovements 30 million yearsfrom Guilin, China to Sarawak,Borneo.

Culion Island Philippines Usedto be an old Spanish colonybefore it was declared a lepercolony. The main island and

around 13 islands consistedwhat used to be a reservation,but it is now an emergingmunicipality. Worth visiting inCulion town is the Museum andthe Catholic Church built on topof an old Spanish fort, along theeast coast. On the southeasternpart of the i sland li es theDicabaito Channel which is thelocation of white sand beaches

and coral reefs whose crystalclear water is best for all kindsof water activities. On thewestern part of the island is thewell known Halsey Harbornamed after "Admiral "Bull"Halsey" where one can find themost di verse or the mostnumber of varieties of healthymangrove forests in the entireCalamianes an awesomechannel that link the sea to thefresh water river.


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provided employment to herconstituents consistent to heradvocacy of improving the lives of herpeople. Maja also boasts of puttingher family first. She may have thepassion and drive for politics andbusiness but her heart is always withthe family. She also adores travelling

and loves to do it on her spare time.

Sometimes the most oppositething can be the most effective, abusinesswoman can also be aneffective politician. We just have to beopen to the possibilities and notconfine the roles, for all we know intheir complexities we can find asynergy that is beneficial toeverybody.

Saud Beach Resort boasts of thefinest amenities with breath takingview of the beach and the sunset.They also promise customers a greatexperience of the town with the onlyresort to offer tour packages.Customers can also relax withoutstressing about the usual needs of

modern daily existence. Their roomsare prepared with cable television,refrigerators and even a mini bar.Saud Beach Resort can be betterremembered for its wonderful sights,who can forget the white sand andtranquility of the beach with the voiceof Armida Siguion Reyna echoing inthe background in that poignanttelevision series, Aawitan Kita.Through the family business she has

1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009 3TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE

Business and politics seem to havetwo different dimensions. At one endof the paradigm is a heart for risk

taking whereas the other thrives inserving the people. Can this twoparadigm mix? Others might arguethat there will always be a conflict ofinterest or the other might takeadvantage but what can be seen astwo different ideas can actually worknot only for one person but for abigger community. The risk takinginvolved in business is the same heartthat is needed in politics and theservice for the people is the same

driving force that propels a business.The politician needs to have abusiness side so that he can conducthis dealings in a professional mannerand the businessman needs to have apolitical side so he can serve hisemployees and his customers. Such isthe dynamics of the two professionsthat you cannot help but respect thesetwo professions. Indeed business isalso politics in its own right and viceversa.

When we met Matilde MajaSales, Vice Mayor of Pagudpud,Ilocos Norte this adage seems to havefound it embodiment. Abusinesswoman who is also apolitician is a rare find. She says that itis just about time management.Finding the time to do the things thatyou are passionate about, likehelping people, and the time to dothings which you find most fulfilling,

like managing the family business.Maja grew up in a political family inTarlac, thats why she has a softheart for it. Her constituents find herapproachable and kind, the personthey turn to when they need help.She was a reluctant politician but herhusband, Teteng Sales, encouragedher to pursue it and she neverlooked back, thankful that shecan affect change through serving her

By Francia C. Rosero

A WHOLE NEW WORLD:

A New Brand ofLeaders

5.2x7.91

Welcome to Saud Beach Resort!FOR RESERVATION :

BRGY. SAUD, PAGUDPUD ,

ILOCOS NORTE

94 Katipunan Rd

White Plains QC

63 (918) 920.8826 /

63 (920) 270.6075 /

63(2).921.2856 /

63(2).928.9853

inquiries@saudbeach

resort.com

reservations@saud

beachresort.com

www.saudbeachresort

.com

constituents. Herbusiness skills arebest exercised throughthe family business,Saud Beach Resort inPagudpud.


