The Awakening of Phnom Penh

 

Phnom Penh is the capital city of the Kingdom of Cambodia. For me, it has been a mystery and I have longed to visit the city during my lifetime. Cambodia, having been at war until the early 1980s, has been reclusive maybe due to its socialist government. More than this reason, it was not part of anybody's travel itinerary due to its tumultuous past. Besides, the country is known for the ancient structures in Seam Reap rather than what Phnom Penh can offer.

Excitement was felt since it is my first time in a country that was literally near yet far. I was also excited as to what I will see in Phnom Penh. Honestly, I was surprised as to what I saw in the city. It is bustling and has a big potential in becoming a great city in Southeast Asia. It is comparably big as Ho Chi Minh City with more space for development. Given a few more years, Phnom Penh will be a force to reckon with this side of the world.

One sad note is that the people mostly do not want to use their own money - the Riel. The use of the U.S. dollar is widely accepted in the whole of Phnom Penh. I just hope that the government would do something to instill in the minds and hearts of the Khmer people the love and trust for their own money.

The king is still the head of state. His palace is one tourist attraction in the city. Many architectural structures still abound in the city although some are already giving way to development.

There are only two malls that I noticed. Aeon Mall is considered as the higher end of the two. There, you can find stores that are staples in malls in other Southeast Asia countries. For bargain-hunters, the Central Market and Russian Market are places to go to. Haggling in these two markets is usual as in other flea markets around the world.

The Mekong River is part of lives of the people of Phnom Penh. Some of the population derive their income from whatever they can get from and do in the river. It is a symbol of Khmer life not only in the metropolis but in the whole Cambodia as well.

I was especially surprised with the Phnom Penh International Airport. Being in a supposed laidback country, I thought ours was better than theirs. To my surprise, they, I think, had better airport facilities and machines. Compared to the Vietnamese immigration mechanism in the Vietnam-Cambodia border, Cambodia has a better and less tedious system. Everything is computerized, had better machines at the forefront and effective procedures at its international gateways.

Given another chance, I will go back to Phnom Penh and see what happens next to this city full of potentials. I will not wonder anymore if it also exceeds my expectations the next time around. The awakening of Phnom Penh has already begun.

The New Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City

After seven years, I went back to Ho Chi Minh City. Back then, there were already signs of progress. I was right. Progress I saw in the city and it reflects the development going on in the different parts of Vietnam. Hotels and other establishments now abound. Shops of named brands are but ordinary sights. The influx of foreign tourists are very evident. There's a new Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City.

With the new airport catering to the arrivals of people from other parts of the globe, it is with no wonder that Ho Chi Minh City is now considered a tourist haven in this part of Southeast Asia. Still having a socialist form of government, the city is considered an open-city of sorts. It is host to several stores and restaurants that you see in democratic societies.

High rise buildings have mushroomed. Population has increased. Cars, aside from motorcycles, have contributed to the traffic situation. Tourist buses ply the streets just like ordinary cars. Government infrastructure build-up is in full swing. Development is very evident.

French architecture is still evident in Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel where we stayed, Hotel Continental Saigon, is an example. Bread buns called banh mi is sold around the city. They are actually French breads which are sold throughout the city. It is the staple snack of the Vietnamese together with their milk tea sold in side streets.

Vietnamese cuisine is considered one of the healthiest foods in the world. What with those leaves in their daily fare. Restaurants that abound carry such dishes. If one is into healthy food, try Vietnamese. Our very own Jollibee already has several branches there.\

Several airlines ply the Ho Chi Minh City route. From Manila, you may reach this side of Vietnam via Philippine Airlines with two flights daily. Cebu Pacific Air goes to the city once a day

Ho Chi Minh City is a mirror of the new Vietnam. From what I have observed, I would not hesitate to say that it has come a long way and might have overtaken the Philippines already in terms of development and tourist arrivals.

A Quaint Haven Called Cabugao Beach Resort in Ilocos Sur

Two weekends ago brought me to Cabugao Beach Resort in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. In consonance with the province's fashion designers workshop, it was also a restful weekend despite the hectic 2-day activities. Sans cable television, we had to fend with internet for our recreation. Our evenings were free from TV shows that we usually watch. They were restful only we can experience there.

From 2009 to 2013, Cabugao Beach Resort served as our production home when we did events in the province. My assistants and I did not waste time to reminisce the good times of the not-so-distant past. Thanks to Vice Governor DV Savellano for inviting us again to give the workshop to the province's fashion designers.

The area is a perfect place to swim, while away time or just sit by the seashore and let the day pass just like the people of olden times did. Watching the sun set is definitely amazing. Sometimes, one would wish to live a life in the province than go back to the crazy world of the metropolis.

Every Friday, there is an acoustic night at the resort's event bar. Some singers are invited to entertain evening guests at the Cabana Bar and Restaurant. There is even a raffle for one lucky guest. There is space for outdoor wedding receptions.

There are a number of guest rooms for those who would like to spend peace and quiet days this side of the north. A swimming pool, 2 tennis courts, a conference room and the beach are amenities which makes Cabugao Beach Resort a must-try among places to visit in Ilocos Sur. Good maintenance by the management is truly remarkable. Food, especially typical Ilocano fare, is superb.

Going to Cabugao Beach Resort is easy. Riding any bus going to Laoag City, you may tell the conductor to drop you off the corner where Cabugao Beach Resort is located. From alighting the bus, you may just walk to the resort which is just a few steps away.

I hope to be back in the resort soon. It may be a quaint place but a weekend's rest is worth the trip.