Padova, Italy is the City Where St. Anthony Belongs

Padova is one city in Italy that we visited. Actually, it was our main hub when we went to Europe last May to June 2016. They say that it is a city of tradition. It is also called a city of education. It is the home of St. Anthony of Padua.

Natives of Padova at particular about education. They have centers of educational excellence that have enrollees not only coming from the city but from some areas in the Northeastern part of Italy called Veneto. The city boasts of schools and universities which are being partonized by the best students in the country.

One thing that I have noticed, Padova has a lot of churches. Almost every block has one. It just goes to show the religiosity of the people with Italy being the seat of catholicism. Proudly, it is the Filipinos in the city who frequently visit the churches.

Padova is where you will find the Basilica di San't Antonio di Padova. St. Anthony is the patron saint of Padova which, by the way, is also the patron saint of my hometown Zumarraga, Samar. It was an enriching experience visiting the basilica seeing the relics of St. Anthony like his tongue and jaw. I felt at home.

It is one city that can be proud of having structures that have been preserved. But it has its own modernity as well to cater to the daily needs of the people. In the past, Padova had a citadel which made it a walled city. Now, one side is the old city while the other side is the new enclave where business establishments abound.

A place to go to is the Prato della Valle where families and friends converge for a leisurely get-together. It is surrounded by statues of famous Italians who have made a mark in their society. Another must-visit is the Piazza della Fruta outside the Palazzo della Ragione. This is one place where you can buy different kinds of fruits and street food.

Like any other European city, Padova has an effective transportation system. The tram is used as one of the main means of going around the city. Buses also ply routes that take people from one point to another. Cute smalls-sized cars are being utilized due to the small streets of Padova. Wonder of wonders, these cars can accommodate what medium-sized and large automobiles can have. With the good street system and discipline that they have, it is safe to drive around the city.

All in all, my Padova experience is one of nostalgia. Nostalgia because their patron saint is our patron saint in the province. We say the same prayers. It is one visit to Italy that cannot be forgotten. It is a city where one can learn a lot of things. It is one city where I made a lot of friends. Special thanks to our host Ms. Cecilia Silva, our Balik sa Basik producer Ms. Laarni Silva & her daughters Feida & Bea and the Associazione Donne Filippine whose members have untiringly shared to us their hospitality. Special mention also goes to half-Filipino and half-French photographer Nadine Silva for making our stay in Padova more enjoyable with her expert talent and by sharing her children Amanda & Raoul with us to our hearts' delight.

I wish I could go back to Padova in the future to explore it more. It is one Italian city which gave me good memories. It made me appreciate art and architecture more. It really is the city of culture.

Philippine Fashion Week: 20 Years and Beyond

20 years...yes, 20 years! No mean feat for an event which aims to bring to fore Philippine fashion at its best. 20 years of ups and downs. 20 years of relentlessly believing in the Filipino talent whether based in the country or abroad.

Joey and Audie Espino had a vision. A vision to put the Philippines in the fashion map of the world. A vision that they have sustained even in the most trying of times. A vision they have never gotten tired of.

Several big names in the local fashion industry have become who they are today through the help and exposure given by Philippine Fashion Week. Upstarts have become names to reckon with. Those who were afraid to venture into the fashion design business are now confident business-artists who dared to meet the challenges head-on.

Established designers have also made Philippine Fashion Week as a showcase of their time-proven artistry.

Brands have made it as a platform to introduce to the public their latest collections. Philippine Fashion Week has become a venue for their launches.

With 20 years tucked in the sleeves of Philippine Fashion Week, there is more reason to look forward to another 20 years and beyond. Time and again, it has proved to its nay-sayers what they have thought otherwise.

Personally, I would like to thank the Espino brothers for believing in me. Congratulations for bringing to fore Philippine fashion all these years. I may not be physically present in the Philippines this season but my thoughts are with you and I feel proud to be part of your noble vision. Again, MARAMING SALAMAT at MABUHAY ang PHILIPPINE FASHION WEEK!

When in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one territory that is so near the Philippines. It's just two hours away by plane. Sometimes, if the weather is good, it takes only one and a half hours. It is one very popular destination especially for the shopping-go-lucky Pinoys. It is our Mecca for cheap and up-to-date fashion finds.

Personally, Hong Kong is one concrete jungle where, literally, east meets west. I like the fusion of eastern culture and the fast pace of western life. Well, both can co-exist in Hong Kong since it is a financial hub of Asia.

There are a lot of things that one can do when in Hong Kong. Aside from the usual shopping, there are may places to visit. Ocean Park, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland and a lot more are places that Hong Kong can offer. Though is has a small land area, it seems as big as the other metropolis in Asia because of the many automobiles that traverse it limited streets. Couple it with the growing number of people who visit the whole year round.

It offers tourists and residents alike different activities to everyone's enjoyment. In one trip, I was able to visit a floral festival. In another trip, I was able to witness a garden design competition. The Hong Kong Fashion Week is held twice a year.

Despite the influx of modernity, Hong Kong has maintained it oriental mystique. It has adapted to western culture but there is still the eastern side to it.

Many times I have visited Hong Kong but it is one city that I will not get tired of visiting. Of course, my main agenda is to shop. Its many boutiques and stores entice me to go back every now and then. When in Hong Kong...enjoy!

Amazing Macau

Macau is dubbed as the Las Vegas of Asia. It is true! What with the rise of different casino-hotels which can only be seen in Las Vegas. It has lived up to its image as the freeport of China. It is part of the country's Special Administrative Region aside from Hong Kong.

It is a former territory of Portugal that is why some buildings, street signages and other significant establishments still have the Portuguese language printed on them. Not only is the Portuguese culture evident in signages. Macau people still cook food that the Portuguese colonizers have imbibed in them. After 1999, it was returned to China and is now enjoying the perks of being an "open" city of sorts.

The catholic influence is very much evident in Macau. In its tourist area alone, you can see its famous St. Paul's church ruins and when you go lower, you will see the Church of Sto. Domingo.

Of course, Chinese culture is very much felt. Obviously because it is actually part of Mainland China. Macau is one territory which successfully combines the cultures of the East and the West. Just like Hong Kong, it is a place where two different ways of life co-exist.

It is dubbed as the Las Vegas of the East because of the rise of different gaming venues. Each time I visit the city, casinos and hotels are newly-built. Shopping venues spring up left and right. Macau may be small but it is teeming with activities suited for one's taste and purpose of travel.

Macau can be reached via different international airlines that fly to the territory. Ferry service from Hong Kong regularly service those who plan to cross to the city. Mainland Chinese people can enter the border in Zhuhai and take land transportation.

The many times that I have visited Macau, I still find it amazing each time I see it. It has become at par with its neighboring "open" city and will continue to amaze people who will go to visit.