The New Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City

After seven years, I went back to Ho Chi Minh City. Back then, there were already signs of progress. I was right. Progress I saw in the city and it reflects the development going on in the different parts of Vietnam. Hotels and other establishments now abound. Shops of named brands are but ordinary sights. The influx of foreign tourists are very evident. There's a new Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City.

With the new airport catering to the arrivals of people from other parts of the globe, it is with no wonder that Ho Chi Minh City is now considered a tourist haven in this part of Southeast Asia. Still having a socialist form of government, the city is considered an open-city of sorts. It is host to several stores and restaurants that you see in democratic societies.

High rise buildings have mushroomed. Population has increased. Cars, aside from motorcycles, have contributed to the traffic situation. Tourist buses ply the streets just like ordinary cars. Government infrastructure build-up is in full swing. Development is very evident.

French architecture is still evident in Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel where we stayed, Hotel Continental Saigon, is an example. Bread buns called banh mi is sold around the city. They are actually French breads which are sold throughout the city. It is the staple snack of the Vietnamese together with their milk tea sold in side streets.

Vietnamese cuisine is considered one of the healthiest foods in the world. What with those leaves in their daily fare. Restaurants that abound carry such dishes. If one is into healthy food, try Vietnamese. Our very own Jollibee already has several branches there.\

Several airlines ply the Ho Chi Minh City route. From Manila, you may reach this side of Vietnam via Philippine Airlines with two flights daily. Cebu Pacific Air goes to the city once a day

Ho Chi Minh City is a mirror of the new Vietnam. From what I have observed, I would not hesitate to say that it has come a long way and might have overtaken the Philippines already in terms of development and tourist arrivals.

A Quaint Haven Called Cabugao Beach Resort in Ilocos Sur

Two weekends ago brought me to Cabugao Beach Resort in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. In consonance with the province's fashion designers workshop, it was also a restful weekend despite the hectic 2-day activities. Sans cable television, we had to fend with internet for our recreation. Our evenings were free from TV shows that we usually watch. They were restful only we can experience there.

From 2009 to 2013, Cabugao Beach Resort served as our production home when we did events in the province. My assistants and I did not waste time to reminisce the good times of the not-so-distant past. Thanks to Vice Governor DV Savellano for inviting us again to give the workshop to the province's fashion designers.

The area is a perfect place to swim, while away time or just sit by the seashore and let the day pass just like the people of olden times did. Watching the sun set is definitely amazing. Sometimes, one would wish to live a life in the province than go back to the crazy world of the metropolis.

Every Friday, there is an acoustic night at the resort's event bar. Some singers are invited to entertain evening guests at the Cabana Bar and Restaurant. There is even a raffle for one lucky guest. There is space for outdoor wedding receptions.

There are a number of guest rooms for those who would like to spend peace and quiet days this side of the north. A swimming pool, 2 tennis courts, a conference room and the beach are amenities which makes Cabugao Beach Resort a must-try among places to visit in Ilocos Sur. Good maintenance by the management is truly remarkable. Food, especially typical Ilocano fare, is superb.

Going to Cabugao Beach Resort is easy. Riding any bus going to Laoag City, you may tell the conductor to drop you off the corner where Cabugao Beach Resort is located. From alighting the bus, you may just walk to the resort which is just a few steps away.

I hope to be back in the resort soon. It may be a quaint place but a weekend's rest is worth the trip.

A Glimpse of Bukidnon

Fortunately, aside from Cagayan de Oro City, I was able to have a glimpse of the Province of Bukidnon courtesy of my friend Gil Macaibay. I say glimpse because we only went to a portion of the province near Cagayan de Oro City. Bukidnon is a big land-locked province in Mindanao. It may not be near the sea but it boasts of land which raises pineapple and is a grazing ground for cattle, horses and other animals.

With its cool weather and lush vegetation, I consider it as the Baguio of the south. Its greeneries are similar if not the same.

My friend brought me to the Del Monte Golf Course and Clubhouse in Canamayon where we tasted burger and roastbeef sandwiches made from meat whose cows were fed pineapple extras hence, the sweet taste of the burger patty and the beef meat.

Of course, a visit to this side of Bukidnon would not be complete if you won't go around the hectares upon hectares of pineapple plantation owned by multinational Del Monte. From the lands of the province come the pineapple that we all eat. Not only do they supply the needs of the Filipinos but the whole of Southeast Asia as well.

We stopped by a privately-owned chapel named after St. Augustine. It is a respite from all the plantations that abound. Though private, its caretaker sees to it that mass is celebrated in the chapel every Wednesday and during special religious occasions. It has miraculous images of the Sto. Nino and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Obrero Farm is one picnic area where people of the province go to. Sadly, its owners have not really took care of it since most of them are living abroad. But it is one place where families can relax and have a great swim in the stream inside the farm.

From what I have observed, Bukidnon is one place that has maintained it charisma despite modernity. Its wide roads speak of proper planning by the provincial government. If I was already impressed by what I saw, what more if I was able to go to other places in the province. It still remains a mystery to me.

Despite having two cities, Bukidnon can only be accessed via Cagayan de Oro City from Manila and some parts of the Visayas. Around Mindanao, one can go to the province by plane from Davao or by bus plying different routes.

I hope that, next time, I will not just have a glimpse but a tour of the whole province as well.

The Gold That is Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan de Oro City...the City of Golden Friendship. The first time I went there was 20 years ago when my bestfriend requested me to visit him (may his soul rest in peace). 

This year, I was lucky enough to do the Centrio Mall Style Origin fashion show of Ayala Malls. My 5-day stay in the city courtesy of Seda Hotel was really an awakening. Awakening in the sense that I never thought that progress will be that fast for this northern gateway to Mindanao. It is an amazing development.

Cagayan de Oro is home to the largest Asia Brewery plant in the country. The past 20 years saw rapid development to what is now one of the most progressive cities in the country. Malls, hotels and other establishments have mushroomed left and right for the benefit of tourists and to the delight of its citizens.

But, despite progress, the city has maintained its own charm and character. Kudos to the local government officials, then and now, for loving the Cagayan de Oro City. Despite the calamities of the past, its people was able to rise up and move forward.

Commercial establishments are up and about in this city of not only golden but genuine friendship as well. There is this chill place called Lifestyle District where people can relax and while the evening away until wee hours in the morning.

There are locally-owned restaurants where you can taste the freshest of seafood available. Panagatan Seafood Restaurant is one of them. Fresh sea produce is served everyday.

High Ridge is another must-see place in Cagayan de Oro City. Its big restaurant, warm weather, sumptuous food and a good vantage view of the city from the mountain are reasons enough for one to traverse the rugged mountain streets. Thank you to my friends Gil Macaibay and Roger Lactao for bringing us around during free time.

Cagayan de Oro City is easily accessible by plane from Manila, Cebu and Davao. There are daily flights by Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, Cebu Pacific Air and CebGo. Its new airport, the Laguindingan Airport, is an hour away from city proper but has good facilities in place.

Once you get to visit this city, it's not easy to fall in love with it. Not only is it known for its version of Divisoria and other interesting places, Cagayan de Oro City is truly a city of gold!