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Press Release by Philippines Department of Tourism

The Philippines'

1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 20094 TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Saud Beach is Amongthe Top Beaches in AsiaThe littleknown northwestPhilippine beach Saud Beach atPagudpud, Ilocos Norte wasrecently named as one of the tenbest beaches in Asia byAustralias Melbourne SundayHerald Sun newspaper. Through

its veteran travel writer andphotographer John Borthwick, thewidely circulated publication listedthe top beach destinations in Asia.Saud Beach was chosen on thebasis of its pristine condition,rustic appeal, relative isolation

from the usual tourist crowd, itsuntouched by commercialismquality, and the variety of watersports activities it offers.Aside from Saud Beach, the otherbeaches that made the list are KoAdang and Mae Nam of Thailand

, Bentota of Sri Lanka,

Yalong Bay of China, ChinaBeach of Vietnam, Calanguteof India, Dungun of Malaysia,Occheutel of Cambodia, andKenting of Taiwan. Located at

the northwest coast of Luzon,Saud Beach is a 2-kilometerarc of pure sand bordered bythe blue of the South ChinaSea. It is an unclutteredbeach devoid of allcommercialism and crowdsthat

usually spoil the appeal of aquiet beach destination. It is ahaven for swimmers,snorkelling enthusiasts andwind surfers, and it is fast

becoming another surfersparadise in the Philippines.Roughly an hour away byland travel from LaoagInternational Airport, thispicturesque beach isrenowned for its crystal clearwaters, fine white-creamsand and underwatersceneries of multi-coloredcorals and iridescent fish.Saud Beach is definitely oneof Philippine tourisms best-kept secrets.

5.2x7.91

Welcome to Northridge Resorts Inn

BURAYOC POINT,

PAGUDPUD ILOCOS NORTE

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL:

0920-2205089/ 0909-

7697734

email address:

thessromero

@yahoo.com

Contact us at:

(077) 676-0183, (0921) 484-7746,

(0929)847-9236 , (0919) 640-5630

and (0920) 574-0136

[email protected]

Burayoc Point,

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

We are pleased to welcome you to our beautiful

town ofPagudpud in Ilocos Norte province,

northwest tip of Luzon Island, Philippines.

A view from Jun andCarol Beach Cottages


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Bantay Abot Caves. It is a naturalmountain by the sea where onecould remain undisturbed by thebusy atmosphere of city life.Here, everyone truly enjoys arelaxing experience that can only

be found in a paradise likePagudpud.

Maira-Ira BeachAlso known as the Blue Lagoon,(still another of the many

endowments richly bestowedupon Pagudpud) is the pristinecrystal-like white sand beach atMaira-Ira. Here, nature loverscan have a lavish and refreshingencounter with the cool waters.

Boracay of

NorthernPhilippines...

1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009 5TRAVEL AND TOURISM

By Philippines Department of Tourism

Pagudpud, dubbed as theBoracay of NorthernPhilippines, is a coastal resorttown on the northernmost tip ofLuzon in the Philippines. It isbounded to the south by thetown of Bangui and to the east

by the Cordillera MountainRanges. It has white sandbeaches, scenic views, creeks,lagoons, falls, caves and otherattractions. Aside from themagnificent shores of SaudBeach, Pagudpud has othertourist destinations, places ofinterest and historicallandmarks.

Kabigan Falls

The newest and definitely thefavorite destination inPagudpud is Kabigan Falls,where cool fresh water falls120 feet into a natural basinwhere visitors can enjoy arefreshing swim. Protectedthroughout the day by tall treesabundantly growing in one ofthe few remaining virginrainforests in the Philippines,one can freely enjoy a wholeday's treat with MotherNature's best.

Dos Hermanos Island

Also in the heart of BarangayBalaoi are two identicalmountains called the DosHermanos Island. Old folkssay that in olden times, therewere two brothers who wereclose to each other they vowedto remain together until death.One day, they went fishing andwere still at sea when theywere caught by a typhoon and

drowned. Because of theirloyalty to each other, and toserve as an inspiration toothers, they were transformedinto the two mountainsprominently seen in the place.

