Showing posts with label Tourism. Show all posts

Time and money are two of the most common reasons people do not travel. But traveling does not always mean you need billions of pesos. All you need is a bit of cash to get going. Do not worry. The world will still be here. No one has ever said and wished that they have traveled less so they could put longer hours working.

As to where you are going, we have listed here some of the best countries you must visit right now while you are still young.

France

The French know how to make the most of their leisure time. When you visit France, you want to go to Paris. Cross the Eiffel Tower or go to Notre Dame. Then, head to Lyon, which is the second largest city in this country. And if you are a wine lover, you must not forget to visit Bordeaux or Burgundy. You can also make a stop on the French Riviera.

Italy

Next is Italy. It has everything that you want. Art, beaches, mountains and best food. You name it; the country has it. In a matter of days, you can hit different cities. But the first place you must go is in Florence to San Gimignano. This country is a genuine treasure. Italy offers overwhelming community and culture. The residents here only want to eat good food and drink Chianti while loving their country.

Tanzania

You should go there while you are still young so you could climb Kilimanjaro. Since it is the tallest mountain in Africa, you need a good set of heart and lungs. Reaching the summit can take up to nine days. But it will depend on the route you take. When reaching the top, you will feel like you are on a plane as you get through glaciers, snow, and wooden sign.

Colombia

Going to this country is cheap. Even if you come from the Philippines, you do not need a huge amount of money to go there. When going there, head first to Medellin. Then, enjoy the hot springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal before heading to Cocora Valley. Colombia is a country where the past mixes with the present. At the top of South America, you can see the Andes coming to meet Caribbean beaches and dance all night in Cali, which is famous for its dancing.

Thailand

Known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand offers cheap adventure. But, just because it is cheap does not mean that it cannot provide you unforgettable holiday. However, you should go there during the hot season. When you choose to travel to Thailand, make sure to head to Bangkok first as it offers some of the greatest food in the world. From Bangkok, you can go to the cooler mountain terrain in the North. Or you can go south and swim to its perfect beaches.

Vietnam

It is closer to the Philippines. But you must go there while you are still young because of its rugged terrain. It has enchanting landscape and fascinating history. You must start in Ho Chi Minh City. The country may be known for its congested traffic and aggressive touts. However, this country has something exciting to offer.

Cebu is one of the most livable cities in the Philippines. It’s not as crowded as Metro Manila. Cebu is also not as polluted as Manila and other cities in Luzon. Then, the cost of living is more affordable, just like in Davao City. And if you ride a taxi, Cebuano drivers are more trustworthy than drivers in Manila.

Most tourist spots in Cebu include beautiful islands, historical sites, and scuba diving sites. So, to make the most of your stay in Cebu, here are some of the tourist spots that you don’t want to miss when you’re in the Queen City of the South.

1. Magellan’s Cross

The Magellan’s Cross is a symbol of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines. It’s housed in a chapel and it’s been planted there to signify a major event, i.e. the propagation of Roman Catholic faith in the country.

It’s also a symbol of the colonization in the Philippines by King Philip II of Spain.

2. Colon Street

It’s the oldest street in the country and named after Christopher Columbus. This road was built during Spanish Colonization under the Spanish navigator Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.

3. Taoist Temple

Situated in the Beverly Hills Subdivision, the Taoist Temple is another popular tourist spot in the city. Built in 1972, it’s the center of worship for those who follow Taoism. To reach the temple, you need to take a lot of steps. So, it’s not ideal for tourists with weak knees and legs.

4. Cebu IT Park

It’s not just an IT hub, but it’s also a lifestyle and recreation destination. Cebu IT Park offers a wide selection of cafes, wellness centers, restaurants, and retail stores, as well as bars. During the night, the place becomes livelier.

5. Mactan Shrine

It’s in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island. In here, you’ll find the 20-meter tall monument of Rajah Lapu-Lapu. He was the first Filipino hero who defeated the Spaniards and killed Ferdinand Magellan on April 27, 1521.

6. Tabo-An Market

It’s a haven for those who are looking for dried squid, tuyo, dilis and several others. Dried mangos and otap are also found here.

