At Last, the Much-Awaited Recognition of Vigan City

For years, Vigan City has played second fiddle in terms of the number of visitors is concerned. Thanks to UNESCO and the people who voted for it to become a World Heritage site. It has seen a great increase in tourist arrivals since then.

Well, the city is ready to welcome visitors with all the many hotels and lodging inns that have risen to accommodate the influx of tourists. Vigan Plaza Hotel and Hotel Luna are but some of the most popular hotels there.

Vigan is a city of contrasts. Food is served from the lowly turo-turo restaurants to the best in fine dining. Whether one comes from an affluent family or just an ordinary citizen, the people of Vigan know how to cook deliciously and eat deliciously.

Restaurants and food places abound in the city. From fastfood to al fresco dining to the finest of cooking, you can experience all of these in Vigan. Typical of Filipinos, the people of Vigan also love to eat.

The reason for the much-awaited international recognition is Calle Crisologo and adjacent streets. When you are in the area, the feeling is like you are warped in time. This ambience is enhanced with the calesas that ply certain routes for tourists to enjoy.

Other places worth visiting in the city are the Cathedral of St. Paul and the Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo. The cathedral's interior has been preserved properly and the fountain has been renovated to the delight of the city's people.

Vigan City is home to the oldest archdiocese in the Philippines. It is where the Arzobispado Palacio del Nueva Segovia is located. As in any other city or town in the country, the citizens of Vigan are strictly catholic and adhere to the teachings of God to the T. Vigan City deserves its award. It is one heritage city that Filipinos are proud of.

The Most Important Canadian City of Ottawa

Ottawa is a very important city in Canada because it is the country's capital. It is the seat of government where the Prime Minister resides. It is located in the province of Ontario and just a few hours away from the more popular Toronto.

Despite being a bustling metropolis, it's environs look fresh and crisp. Well, maybe because we were there nearing winter already. But it is very evident that Ottawa's people have taken cared of their city very well. It's clean and odor-free.

Ottawa is a mix of the old and new. Both coexist in today's generation. As in any other big city, it has its share of malls and shopping centers. Small stores are also doing good business. It has an effective transportation system but walking is the best way to know the city better.

Being in the northern part of North America, it is but natural that Ottawa experience snow even at the onset of winter. I seldom go to places which experience snow and it was a delight for a Far East Asian to see white rain.

Normally, Filipinos would visit Vancouver or Toronto in Canada. I had my first visit to the country via Ottawa since I was part of the group which had fashion shows at the Philippine Embassy in the city. Despite the cold weather, the city was warm to our group and we felt at home instantly.

We arrived in Ottawa on a stormy night via Toronto. But the city can also be accessed via land trip. Buses are available 24/7 and taxi is everywhere. Given another chance to travel to Canada, I would not mind going to Ottawa again.

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa, Puerto Princesa City

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa is just one of the resorts of Sheridan located in the central islands of Luzon and Visayas. I had the chance to stay in the Puerto Princesa resort three times - once in 2014 when I did the Mutya ng Pilipinas swimsuit competition. Another one in 2016 and the latest was this year (2018). The last two were courtesy of the gift certificates given to me when I sat down as judge in some of the competitions of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016 and 2017.

Nestled among the lush greens and active seashore of Barangay Sabang, Sheridan is a commune with nature. Its proximity to the Puerto Princesa Underground River makes it a perfect place to stay if visiting one of the world wonders is your main purpose.

Its large pool is one of the reasons why people stay at Sheridan. It has a "floating" bar where you can order drinks of your choice. It is strategically situated in between the two original buildings of the resort. Lifeguards are on the look-out 24 hours a day.

Since the resort is also a spa, it has services and equipment that cater to the needs of the more physically-active guests. Gym equipment can be used for free while spa services can be availed at affordable prices.

It has a stage that makes Sheridan not only a resort & spa but also a venue for special events. Mutya ng Pilipinas and Miss Asia Pacific International have used the said stage for their various pageant activities.

The South Sea Restaurant in the resort serves one of the best meals in all the resorts that I have visited all over the Philippines. It caters to all sorts of food requirements but their breakfast is really sumptuous and generous.

The architecture of the resort is basically Asian but inspired by Indonesian architecture. Plants in between the room areas are fresh and well-maintained. There is a beautiful feel when you go out of your room since nature is abounty.

If you have plans of going to the Puerto Princesa Underground River or just simply go on vacation this side of the Philippines, Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa is a highly recommended place to stay in. Rates are reasonable and services are world-class.

Special THANK YOU to the Tan family for the gift certificates and to Miss Mayenne Vijandre for facilitating the reservations of my last two visits.

Selangor: Malaysia's Alternative

Selangor is one of Malaysia's cities which is lesser known especially among Filipinos. It is an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur and, by train, only 45 minutes away. Its land area is almost similar to Kuala Lumpur although Selangor is a little bit bigger. Since all the developments are in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor has vast lands for further development. It is considered a perfect location for exclusive enclaves.

Its vast highways and emerging skyline are proofs that Selangor is an important city in Malaysia. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located in its Sepang District. Basically, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur are connected in so many ways.

Hotels and resorts have been built to support the tourist influx in the country. Selangor is one destination in Malaysia that can handle tourism very well.

Business-wise, Selangor cannot be left behind. It has its own establishments which are typically Malaysian. Malls have also sprung up. The famous Suntec Resort Complex is headquartered in Selangor. Schools, religious venues and others can also be found in the city.

Night life is still limited maybe because of the predominance of Islam in the country but one cannot ignore Selangor which is also known as the heart of Malaysia.