Asian Countries' Rankings in MISTER INTERNATIONAL (2006 to 2018) by Runners-up & Winners

Thank you, Youtube.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020!

The year 2020 will be a memorable year for everyone. It is the year that time stood still. A pandemic broke loose and the world suddenly stopped. Many want the year to end already for it has brought misfortunes and sufferings to people. Economies are in near-collapse, the number of those who got infected by the corona virus rise until this writing. Everyone lived in fear.

But there are things that we also should be thankful for. Our families have become closer. There was a worldwide realization that things should be simpler. Nature has to be taken cared of properly. Going back to basics is a feat that we could have never achieved if we continued with our old ways.

There is a lot to be thankful for but we should not forget those who have lost their battle with the Covid-19 virus. As we see the light at the end of the tunnel, let us remember them with fondness and be thankful to those who worked to save the lives of the lucky ones - our frontliners.

Despite of the year that was, I believe that there is still a reason to be merry. Personally, I look forward to a better Christmas 2021. God bless humankind!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020!

Asian Countries' Rankings in MISS WORLD (1951 to 2019) by Runners-up and Winners

Why I Still Blog...

It has been more than 5 years since I registered with Blogspot to document my travels to different places here in the Philippines as well as in other countries. My work as a fashion director has brought me around the country and the world. Then, it dawned upon me that blogging is a good way to exercise my mind and hone my writing skills that I did in college. The God-given gift of scribbling and a good eye for details made me realize that I can publish my own works (write-ups and photos) online without paying for a publisher. And it is for the world to read and see.

Many naysayers say that blogging is passe and the new thing now is vlogging. I beg to disagree! I can posts my Youtube videos in this site and still be able to write about my travels. Some of the pictures I use for my blogs are my own. Some, I borrow from their rightful owners and credit them at the end of each blog.

These days, we can all do what we want to do as long as we don't step on other people's toes. Do what we are good at. Do what makes us happy. Since my student days, writing has been a part of happiness. It helps me release my inner thoughts and share to those who want to read them. Personally, it gives me a sense of fulfillment that I was able to publish my works with much ease and with expansive exposure. The wonders of internet...

To all my friends who share their precious time by reading my blogs, THANK YOU! To those who watch my vlogs, THANK YOU! To those who feel bored with my blogs, THANK YOU! I just have a great sense of gratitude knowing that people still click and read/watch.

Nothing can stop me. I will blog and vlog to my heart's desire. I will keep on enjoying what I do and share my thoughts to those who appreciate my write-ups and videos. To those who have been supporting my Blogspot site, I hope you won't get tired in clicking. I didn't know that I can earn from all these. THANK YOU for the support!

Asian Countries Rankings in MANHUNT INTERNATIONAL (1993 to 2020) by Runners-up & Winners

Thank you, Youtube!

Asian Countries Rankings in MISS UNIVERSE (1952 to 2019) by Runners-up & Winners

Thank you to Youtube.

Las Vegas, Nevada: Another of America's Cities that Doesn't Sleep

If there is a city in America that would rival New York City in terms of not sleeping, it's Las Vegas. This resort city is bustling with activity from sun up to sun down. With lights not going off for 24 hours, Las Vegas is a perfect place especially for night owls.

With the crowds who just literally walk around the old and new strips, Las Vegas is alive and well. Hotels have their different themes which make the city fascinating. Casinos, shops and restaurants are all over beaming with life.

Aside from the casino hotels that litter the whole city, Las Vegas is also home to the Smith Center for the Performing Arts & Discovery Museum and the Symphony Park. The art scene cannot be left out in a city that hosts different people with different interests.

Architectural marvels can also be found in the city like the World Market Center and the Lou Ruvo Brain Center. They can even rival the beautiful hotels with equally beautiful concepts. Las Vegas can never be boring.

The government is leading the way. It's unique city hall is an example. Another is the Clark County Government Center. Clark County is where Las Vegas is located. With it vast land area, they can just do anything with their buildings which are feasts to the eyes.

Aside from the ornate buildings in the city, the surrounds of Las Vegas show nature at its best. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Las Vegas Desert are must-visit when in the city. They are a good respite from the sights and sounds of a 24/7 city.

Its own airport - the McCarran International Airport is also a sight to behold. What with those private planes and limousines for the high casino rollers side by side at the tarmac. The terminal itself is a casino with all those slot machines around.

Las Vegas is also known to be a favorite retirement city. Outside the commercial areas, there lay exclusive enclaves for people who want peace and quiet but has casinos nearby for their leisure activities.

But whatever is one's purpose in visiting the city, Las Vegas will forever be a happy city. You can never have enough with just one visit. My two visits are not enough. I hope to back in the future when the pandemic is over.

