Singapore: The Concrete Jungle of Southeast Asia

Singapore, a country synonymous to progress in Southeast Asia. It was founded by Lee Kuan Yew who led the severance of the island-nation from Malaysia. It may be small in terms of land area but it has become big in terms of economy. It is considered as a major hub not only in Southeast Asian region but in the whole of Asia as well.

In just a few years, Singapore has become a model tiger economy. Thanks to the effective leadership of its prime ministers, it has become a leader in Asean and asian economies. It may not have enough land but the skyscrapers speak for Singapore.

Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are places for those who love the night life. In the river's banks stand restaurants, bars, a stadium, the Singapore Flyer (giant ferris wheel) and other places of interests especially for those want to while the night (or day) away. The government has put the river banks to good use. Cleanliness is evident among the surrounding places.

The Universal Studios at Resorts World Sentosa is one popular place to visit. What with those shows, themes, restaurants, souvenir shops, rides and other amenities that people of different ages can enjoy. One need not go to other Universal Studios since the Singapore branch is at par with them.

The Marina Bay Sands area is one must-go place in Singapore. It has an expansive mall that houses high-end stores and restaurants. It also has a convention center where big events are held. It has a hotel that has an infinity pool on the top floor. It is a tourist area that will leave anyone in awe.

Orchard Road is one iconic Singaporean street. Along its length are malls such as Takashimaya, Central, Ion, Lucky Plaza just to name a few. It is one shopper's delight. Goodies from the most expensive to the cheapest can be found there. Outside Lucky Plaza is where one can find the famous ice cream sandwich that is a must-taste.

Other places of interest in Singapore are the Fullerton Hotel area where the famous Merlion is located nearby. Also, worth visiting is the ArtScience Museum. The building with horns called the Esplanade is another place to go to. Singapore is a country that is a feast to the eyes despite diminutive size.

It may seem that Singapore is the concrete jungle of Southeast Asia but its government and people are ever conscious of ways to take care of the environment. Well, concrete jungle or not, it has come a long way from its birth as a nation up to the present time. Singapore beacons as a very important hub of commerce and tourism.

Davao City, the Center of Attraction

Davao City, the country's largest city in terms of land area, is at the center of attraction of late. Not only because it is the city where President Rodrigo Duterte was once a mayor. It is gaining more popularity among local tourists and foreigners as well.

The city has its own characteristic that makes it charming and endearing. Modernity has caught up with Davao City but it has maintained a certain aura of mystery. Though, once in a while, hounded by activities of the far left and other attention-seeking groups, it is generally peaceful.

From the first time that I set foot in Davao City many years ago until the last time I was there to do the 65th Miss Universe Mindanao Tapestry fashion show of Renee Salud, I have seen a lot of changes to the city. Commercial establishments have spruced up. There is even a big Central Bank of the Philippines branch which has a convention hall that can accommodate a large number of people of big events. Then, there is also the SMX Convention Center in Lanang where our show was held.

Malls owned by SM and Ayala have mushroomed in Davao City through the years. It seems that their branches are not enough to accommodate the number of people who have made malls as their new leisure go-to places.

But, of course, there is still the good old reliable Aldevinco where you can buy Mindanao-made products. Not only that, you can also find items which come from neighboring countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. Haggling for the best price is still practiced here. Then, there is the city center which has small as well as big named stores to shoppers' delight.

A sign of a place's marked development is the construction of big-branded hotels. Of course, there are smaller hotels which cater to tourists who are on a budget. The construction frenzy of hotels in Davao City makes the city more appealing to visit.

Durian can be bought in several areas as well as other delicacies that the city offers. Local restaurants are must-trys. With the abundance of fruits and seafood in the area, it is worth patronizing their products and eating places.

Davao City is at the center of attraction. It is one place which was carved of discipline and friendliness. Everywhere I went in the city, I was genuinely greeted by its people. Taxis gave exact change. Cleanliness is very evident. It is not be a surprise anymore that it is dubbed as the next important gateway to the Philippines.

In New York City, the Dream is Real

New York City is one place that left a good imprint in me. When I went there, I said to myself that I will never get tired of going back and forth. It is one city that makes me feel at ease and comfortable. Roaming in the streets of New York City is like going through a orderly mess. Messy because people are all over. Orderly because the city layout is very well planned.

Times Square is a must-visit area in New York City. Waves and waves of tourists have their pictures taken in its iconic establishments. Shops, restaurants, hotels and theaters are abounty. This place makes truth to the cliche that New York is a city that doesn't sleep. 24/7, hordes go to Times Square to experience what it is to be like in New York City.

Despite the seeming modernity of the city, some buildings still have the architecture of years gone by. They are sights to behold in this concrete jungle.

Central Park is one place that is a breath of fresh air both literally and figuratively. This is one big block of trees and water that the city has preserved. It is also a place where residents go to during free times. Despite the busy atmosphere of New York City, Central Park provides a semblance of nature in a metropolitan setting.

Going around the city is easy. Aside from the regular trips in the subway, yellow cabs are all around. Then, there are the double-decker buses that bring tourists around. But, of course, walking is still the best way to explore New York City. There are a lot of places to discover.

Traversing the streets of the city, you can find a myriad of many things that might be of your interest. It is a melting pot of matters, trivial or important, that make the city's personality unique.

New York City is a dream place for artists especially in the fields of theater and fashion. Broadway shows the latest musical plays while New York Fashion Week is said to be the most-awaited fashion event worldwide.

Since I was young, it has been my fervent wish to visit New York City. It came true in 2010. My dream has come to fruition. But, still, I yearn to be back in the city that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and where the jungle is really concrete.