Singapore’s Chingay Parade has humble roots as a neighborhood parade with dominant Chinese elements. Years later it has grown into a full-blown, massive scale parade that Singaporeans all over celebrate every year. In 2013, the first day of the parade will fall on February 22. Festivities will begin at the F1 Pit Building near the […]

When it comes to monarchy, what we know is mostly based on the European royalty. Their positions are hereditary, meaning that it gets passed on from generation to generation from father to son, and sometimes, from mother to daughter. In Malaysia, their king is called a Yang di-Pertuan Agong. But unlike that of the European […]

Singapore has a thriving nightlife that can easily rival those found across Europe or the United States. Locals and expatriates flock to the city’s numerous bars and restaurants to mingle, dance, drink and just plain have a good time. Here we have the top 5 places where you can experience the ultimate in Singapore nightlife. […]

There is a trend among many newlyweds to choose a tropical getaway for their honeymoon. The idea of sun and surf is undoubtedly a very relaxing and romantic option for starting their life together on the right foot. Southeast Asia is a popular destination choice after the Caribbean islands. The regions’ location allows its countries […]

Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio are two foremost Philippine heroes because of their pivotal roles in the country’s quest for independence from Spain. Accordingly, they are commemorated on separate dates. To ensure that younger generations are also introduced to lesser known, often unsung, characters who contributed to Philippine freedom and development, the National Heroes’ Day […]

Filipinos fought for their freedom from Spanish colonial rule for years. The national revolution led by the Katipunan (secret society of patriots) in 1896 hastened the road to independence, with Emilio Aguinaldo at the helm (after internal power struggles that led to the execution of Katipunan leader Andres Bonifacio). With most of the country under […]

Considering that 95% of Thais are Buddhists, it is not surprising that Thailand is strewn with thousands of temples or ‘wat’. It is easy to suffer from ‘temple fatigue’ because of this fact and take for granted the experience, so make sure instead to sample the best of Thailand in small portions and not just […]

For a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, important days of the Holy Week are national holidays. Maundy Thursday is the first of these Triduum (three days before Easter) holidays. Maundy Thursday 2013 falls on March 28. Community Preparations for Maundy Thursday Households along the “Via Crucis” or the Way of the Cross collaborate to […]

Every time I visit a new country, I am often overwhelmed by the places I want to see and visit. Given limited time and resources, there’s only so much ground I can cover. Here are ten of the best places that, for me, will show a fellow traveler the best there is about Malaysia. Pick […]

Singapore impressed me with its ready availability of maps and guides at the airport that made it easier to get around the city. However, the fact that there’s not just one must-get guide makes it an inconvenience. I once carried a city map, a city guide, a map of the MRT and bus routes just […]

In the olden days, hawkers were cooks who set up their wooden carts along the road. Small tables are set up for their customers to sit on while eating. Over the years, hawkers centers have popped up to provide a more organized and easier way for folks to get their favorite hawker dishes. The essence […]

The Hari Raya Haji is an important holiday for the Muslims. Called “The Festival of Sacrifice”, it honors the prophet Ibrahim and his willingness to follow God’s command that he must sacrifice his firstborn son, Ishmael. The holiday also marks the end of the annual Hajj to Mecca. The lunar Islamic calendar marks this day […]