7. Sky Experience Adventure

Do you want an adrenaline rush type of experience? If you do, then you should go to Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. The place offers heart-pounding activities, such as Vertical Climb, Edge Coaster, Urban Zipline (this I like) and Tower Walk.

8. Mango Square

Besides the IT Park, Mango Square is also a perfect place to enjoy your night with your friends and family. In here, you’ll enjoy the fun and lively music and nightlife in the heart of the city.

9. Food trip

Forget about your diet. Eat as much lechon as you want. Enjoy the street food paired with puso. It’s a cup of cooked rice wrapped in palm leaves.

Other tourist spots in Cebu that you can go to will include Fort San Pedro, Basilica del Santo Nino, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Provincial Capitol Building. Of course, there are other places that you can visit if you go to Cebu that aren’t listed here.

Did I miss anything? Please leave a comment.

The Maldives is an exotic, beautiful country. Before, it wasn't possible to travel there on a budget. Now, you can find guesthouses located on the local islands. They offer budget travelers an affordable way to explore the beauty of this country. So, yes. You can find affordable Maldives tour package now. A $1,000 budget isn't bad for one person who wants to stay there for four nights.

A few years ago, flights to Maldives would cost you around $2000. Then, you’d have to make another budget of $300 a night for hotel rooms. That said, the money that you could spend here could be spent on a longer trip and visit several countries in Asia.

But things are changing now. Maldives opens its doors to budget travelers and allows them to export it without having to worry about money.

Budget Travel

Budget travel in this country is still new. In general, tourism is relatively new to this country. Its first resort opened in 1973. For more than 30 years, the only way to go there is through expensive island resorts.

But the government changed its regulations. It now allows guesthouses to open on local islands. That is, tourists can now stay with locals so they can have an insight of what life has to offer in this country.

In 2014, Tiger Airways introduced a budget Maldives tour package. It launched four flights per week to the country’s capital — Male. For only $450, you can have a round trip flight from the Philippines to Male.

Unfortunately, the trip can take around 14 hours. It includes a five-hour stop in Singapore. Fortunately, the Singapore airport has enough attractions that let you keep yourself busy.

One of the major costs of touring the country is transfer through a seaplane. That’s because the majority of Maldives is covered with water. Its 1,200 islands are scattered over the 298 square kilometers.

No booze

The Maldives is an Islamic country and it prohibits alcohol and pork consumption. You also have to dress conservatively.

When you choose an affordable Maldives tour package, you must not expect a five-star accommodation. However, the accommodation is mostly clean and new. And yes, you can expect it to have cable TV and Wi-Fi.

If you go to an inhabited island where Islamic laws apply, you can’t find or eat pork. You also can’t swim in your bikini.

Budget guesthouses offer good value for only $30 a night. With this price, you can have a spacious room, with hot shower, free breakfast, and snorkeling gear, among others.

One of the best budget places you can stay is at the Water Breeze Guesthouse in Maafushi. Per night is only $61.71. The owner here is lovely, and the breakfast it serves was enormous.

Cheap transport

Local ferries can run around $2 for a three-hour journey. Visiting a resort requires riding on a speedboat. But it’s quite expensive. Per person is around $280 for a 450-minute journey.

If you’re planning to obtain an affordable Maldives tour package, you must make sure that you’re traveling with a group of friends to divide the cost.

Have you been to South Africa yet? Do you know anything about this country?

On this post, let’s discover the many places that you must go to when you travel to South Africa, the home to many interesting archaeological places.

The country is known for its wildlife safaris and gorgeous beaches. But the country can offer you more than these things.

Gauteng

It’s a small province that’s considered by its citizens as the heart of their nation. Gauteng is also regarded as the economic engine of the country. It offers a unique geological history that’s shown at the World Heritage, where you can find a wide array of caves and fossils. This is one of the most important archaeological sites in Africa.

The Maropeng visitor center showcases a 3.5 million-year evolution of man. You can gaze at the stars while the storytellers recount the daily activities of our ancestors.

From Johannesburg, you’ll need to drive for 40 minutes to get to Gauteng.

Vredefort Dome

Approximately 120 km from Johannesburg, Vredefort Dome is the world’s oldest astrobleme or meteorite impact structure. It dates back 2,023 million years. It’s also considered as the largest with a radius of 190 km. The astrobleme offers evidence of the Earth’s history. It also gives us the understanding of how the planet Earth evolves.