Bantay Abot Caves

Along the pristine waters ofBalaoi lies the panoramic

Kabigan FallsBantay Abot Cave

Maira-ira Beach

2 Brothers Rock

Contact us at:

mobile number :

0920-2431832

email address:

[email protected]

Sitio Malingay, Brgy. Balaoi,

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Email: [email protected]: www.hannahsbeachresort.com

HANNAH'S BEACH RESORTSitio Malingay, Brgy. Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

For inquiries, call 0920-9834659/ 0920-9075731/ 0928-5206255/ 0920-6057121


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1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 20096 TRAVEL AND TOURISM

The town of Concepcion is blessed with one of the most scenic seascapes in thewhole province. Forming a safe natural harbor for Concepcion Bay are 16 islandsconnected by azure waters and rich marine life.

The islands of Concepcion are highland masses except Baliguian. They appear ashalf-drowned mountains jutting out from the sea and manifested by sedimentaryrocks. The mountains and hill systems are so close to the sea that only very narrowstrips of level land are available for farming. It is in these narrow strips of landbordering shores where the islanders build their clustered homes.

Most of the island in Concepcion are bordered by scenic white sand beaches.Nearest to the mainland is Tago Island whose southern promontory is not more than200 meters away from the mainland. Northeast of Tago Island is Pan de Azucar, thebiggest and most popular among them because of the enchantingly tall and steepmountain, called Mt. Manaphag, standing like a sentinel in its lands. It is in Pan deAzucar Island where the annual Tampisaw Festival is held every third week of April.

PMt. Pan de Azucar, also called as Mt. Manaphag, is one of the tallest peaks inPanay and the steepest mountains in the Country.

Northeast Pan de Azucar is Bag-o Isi Island, which has a shifting snake-like sandbarthat points towards Pan de Azucar. During hightide, it seems that you can cross fromisland to island because of the newly formed sand bridge. The smallest (not

considering the islets, some of which are submerged during high tide) is Bocot Islandlocated northeast of Bag-o Isi. The northernmost frontier of Concepcion is Colebra orBago-alas Island at 10.7 nautical miles from the Poblacion (mainland).

Snake-like sandbars in Bag-o Isi Island seemingly forming bridges during high tide.Meanwhile, Southeast of Pan de Azucar is Sombrero Island, which appears like anatural citadel of high rise, rocky, protective outreach of Pan de Azucar. Further eastfrom here are 2 uninhabited islands namely: Bag-o Sipol or Chico Island, measuring 4hectares and Agho Island, a 8 hectare island with extensive white sand beach area, asprawling coral garden, and a magnificent view of the sunrise and sunset.

Nearby is the Malangabang Island, the most poulated island in Concepcion and IgbonIsland, known for the beautiful diving sites in its vicinity.

In the waters between Igbon and Pan de Azucar is Botlog Island, which has thewhimsical shape of an egg sliced in half, or an eggnog. Southwest of Igbon Island isa 2.8 hectare islet perfect for people who love the underwater world called Bag-o AboIsland.

The islands of Bulubadiangan and Danao-Danao also located south of Igbon Islandare frequently visited by tourist. Bulubadiangan, is known for its shifting whitesandbar while Danao-danao is known for its interesting natural stone formations liketables and other figures.

At the mainlands southeastern coast crossing the Apitong Pass is TagubanhanIsland, which shares the border with the adjacent town of Ajuy and is the mostpopulous island. The farthest island, with a distance of 25 kilometers from the

poblacion is Baliguian Island the only coral atol in Concepcion.

From a distance, the islands of Concepcion appear as gigantic natural protectiveoutreach of the mainland with the tallest Mt. Manaphag (Pan de Azucar) commandingthe view rising 573 feet above sea level making it the landmark of the municipality.

