Bratislava at Slovakia's Frontline

Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia or Slovak Republic. The country was once part of the Hungarian empire and was also in twin with Czech Republic when both were known then as the nation of Czechoslovakia.

Since after the Velvet Revolution in 1992, Bratislava has been assigned as the capital city in 1993. Since then, it has been striving to have a persona of its own. Progress can be seen in the city as mused to us by our host.

One place to visit in the city is the Bratislava Castle which is a very important historical monument. It is located near the banks of the Danube River which also traverses the countries of Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary.

Bratislava is a city which can considered a place of contrasts. At one side, you will see old structures that are architectural delights. On another side, modern buildings have also been constructed.

The atmosphere in the city is typically European. Restaurants as well as other edifices are usually what you see not only in the region where the country is at. The people of Slovakia also know how to take care of their buildings especially those with historical value.

Despite the seeming modernity, Bratislava has maintained that charm that only Slovakians has. If one gets to the region in Europe, a side trip to Bratislava would be worth the trip.

Visit Bratislava, Slovakia's bet for the frontline. Thank you to Mrs. Angelita Santos and family for this trip.

Quezon City...My Home

Quezon City, once the capital of the Philippines, is the biggest city in Metro Manila. It has been my home for the past so many years. I have never lived in another part of the metropolis but just in Quezon City.

It has a homey atmosphere which makes it a popular residential area in Metro Manila. Villages and subdivisions are everywhere.

Quezon City is where some of the country's top schools and university are situated. Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, Miriam College and other educational institutions are located in the city educational belt.

Important medical institutions are also in Quezon City such as the Philippine Heart Center, the Lung Center, the National Kidney Center, St. Luke's Medical Center, the Quezon City Medical Center, delos Santos Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, etc.

Shopping centers such as SM, Trinoma and Eastwood are major places to visit for those who go for recreation.

Hotels are starting to mushroom in this busy city. For years, it was just second fiddle to surrounding cities which have hosted different tourists in their own hotels. Recent years have seen the construction of four and five star tourist enclaves.

Quezon City was purported to be the city of stars because it is where the major television networks are located. GMA 7, ABS-CBN, PTV 4 and TV 5 have their offices and studios in the city.

Major places are also in Quezon City. The Quezon Memorial Circle stands tall at the center of the city. Araneta Coliseum, where major events have been held, are in the city.

There is a lot of things to talk about Quezon City but one thing is for sure. Everyone is welcome in Quezon City - a city which I call my home.