Vredefort Dome is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Robben Island

There are several places in South Africa where you can follow the life journey of Nelson Mandela. But to get a better understanding of him, you may visit Robben Island situated in Cape Town. Nelson Mandela spent his 18 years in prison here.

Or you can go to the Eastern Cape village of Qunu. This is where he spent his younger years. It’s also considered as his burial place.

Nobel Laureates

If you want to know more about Nelson Mandela, you should consider visiting Orlando West, Soweto. Out of all the streets in the world, it’s the only strip in the world that’s home to two Nobel Laureates. In addition to Nelson Mandela, the South African social rights activist, Desmond Milo Tutu, lived here.

Mandela’s house, however, has been transformed into a historical site.

In Orlando West, you can also find Pieterson Memorial, where it commemorates youth resistance against apartheid.

St. Helena

It’s a lost island known as the place for the final exile of Napoleon. Besides this information, there are several things that you can do here. You can hike the soaring crags or take the seas by boat. You may also choose to explore its historic villages.

When you visit St. Helena, make sure that you opt to take the road by car. It’s a very rewarding experience as landscape changes every turn. While you travel, you’ll find wildflowers, waterfalls, Australian eucalyptus, and coffee plantations.

Everything that you wish to know about South Africa is in the southernmost part of the country. At Kruger National park, you’ll find lions roaming the area freely. If you’re fond of vineyards, you can go to Cape Winelands. The country also offers thriving arts and dinging scenes.

The people here are welcoming, just like Filipinos. Each time you visit, it offers something new.

When trying to find the best places to travel in Australia, you will be faced with many things.

The country is known for its extraordinary landscapes, beautiful beaches, and gorgeous cities. That said, it would be difficult for you to see all the beautiful places of the country in one single trip.

On this list, I highlighted all the best places to travel in Australia. They are also the best places to stay during the holidays. With this list, you can have an idea on what to do and where to go when you finally have the chance to visit Australia.

#1 Best places to travel in Australia – Sydney

When you are an Australian or living in Australia, you might probably scoff when you read Sydney on top of this list.

It is true that the country has better attractions or places to travel than Sydney. But no one can deny the truth that Sydney is an iconic place that no one should miss when traveling here.

If you made a decision to travel in this country and you do not see Sydney, then you would be like a tourist going to, say the Philippines and not eating balut. It would also be like going to American and not trying the best hot dog.

Sydney has the Opera Bar that lets you have a drink with your travel partner before you go and see a performance at the famous Opera House. The city is also known for the great Taronga Zoo, where you can experience and see festivals all year long.

#2 Best places to travel in Australia – Adelaide

As the fifth largest city of Australia, Adelaide is situated on a plain between the Gulf St. Vincent and the Adelaide Hills. In here, you will find some of the best Australia’s wine regions.

If you are fond of architecture, you will surely have a great time exploring the architecture of the inner city, which represents the colonial era.

There are many places you can stay in Adelaide. Hilton Adelaide offers reasonable price. It is very close to the central market. Although its furnishing is outdated, you cannot go wrong with the hotel’s reasonable rates.

Or you can book one to two nights at the Playford Adelaide. It is near public transportation, many restaurants, Festival Theatre, and so much more.

#3 Best places to travel in Australia – Byron Bay

This is situated south of the Queensland border. Byron bay is a popular holiday destination of both Australians and international tourists. You cannot blame them as the place lets you see the amazing lighthouse during sunset.

You will also experience Australia’s wide array of music festivals over the year. They attract not just local musicians but also international bands and singers, like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.

Although it is not the most beautiful place in Australia, Byron Bay offers affordable rates when visiting here. It is also situated just kilometers away from the country’s pristine beaches, scuba diving sites, and other attractions that make Byron Bay one of the best places to visit in the country.

#4 Best places to travel in Australia – Darwin

It is a transportation hub of the country because of its close proximities to other countries situated in the Indian Ocean. Although it had been damaged during the World War II, the city has a resilient town. Its people have a spirit that cannot be easily defeated.