Whether it sleeps or not, Las Vegas will always be one of the best cities in America that I have ever visited. Day or night, it exudes an charm that makes you want more. Fabulous!

Credit to the owners of some of the photos.

Cabanatuan City: At the Heart of the Country's Rice Granary

Cabanatuan City is a component city of the province of Nueva Ecija and is located at the heart of the so-called rice granary of the Philippines. It is right smack in the middle and is a melting pot not only among Novo Ecijanos but of people in the Northeastern part of Luzon.

Rice being the staple food of Filipinos, the plains of Nueva Ecija and Cabanatuan City are rich and fertile making it the main produce of the whole province. It is in the great plains of Luzon which produced most of the rice being consumed by the whole country.

Being a component city means independence from the mother province. Nueva Ecija has been self-reliant. Thanks to its leaders, past and present, for maintaining that kind of progressive autonomy through the years - laudable governance, indeed.

Proof to Cabanatuan City's growth is the proliferation of commercial establishments such as shopping malls and other businesses that cater to the needs of its people, that of the whole province and neighboring provinces.

Business is flourishing in the city. Despite the malls being built, other small-scale businesses are also doing well. The usual market is teeming with people who still go there for their usual wet market needs.

Being the central point of the Nueva Ecija, it is not unusual that students study there for their educational needs. Big schools, colleges and universities, both public and private, are full in student population.

Nourishment for the body and soul can also be found in Cabanatuan City. Their Nueva Ecija Doctors' Hospital has modern amenities for the health needs of the people. The St. Nicholas of Tolentino Cathedral cater to their spiritual needs.

The city's transportation hub is an efficient way of transporting people to and from the city. Buses and jeepneys utilize the said terminal and passengers have the discipline to go there to ride their preferred mode of transportation going in and out of Cabanatuan City.

Both Nueva Ecija and Cabanatuan City have their great share in the Philippines' history. The Antonio Luna Death Place marker is a fitting remembrance of one of our national heroes who fought during the Spanish colonization while the Cabanatuan World War II Memorial Shrine and the Cabanatuan American Memorial are fitting tributes to those who fought during the Japanese colonization.

With the many times that I have visited the city, I have fond memories of Cabanatuan City which urge me to visit it again soon. I have done fashion shows in different venues in the city and I hope to be back again for work or for leisure.

Credit to the owners of the photos.

World Travel Market London 2016

The World Travel Market is an annual event held in the city of London, United Kingdom. It is an avenue to market different countries, major cities, hotels and tourism-related organizations from around the world. It is a major function of the travel industry which has a counterpart in South America. I was able to attend the London edition from November 7 to 9, 2016.

For years, the venue of the World Travel Market is at the Excel Center in the outskirts of London. It is huge. Even the biggest convention centers in the Philippines will pale as compared to Excel. It is a fitting place to hold such a gathering which rakes in thousands of people from all over the globe. It is a one big tourism market place.

Attendees are mostly travel agents and tourism stakers who will likely sell any country or entity that will suit the needs of their respective country's travelers. Of course, representatives of each nation or entity are present ready to answer inquiries from the attendees.

Booths are not just the typical white-walled, box-type ones that we normally see in ordinary exhibitions. Exhibitors spend thousands of dollars just to make their booths enticing to possible market. Each group create gimmicks to get the attention of the attendees.

Performers clad in colorful costumes are a big help in getting the visitors' attention. Dance presentations, painting exhibitions, fashion shows, stage performances and the like are being done all at the same time at a specific time near the closing time of each day. Just imagine the different sounds and sights at 5:00 p.m.

The Philippines cannot be outdone. Our booth was a big as that of Indonesia which was our neighbor in WTM 2016. They had their cultural presentation while we had a fashion show of Mindanao fabrics courtesy of Filipino fashion advocate Renee Salud. For three days, we showcased Philippine culture through fashion to a glad audience.

Aside from the booths and presentations, there were also conferences and fora that tackled different tourism-related topics. This was also a way of connecting to the major players of tourism worldwide. And these activities were well-attended.

The Excel Center was a complete venue for the World Travel Market. Since it is vast, the organizers of the event had a library for reading materials related to travel and tourism. It also had a wellness lounge and a cafe for everyone to enjoy.

Aside from doing the fashion presentation of the Philippines, I enjoyed going around checking on other countries' booths, getting reading materials and asking for souvenirs that ranged from collectibles to things of everyday use.

Given another chance, I would brave the cold and wet weather of London to experience being at the World Travel Market. This event satisfied my curiosity and love for traveling. It was like traveling the world in one big event venue.

Credit goes to the owners of some of the photos.