Transport and Accessibility to the Island of Concepcion: From the Tagbak Terminal inJaro District, Iloilo City, ride a bus bound for Concepcion (2.5 to 3 hours). Embark atthe Public Plaza of Concepcion and look for the tourism office found near the gym.There, you can make inquiries and arrangements for your tour around the islands.When planning to go to Concepcion, make sure to contact the toursim office ofConcepcion first through the following contact details:

Concepcion Islands

16 Hidden Gems...

by Concepcion Tourism Office

Concepcion Tourism OfficeContact Person: Mario Lazarito, Tourism OfficerContact No.: (+63)(033)3920309Contact No.: (+63)9183119523

Agho Island with the mountains ofConcepcion in the distance

Most of the island in Concepcion arebordered by scenic white sand beaches

Mt. Pan de Azucar, also called as Mt.Manaphag, is one of the tallest peaks inPanay and the steepest mountains in theCountry.

Pan de Azucar is the largest island inConcepcion and has plains for farming

Snake-like sandbars in Bag-o Isi Islandseemingly forming bridges during high tide


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1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009 7SPECIAL FEATURE

One thing I like abouttravelling is that it poses somany discoveries of peopleand places. A mass at 7 AMcould be a gateway todiscover the hiddentreasures of a place. Wewoke up at 6AM to attend anearly mass at the townproper only to find out that

the mass is at 7AM so wedecided to get breakfastfirst, and as a rule of thumbfor travelers do it like thenatives do, so you canexperience the best fromthat place. We went to themarket and settled in acarinderia. Intrigued by ourtourist look, the store ownerstarted asking questions andso our small talk began. Theowner of the carinderiahappened to be the driver of

the Mayor of Burgos, MayorCrescente. He gave us hisnumber and few minuteslater we were given a privatetour by the Mayor himself,thats what I call a nicesurprise. His brother Russel,who also works as theprivate secretary of Mayorand his son Chris Jay alsowent with us. We first visitedGracianos Rest House. Thename is perfect, for i t

provides tourist with theperfect place to rest. Therest house boasts of a viewlike no other, overlooking theshore and unique rockformation just below it. Dontfeel guilty if you suddenly fellasleep while enjoying theview, the soft wind wouldsing you to sleep, like a little

baby on a cradle. The placeis already on its way tobecoming a touristdestination, the Garcias arekeen on sharing the beautyof the place with tourist andnatives alike. Do not bedeceived by the name butApatot Beach is actually oneof the jewels of Burgosspecifically Brgy. Bayog. Ithas fine sand and providestourist with adventure travelakin to Bali Beach in

Indonesia. Of course theprivate tour of the townwouldnt be complete withouta visit to Cape BojeadorLight House, the only placethat has seaweed candy.And whats travel withoutfood, thanks to MayorCrescente our taste budswere indulged withMaritangtang, as they arecalled in Ilocos, and differentarray of sea foods. Im sure

that Burgos has still has along way to go in terms oftourism specially with MayorCrescente at the helm, cantwait for what else is in storefor this wonderful place.

THE SALTY DELIGHT:SEAWEED CANDY ATBURGOS ILOCOS NORTE

Have you ever wonderedwhat would seaweeds tastelike if it were turned into acandy? Well guess no more,the Local Government ofBurgos Ilocos Norte hasstarted producing seaweedcandies through the help ofthe Department of Labor andEmployment. Who wouldhave thought that this salty-seaweed-wonder can be adelicious delight, not only is

it tasty, it also helps curegoiter because of its richiodine content, now thatswhat I call wondercandy. You can get thiswonder candy at CapeBojeador Light House inBurgos Ilocos Norte, kudosto the LGU of Burgos forthinking of this wonderfulidea.

Burgos Ilocos Norte:

Surprise at Every Turn

By The Travel Expert, Rodel T. Rabara

5.2x7.91

Welcome toPalalay Hotel Burgos!