The main attractions of Darwin are its seafood restaurants and multi-national shops. You will also enjoy drinking beer through its many open-air bars.

You can cruise around the Darwin Harbor, which can last around 12 hours. The cruise may include explorations of mangrove forest, bird and marine photo opps and fish expeditions.

To learn about the culture of Australia and of Darwin, you can visit its aboriginal locations that are in and around the city. If you wish to explore about the relics from the World War II, you can visit the Museum and Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Because Darwin is home to more than 60 nationalities, you should not be surprised to find and experience its broad and varied cuisine. When you are in the city, expect to experience a lot of things that might be new to your life.

#5 Best places to travel in Australia – Great Ocean Road

It is in Victoria. Great Ocean Road is one of the most amazing scenic drives you can see in the world. Although it is only 243 kilometers long, it will take you one day to enjoy its narrow yet windy traffic lanes.

When you are exploring it, you will find its panoramic views to be the most exciting. As it hugs the coast line, you will get to experience and see ocean and cliffs. The cool climate of its rain forests will give you windy temperature.

If you are looking for beaches, there are many that you can stop and swim here. Hikes and other attractions are also provided for you to partake in.

Do you love surfing like I do? Then, you should not miss the wild waves of Discovery Bay and Bells Beach.

How about the wildlife? The ancient rainforests and natural attractions of Australia are found in the Great Ocean region.

And do not forget to experience the Great Ocean Walk where you can journey from the Apollo Bay and head to the 12 Apostles. While you are in this journey, you can visit its national parks and deserted beaches.

#6 Best places to travel in Australia – Grampians National Park

It is still situated in Victoria. This is where the Great Ocean Road ends. The park is large with 1,672 kilometers in size. Hikes, sandstone ridges and indigenous rocks can be found here.

There are several recreational opportunities here. On your way to the park, you will find panoramic views and impressive waterfalls.

When you visit here during August and October, you will experience and see the colorful displays of wildflower in the park. You will also find it here various types of herbs and shrubs. This is also a great place to find native animals and birds. Kangaroos, you say? Yes. And also koalas, eagles and emus, among others.

#7 Best places to travel in Australia – Daintree Rainforest

It is in the north of Cairns. Daintree rainforest is Australia’s nature wonderland. In here, you can find 30% of the country’s reptile and 65% of Australia’s bat and species of butterflies. Do you want to see the Cassowary? This is its home.

There are a lot of things that you can do in the Daintree rainforest. You can do crocodile boat tours, mangrove adventure tour, local indigenous tours, etc.

When you visit this rainforest, however, you must make sure that you have a hat, a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen protection, fuel for cooking, insect repellent, and rubbish bags.

With so many things you can do here, it is no wonder it is a popular destination among tourists who love to have nature tripping.

#8 Best places to travel in Australia – Great Barrier Reef

Even if you are not a scuba diver, Great Barrier Reef is still a great place to travel while you are in this country. It is synonymous with Australia and it is one of the attractions that is known by almost every person.

In addition to Uluru and the Opera House, it is another attraction that you can look forward to in Australia. Home to endangered animals and plant species, the Great Barrier Reef stretches for 2,300 kilometers.

Whitsunday Islands are stunning. But it is truly difficult to recommend a particular area in the Reef that you will surely enjoy as each of the islands is striking. If you wish to appreciate it more, you must spend at least two days of sailing trip or tour around it.

You can do snorkeling and scuba diving. Bear in mind that it does not require you to know how to scuba dive. There are professional scuba divers who can be with you during the dive, so experience it or you will regret it for the rest of your life. And, oh, do not forget to swim with the whale sharks. It is a rare but humbling experience.

#9 Best places to travel in Australia – Uluru

It is in the Northern Territory. Okay, you may think that it is just a rock. However, when you get closer to it, it gets bigger and bigger. Once you get closest, you just cannot put your feelings into words. You will just be left in awe of its magic and splendor.

If you wish to visit here, you need to have a guided tour to truly appreciate the area. Through the tour, you will see a lot more than just a simple rock. You will experience the country’s indigenous culture. If you are like many who are seeking a taste of an outback life, you must not miss visiting Uluru. The experience will just leave you breathless and out of words.

