Tagged with Asia

The Philippines: 7, 107 islands, 7, 107 adventures

by Ralph Mckenzie

There are so many places to go to in the Philippines and if you are a Filipino, exploring your own country before visiting other tourist spots in Asia or in other parts of the world is a must. The three main islands in the Philippines include Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon is where the capital is located. Metropolitan Manila may be one of the biggest attractions because the megacity hosts the biggest malls and best bazaars but if you really want to enjoy being in the tropics, going to its beaches is always a great idea. There are many beaches to explore and lots of mountainous regions too. In fact, when a Filipino thinks about the beautiful places in the Philippines, he will not be able to enumerate all of them because for each region or province –there is always a tourist spot –either because of its idyllic beaches, its countryside or its social, cultural and political relevance. Continue reading

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Gelly’s Grill And The Local Fare In UP Diliman

UP Sunken Garden

Traveling to the Philippines? If you happen to pass by the University of the Philippines in Quezon City, trying out the restaurants and food stalls is a great idea. There are many international favorites one can enjoy inside the university and you can even go to an authentic Persian restaurant if you feel like eating a kebab.

Much like other Asian countries, the Philippines is famous for its street food. Fish balls, kikiam and local milkshakes are only a few of the things you should try. If you are in the University of the Philippines Diliman area however, you should try that delectably hot monay –a semi-sweet bun that comes with cheese. The isaw (pork or chicken intestines) is a local fare you shouldn’t miss either. Grilled to perfection, the isaw is an attraction on its own that’s why lots of people from nearby universities flock to UP just to get their fill of isaw and other grilled delights.

Rolando Tolentino Photography

If you are adventurous enough, it would also be nice if you toured around outside the campus. Krus na Ligas is one of the areas you can go to.  Going to KNL however offers a totally different experience because it is like stepping into a setting of an independent film. The village is more of like a marketplace that’s very much alive at night. It would be a bit hard to bring a car inside since there are throngs of people walking the small side streets. This is fun nonetheless because it gives you a chance to take a look at the local fare being sold in the small, dimly-lit stores.

Along V. Francisco Street right beside the old high school is Gelly’s Grill –a small grill stall with its name taken from a mid-range yet very popular grill resto called Gerry’s Grill. Although the name is a spoof (much like other stalls in KNL), you can be sure that you won’t be spoofed by the food Gelly’s Grill offers. The proprietor and her sisters grill seafood delights as well as the regular pork and chicken barbecue. The servings are quite large and they are very scrumptious too. If you’d like to go to Gelly’s Grill, you may contact Gelly herself at +63 905 320 5327 and she will gladly assist you on how to get to her stall.

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Lahore Hotels

The ancient city of Lahore boasts luxurious hotels and a number of affordable accommodation spaces. With the city’s economy at par with the country’s economic hub –Karachi, Lahore is attracting more and more businesses into the country. Tourism is also a thriving industry in Lahore, making this beautiful city one of the prime destinations in Pakistan.

Pearl Continental Lahore
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant city is Pearl Continental Lahore, a first-class hotel that merges Pakistani culture and modern luxuries. Pearl Continental Lahore is perfect for business trips especially for those who want a fantastic service. Along with the conference facilities that can accommodate large groups, the hotel also has state of the art suites equipped with mini kitchens, DVD players, TVs, telephones, in-room air conditioning among other basics. The average room rate is € 330 a night.
Avari Lahore
This 5-story hotel overlooks the city of Lahore. The garden setting is a come-on for most guests. At € 160 a night, rooms are equipped with a fridge, a TV, a DVD player, a mini kitchen and a fireplace. Because of its spacious conference hall and its beautiful garden, Avari is perfect for wedding receptions and other special events.
The Residency Hotel
For an affordable yet tasteful stay in Lahore, the Residency Hotel just might be your answer. This Boutique hotel takes pride in catering to guests who need privacy in a homey setting. At € 65 a night, guests can enjoy the hotel’s garden or just breathe in the city atmosphere from their room windows. The rooms are equipped with telephones, TVs, air conditioning along with other basic items.

Holiday Inn City Center Lahore
The Holiday Inn City Center Lahore is the perfect place to stay when on budget but still want to experience quality service. The hotel’s average nightly rate is € 94 and at that price, guests can avail of a daily maid service, a TV, a telephone, in-room air conditioning along with free Internet access and a DVD/VCR.

Mirage Hotel
In the center of Lahore’s shopping and business districts is Mirage Hotel. The hotel boasts its exceptional service and its convenient location. The amenities are in tiptop shape and can be accessed by all guests. There are conference halls built for big events and meetings -perfect for those going to Lahore for business. At € 27 a night, guestrooms are equipped with telephones, in-room Wi-Fi, air conditioning, among other basics.

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