0920-5577008

0927-2694080

5.2x7.91

Welcome toVilla Lita Riverside Resort!


BRGY. BAYOG,

BURGOS ILOCOS NORTE BRGY. ABLAN

BURGOS ILOCOS NORTE

Seaweed Candy

Gracianos Resthouse

Apatot Beach

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

RodelT. Rabara

(Marketing Manager)

(0919) 967-9602

(0916) 230-7980

(0922) 953-0929

marketing88r

@yahoo.com.ph


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1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 20098 GLOBAL CONNECT

"Stroll through Central Park. Ride the kind of rollercoaster that made ConeyIsland famous. Shop along Park Avenue. And visit the Statue of Liberty. All withoutleaving Las Vegas."

This announcement exemplifies a fast-growing trend -- the Great Places Replica.This recent contribution to a hassle-free life - a basic human need the businessworld, luckily, is meeting - cancels at one stroke vacation annoyances such aslong airplane trips, jet lag, passport and customs headaches, unfamiliar languagesand currencies. Now you can travel without traveling thanks to the two worldReplica capitals, Orlando, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Venetian Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas Hotels In Las Vegas, New York is readyfor you at its namesake - a recently inaugurated hotel-cum-city featuring, says itsInternet ad, "twelve New York-style hotel towers extending 48 stories and 525feet, featuring replicas of the Empire State, Chrysler, ATT and Century Buildings".The copies - a common characteristic of the Great Places Replicas - look muchbetter than the original.

Once you have done New York, you can hail a cab to Venice without leavingdowntown Las Vegas. At the Venetian Hotel, (Venetian Resort Hotel Casino,3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas) "the world's most romantic city is now at theheart of the world's best destination location".

The hotel is a faithful replica of the Doge's Palace, featuring imposing halls, grand

By Eduardo Bellando

Replica Travel Destinations

Better than the Original?

corridors, mosaics and decorations, majestic furnitureand thick carpets. Again, it Y is an improvement onthe original, since its builders could take advantage ofconstruction techniques unknown in 1309.

ou can then go to Paris - the Paris Hotel Casino (3655Las Vegas Blvd. S) and "stroll down the cobblestonesidewalks of the Rue de la Paix shopping district", withthe Eiffel Tower looming in the distance. Luxor, Egypt,[4] is right around the corner, with a 30-story pyramidand "King Tut's Tomb and museum."

But Orlando, Florida, has even more to offer. No need,for instance, to go to Portofino, the romantic fishingvillage on one of the Italian Riviera's most beautifulbays, long the playground of the likes of AristotleOnassis, the Dukes of Windsor, Liz Taylor and RichardBurton.

Now an improved version is available at Portofino BayHotel, courtesy of the Loews Hotels corporation."Escape to a romantic Mediterranean seaside villagenestled around a small bay recreated at the Orlando

Vacation Destination for the 21st Century"says the Internet ad. Just a five-minute ridefrom the Universal Studios theme parks,Portofino 2 offers 750 guest rooms --possibly more than those available atPortofino 1 -- not to mention "two Bocce BallCourts". Again, the immaculate replica looksmuch better than the worn-out, weather-battered original.

But the densest, most mind-boggling groupof Replicas is the one at Disneyworld'sWorld Showcase. There, Canada, China,France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Morocco,

Norway, the Uni ted Kingdom, and"Adventure America" are all gathered in oneplace. In the last Replica -- as it happens forLas Vegas's New York -- America is madeavailable in America. No need to travelthere.

Address:

Brgy. Pias Sur, Currimao,

Ilocos Norte

Mobile Numbers:

0918-6080938/ 0908-2088289

Tiny Replica Arc de TriompheParis Hotel Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

one-third-sized replicas of the EmpireState Building, Chrysler Building,

Century Building, AT&T Building, CBSBuilding, and the New Yorker Hotel.

Documents

1st Issue September 2009