#10 Best places to travel in Australia - Fraser Island

Do you want to see the largest sand island in the entire world? You should visit Fraser Island. It is situated near the Hervey Bay in Queensland. This is where you can find numerous pristine beaches. Each month, this place is being visited by thousands of people from all over the world.

To get around the area, you will need to rent a four-wheel drive. Then, make sure that you spend around two to three days to fully explore the area.

What you can see here? Rainforests with fauna and rare flowers. Dingo. Fresh water lakes. Gorgeous beaches.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are also perfect here.

However, you should observe and follow safety advice of the government when visiting Fraser. When you go sand driving here, you need to take it seriously as there are thousands who have died in crashes on this island. You must also be alert when you visit here between March and May as the risk of interaction with dingo is high.

Although there are risks involved when visiting Fraser, this is still a paradise that you must not miss. When looking for a perfect tourist destination in Australia, this one should be on your list.

#11 Best places to travel in Australia – Cable Beach

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. Situated in Western Australia, Cable Beach lets you see white sands, blue waters and beautiful sunsets. This is also a great place where you can have camel rides on the beach. How is that for a change? However, if you wish to cross the sand in a vehicle, you may still opt to ride in a four-wheel drive. But camel riding when crossing the sands is just a marvelous experience that you should not let pass.

#12 Best places to travel in Australia – Kakadu National Park

It is 200 kilometers east of Darwin. The national park is 3.2 million acres with traditional lands, which are homes to indigenous tribes. Traditional landowners considered this area as sacred.

In here, you will find more than 5,000 rock paint sites. It is a UNESCO site and listed in the World Heritage Area. The entire area will leave you breathless as you explore its endangered animals and plants, see the salt water crocodile and other natural attractions.

Conclusion

These are not just the places you can travel and visit while in Australia. As you land here, you will find that there are plenty more that you can explore and appreciate nature and people.

Of course, when you visit Australia, you should not miss trying its good wines. You simply need to try its Chardonnay. Whether you prefer white or red wine, you can get a good bottle of wine that is around $20. I should definitely try its Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

And do not forget to try Australia’s BBQ. Public parks and gardens in Australia feature free barbeques or cheap ones. If you are like me who loves meat, then you will surely be in paradise when you come and visit Australia.

Paris tours for Christmas? Why not? The place is always a good idea if you’re looking to have fun. Paris is usually a part of someone’s bucket list destinations (including me). Once you’ve visited the place, you’ll be longing to return here for more adventures (and love?).

But how are you going to make sure that your trip here is memorable? Whether you’ll go to Champs-Elsysees or Place des Vosges, you should heed to these tips for your Paris tours.

Don’t rush

You can never appreciate Paris’ beauty if you rush around. Have a moment to drink and view this beautiful place during your Paris tours.

While satisfying your hunger, you mustn’t forget to finish it with a coffee without milk. Or have a deca when you’re avoiding caffeine.

Have an afternoon break

Your Paris tours won’t be pleasurable if you don’t take an afternoon break and drink a glass of rose at any of the place’s outdoor cafes. Whether you’re going to Reims for wine tasting or Veuve Clicquot or Versailles for its amazing gardens, never forget to have an afternoon break with a nice drink.

Try its cuisine

Insist on visiting restaurants run by young chefs. They serve world-class menus. They also provide their clients different meals from the traditional Parisian dining. Frequent travelers to Paris favor Le Chateaubriand and Agape Substance.

Wander around

If you’re like me who love history, then you shouldn’t miss wandering around Paris’ historic streets. For falafel, I’d recommend going to Le Marais. They have the best Middle Eastern dishes.

If you’re on for romantic Paris tours, then opt to visit Pont des Arts. It’s where lovers go. You and your loved one will put a padlock and throw its key to the Seine in order to seal your love for each other.

Rue Mouffetard is known for its lively restaurants, cafes and bars. In the evenings, it’s filled with foreign and local tourists. What’s great about it is that it’s very close to automobile traffic. Thus, walking around, going from one place to another is quite easier.

Should you travel alone?

Paris isn’t just for lovers. With that being said, you can travel here with your significant other, a good friend or just by yourself.

Each travel will give you a different experience. If you’re traveling alone, you won’t feel forlorn as the city has a lot of things to offer. This gives you the opportunity to better know the place and absorb its beauty.

Other places to visit

Paris tours offer a lot of sceneries and adventures. Although Louvre is a must-see museum in the city, you should also consider going to Musee D’Orsay. This is especially great for fans of casual art.

Or just sit on the steps of Sacre Coeur while drinking beer or wine while watching the Eiffel Tower. You’ll surely enjoy this.

Paris tours are simply amazing. You get to visit its world-famous museums, restaurants and sceneries. You’ll also experience its unforgettable cuisine.

As regards to souvenirs, make sure that they’re easy to pack as you might need to have a check-in bag for them when go home.

How many islands in the Philippines?

The number of islands in the Philippines will depend on the sea levels. When it’s high tide, the country has 7,100 islands. For low tide, you can find more than 7,107 islands in the Philippines.

How many islands in the Philippines are inhabited?

Out of those islands, only 2,000 of them are inhabited. Thus, there are over 5,000 islands that haven’t been explored.

Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is one of the countries you shouldn’t miss to visit when you’re looking for islands to explore.

Most of the islands in the Philippines have white sand with turquoise water that’s filled with diverse marine life.

To help you get started in exploring the many islands in the Philippines, here are 4 that can give you a good starting point.

El Nido, Palawan – Philippines Asia

Emily VanKamp of Revenge had been here. Other Hollywood celebrities who visited Philippines in Asia were also amazed by the beauty of El Nido in Palawan. It’s considered as the first step to having wild adventure in the Philippine Asia.

Outside the coast of El Nido, you’ll find majestic empty lagoons, caves and waterfalls, among others. All of them are easy to explore.

If you’re a diver, you should consider exploring the waters of El Nido in Philippine Asia. Its surrounding waters have 50 species of whales, sea cows and endangered turtles.

Oslob, Cebu

Are you fond of watching sharks? Then, you belong to Oslob, Cebu, one of the many islands in the Philippines Asia.

Each morning, whale sharks are seen off the shores of this town. After having a great sight of them, you can have a refreshing dip at Tumalog Waterfalls. Or have a diving exploration in Moalboal.

Do you want to get to know more about Spanish colonial houses? You can do go to Carcar town. The city is also known for its delicious lechon or whole roasted pig. Don’t forget to try its crunchy deep-fried pork skin or, commonly known in Philippine Asia as chicharon.

Boracay Aklan

It’s one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Philippines. In fact, if you want to see some local celebrities soaking in water, you should go here.

The 4-kilometer stretch of Boracay offers several adventures for beach bums and water enthusiasts.

During nighttime, the island is still alive and you’ll find sand castles that have been lit with colorful candles. You can also visit some of its cozy restaurants and bars that remain open until dawn.

If you want the calmer side of Boracay, you can go to secluded coves, cliffs, and caves, which are still part of the island.

During March or summer season, Boracay conducts competition for kite-boarders and windsurfers known as International Funboard Cup.

With the island’s forceful waves and powerful winds, this island of the Philippine Asia becomes an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Panglao, Bohol

It was once known as a sleepy island. Today, it’s being roused by local and foreign travelers. If you’re looking for diverse aquatic attractions, you’ll surely appreciate Panglao in Bohol.

Dolphin watching whale spotting, sea snakes and jackfish are just few of the things you can enjoy seeing while in this island of the Philippine Asia.

Apart from its beaches, Bohol is also known for its Chocolate Hills. The hills are shaped like a dome. They’re called chocolate because of their brown color. Their color is visible during dry season.

Want to see the world’s smallest primate? Visit Bohol now and see the endangered Philippine tarsier.

It wasn’t really a sad night for Miss Philippines, Ariella Arida, even though she wasn’t crowned as the Miss Universe 2013. It was Miss Venezuela, Gabriela Isler, who took home the grand prize.

Grabriela is a television presenter who defeated Ariella, a chemistry-graduate from UP Los Banos. There were 84 other contestants who were vying for the title and the show was watched by millions of viewers around the world. Unfortunately, not all Filipinos in the Philippines weren’t able to see it live because it was shown early in the morning and most of us are still reeling from the strong typhoon the hit our nation.

The highlight of the Miss Universe 2013 Grand Final was the final question and answer round. Unlike in the past, the final question isn’t the same to all contestants, which could greatly affect the overall result.

If the result were only based on the final Q&A, Miss Philippines could have won the title.

Question: What can be done about the lack of jobs for young people starting their career around the world?
Miss Philippines’ Answer: I do believe we should invest in education and that is my primary advocacy. Education is a primary source and a ticket for better future.

Compared with Miss Venezuela’s answer to her final question:

Question: What’s your biggest fear and how to you plan to overcome it?
Miss Venezuela: We should overcome all our fears and this in turn would make us stronger. As soon as we overcome our fears, we can face any challenge.

The final show was hosted by Thomas Roberts and Melanie Brown (ex-member of Spice Girls). The two hosts said that the show was dedicated to the people who were ravaged by the typhoon Hyaian (Yolanda) in the Philippines.

Last year’s Miss Universe’s winner, Olivia Culpo, was present during the coronation night (as required). She wore a white cutaway swimsuit that has diamonds, rubies and emeralds. According to organizers, those stones are worth a million dollars. That’s why Thomas Roberts commented that such “swimsuit travels with an armed security guard, 24/7.”

This year’s winner, Isler, will be wearing the same swimsuit on Sunday.

Here’s the list of winners for the Miss Universe 2013:

Miss Universe 2013: Gabriela Isler from Miss Venezuela

2^nd Runner-Up: Constanza Baez of Ecuador

3^rd Runner-Up: Ariella Arida of the Philippines

4^th Runner-Up: Jakelyne Oliveira of Brazil

Charlie Trotter, who was a self-taught chef, was found unconscious in his Lincoln Park home. But he was pronounced dead in the hospital.

Charlie had a reputation of elevating Chicago’s cuisine by providing a training ground for those who want to be a chef.

According to the rescue crews who went to Charlie’s house, someone called the Chicago Fire Department around 10 am from his Lincoln Park home. The crews attempted to revive him while they transported his body to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. But the attempts were unsuccessful.

The Cook County medical examiner was already notified. The autopsy of Charlie’s body was being scheduled.

WHO WAS CHARLIE TROTTER

He was a gourmet chef in Chicago. In fact, he had earned 10 James Beard Awards. He also trained other best-known chefs, such as Grant Achatz, who is a fellow Beard Award winner.

MICHELIN GUIDE

His restaurant earned two stars when the Michelin Guide launched in Chicago.

According to the people who have eaten at his diner, Charlie was very innovative and focused with the food he was able to produce. When he opened his eatery, he was very original. His customers could taste the perfection and innovation.

1987

It was in 1987 when he was recognized as a self-taught chef. He then opened his restaurant called Charlie Trotter found on Armitage Avenue. He was the most talked-about chef in Chicago because of his intense creativity. After people realized his creativity, he became famous and his fame quickly spread all around Chicago and across the country.

ACHIEVEMENTS

1999 - He became the Outstanding Chef by James Beard Foundation

2000 – His Charlie Trotter restaurant was named as the best restaurant in the nation by the Wine Spectator magazine.

2002 – His restaurant received Beard Award for Outstanding Service. For Charlie, it was the best award he had ever received because it offered great value for his team.

GENEROSITY

He wasn’t only the best in cooking but Charlie Trotter was also very generous by creating his Charlie Trotter Education Foundation that aims to provide scholarship for students who want to be a chef. Because of his effort, he received the Humanitarian of the Year award by James Beard Foundation.

MEDICAL CONDITION

His family was aware that Charlie Trotter had brain aneurysm. He knew that he didn’t have enough time left because his condition was inoperable.

May you rest in peace Charlie Trotter.

After Bohol, another earthquake occurred. And this time, it’s in Japan. Fortunately, there’s no damage being reported. Unlike in 2011’s earthquake that hit in the same country killing thousands of people and damaging billions of properties, this 2013 earthquake didn’t cause damage.

Although there was a tsunami alert after the 7.1 magnitude tremor struck about 320 km off the coast, it was then lifted a few hours after. However, people who are working at the Fukushima power station were advised to leave the areas and seek higher ground.

Thankfully, there was no damage in the plant. There weren’t changes in readings at radiation either.

According to Japan Meteorological Agency, a small tsunami could reach the eastern coast of Fukushima after the tremor happened in the Pacific Ocean. Said agency also issued a yellow advisory to those areas that have been hit by Japan earthquake in 2011.

The quake hit in the morning of October 26, 2013 at 2:10 am, Tokyo time (around 4:00 am in the Philippines).

Since the 2011 earthquake in Japan, two of the country’s 40 reactors were not operating.

What caused a killer quake?

Quakes happen because those rocks underneath the Earth slip past each other. The cause of movement is the stress. When it’s too strong for the fault, it’ll release energy causing an earthquake.

What does the 7.1 magnitude quake mean?

The 7.1 Japan earthquake happened didn’t cause damage to the location. But this magnitude is considered as an intensity VII tremor. This means that it can slightly damage specially designed properties. But it’ll severely damage those structures that have been poorly built. When this magnitude quake happens to your vicinity, you’ll expect to experience falling of chimneys, columns, walls and factory stacks. There will also be overturning of heavy furniture.

Is Japan prone to earthquakes?

Yes, it is. It’s one of the seismically active areas in the world. This country is like the Philippines that experiences several earthquakes each year. Some of them are can cause damage while others don’t.

Can we predict earthquakes?

As opposed to volcanic eruptions, we can’t know when an earthquake will happen. The crust of the Earth has pieces that constantly moving. Unfortunately, scientists haven’t invented yet a technology or a machine that can predict the next earthquake may occur. However, geoscientists and seismologists can identify what areas in the world belong to the seismically active areas. Sadly, Philippines and Japan belong to those group that experience more earthquakes every year.

How should we minimize the damage?

Since we can’t predict when an earthquake is going to occur, it’s important to build a stronger structure. When you’re planning to build a house, you should inform your government’s volcanology and seismology agency to help you assess whether or not the area is in an active fault. As per the guideline of a national building code, you can’t build a building, a house or anything that’s found within 5 meters of a fault.

When an earthquake happens again, you should pay more attention of the things that you don’t see as they can surely cause damage. As for the Japan earthquake that just occurred a few hours ago, we just hope and pray it won’t happen again. The 2011 quake in this country and the October 2013 quake in Bohol are just too much to bear.

It’s almost Halloween and what’s a great way to celebrate it? Going to haunted places, of course.

Have you thought of going to theaters? You may think that such place is for experiencing romance and suspense. But those old theaters have histories of staff and audience members that have come and gone. And these people do come back as GHOSTS.

So what are the theaters in the US and other countries known to be haunted by ghosts?

1. Belasco Theater

It’s located in New York City. The ghost of the late David Belasco, a 20^th-century Broadway producer, is said to be living in this theater. Women and audience who visit this place did report of seeing and feeling mysterious ghostly pinch.

2. Palace Theater

It’s home to Judy Garland, who was one of the most popular Broadway artists in 1960s. During her comeback performances, she sang her hits, like The Man That Got Away and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. According to past workers of this theater, a special door was actually built for the artist’s entrances and exists. Now, some people who work here reported to see ghostly figure of the star in that doorway.

3. Paris Opera

Although it has been renovated for several times, it didn’t clean up ghost sightings. It may not be the Phantom sightings but it’s a theater’s ghost of an older woman who committed suicide in the 19^th century. Reports said that she used to roam in this theater to find the person who rejected her.

4. Palace Theater In Los Angeles

It’s one of the oldest movie theaters in this state. Its third balcony was once closed because of racial segregation. But onstage performers did report of seeing ghostly figures in that balcony. The said balcony’s doors are locked up to prevent anyone from going there. Even audience members did report of seeing a figure of a woman, who dressed up in white lace and crossed the stage during an ongoing performance. Then, she disappears into the wings. She’s not part of the play because she’s never to be seen again.

These aren’t the only theaters in the world that are considered to be haunted. You can read reports about ghostly sightings of famous rock stars, movie stars, etc. in various places. So, if you want to prove that a ghost is real and not just a product of people’s imagination, then why not try going to these places and find out yourself. Let us know if they’re real by leaving us a comment.

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