Paris - should it be top 100 things I love about Paris?

1. Eiffel tower at night - If you thought the Eiffel is magical by day, wow, you should see the magical lights dance all over the tower at night! This beacon of a structure lights up and can be seen from great distances. So no matter how up close or how distant you are, the dancing lights of the Eiffel tower at night is a sight to behold.


2. The River Seine - Though you need not have to cruise the entire 486 miles to appreciate the entire river, a cruise down the Seine is something many tourists look forward to when they visit the city of love.


3. Arc de Triomphe - The round about that surrounds the Arc de Triomphe is fast and crazy! Just watching the cars go by and see how they can manage not to hit each other is like watching a movie!

4. Champs Elysee - The ambiance and feel walking along this prestigious avenue lined with luxurious shops, cafes and cinemas is something that can not be felt in any other part of the world.

5. Grand Palais de Champs Elysee - The "Grand Palace" is a exhibit hall and a museum. I love the look from the outside. Don't you?


6. Pont Alexandre III - This elegant bridge appears to be the most ornate and most decorated bridge in all of Paris. This bridge was named after the Czar Alexander the third and always seems to appear in romantic Hollywood movies. Can you guess one of them?

7. Les Invalides - L'Hôtel national des Invalides or The National Residence of the Invalids, houses museums and monuments. The original purpose was to be a retirement home for war veterans and a hospital. One can easily spot it from several kilometers away, because of the shiny gold dome.

8. Notre Dame - Notre Dame which means, Our Lady, is synonymous to Paris. It is a fine example of French Gothic architecture, because of the stain glass windows which decorate the walls of this church. But I suggest taking a look at the intricate stone statues found in the exterior. Extremely fascinating.

9. Sacre Coeur - The Basilica to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a popular landmark in Paris and it has one of the best views of the city too.

10. Montmarte - Found on the right bank of Paris and in the area of the 18th arrondissement, Montmarte is interesting not only because it sits on the summit of a hill, but it gives the feel of an artist's village when you walk around the tiny square. It is no wonder that famous artists have once set up studios in this area.

Yes, there should still be a 11 to 100.

Top 10 Things I love about Bali

1. The people - Don't you just love it when everyone around you is happy and greets you with a smile, as wide as can be? It is just a great feeling to be walking all around Bali, with all such wonderful, friendly people.



2. The Temples - There are 9 major temples in Bali, such as the Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple) and Tanah Lot but there are a lot more, such as the other directional temples of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Pura Ulun Danu Batur, Pura Pasar Agung, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Goa Lawah, Pura Masceti and Pura Luhur Batukaru. It would definitely a treat to see some, if not, all of them while in Bali.


3. Nature all around you - Take long walks along the nearby fields, or maybe, a long trek in the hills or mountains. Rice fields are everywhere, and what better way to spend a relaxing afternoon, viewing such a pleasant scene.


4. The food - Oh yes, how could I ever forget the food. Indonesian food is fascinating. The mixture of the spices, herbs and exotic ingredients make each dish so different, yet so tasty. Try the Nasi Goreng, a rice dish quite popular in the country.

5. The Beaches - Beaches line the coasts of Bali, but the more popular ones are probably Kuta, Legian and Seminyak. Enjoy a busy afternoon, people watching or perhaps, catch a wave and enjoy that cool refreshing dip.


6. The shops - For a shopaholic, this can be paradise. There are so many things to buy in this island! From Tshirts, bracelets, stickers, home decor, etc. You name, they probably have it!


7. The sunsets - Absolutely gorgeous!
8. Places to unwind - Did you ever find a piece of paradise that was so tiny and so quaint, you thought this piece of land must have fallen from heaven? Bed and breakfast stays can be so ideal and so affordable too!


9. Be a tourist - What better way to enjoy an new place than to just be a tourist!


10. Monkeying around - The joys of letting oneself go!

Top ten things to do in Granada, Spain

Here are my top ten things I suggest, to do in Granada.

1. Visit the Alhambra - The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex constructed during the mid 14th century, built for its Moorish rulers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so be ready for huge crowds but incredible views and features.



2. The Albaicin - El Albaicin the old Moorish quarters of the city of Granada. Spectacular views can be seen from the Alhambra. Here, small alleys lead you to surprise after surprise, as you climb up to the peaks of the quarters such as the Mirador de San Nicolas for breathtaking views. There are even hotels and cafes if you prefer to stay in this part of the city of Granada.


3. Generalife - "Generalife" translated, means, "garden of feasts or garden of paradise", which is what it is when you step into this beautiful labyrinth of plants, flowers and so much greenery. Take your time to explore the gardens, since there is so much to see and photograph.


4. Parque de las Ciencias - It is a science Park with an interactive museum located near the historic city centre of Granada.

5. Plaza Bib Rambla - I think this would probably be the most central part of town as one can get in Granada.


6. Alcaiceria - Shopping made easy. This is like an open flea market with so much being offered from house decor, souvenirs, clothes, etc. Here, you can bargain, so expect shoppers can polish their bargaining skills.



7. Plaza Nueva - A good part of town, very central and has a lot of hotels, cafes and bars.


8. Granada Cathedral -


9. Sacromonte - The Sacromonte is situated in Valparaíso Valley, facing the Alhambra. It is located on each side of the Darro River.

10. Gran Via and Plaza Isabel Catolico - Walking along Gran Via of Granada will take you to a small plaza of Isabel Catolico, a very central area and great accessible to many establishments and transportation.

Top Ten Things to do at the South of Cebu

1. Visit Carcar- Carcar is known as a Heritage city because of the many historical structures within the city, such as the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria. Another appeal would be the delicacies such the famous Carcar chicharon, ampao, bucarillo, lechon and puso which are sold around within the area of the public market near the round about


2. Go to the municipality of Sibonga, which also has a picturesque plaza facing the church. A famous landmark in Sibonga would be the Shrine of Mother Mary in Simala, which is believed to be miraculous.

3. A must see is Argao - Check out the St. Michael Archangel Church and the nearby structures. Everything is well kept and exploring the vicinity on foot would be a refreshing treat. If you decide to spend the night here, there is the Woodruff’s beach resort just nearby, http://www.woodruffs-beachresort.com/english


4. Dalaguete - This place is proudly known as the vegetable basket and summer capital of Cebu, as seen in their own website, http://www.dalaguete.gov.ph. Dalaguete has a number of tourist spots such as the St. William Parish Church and Convent, Obong cold spring, Gacub spring, Bandera peak and also Osmeña Peak. One of the popular beach resorts in the area is Ocean Bay Beach Resort, http://www.oceanbaybeachresort.com.


5. Alcoy - An all time favorite of mine is this municipality because of the white sand beaches such as Tingko Beach. The views of the hills close by is breath taking. You can experience this with a great vantage point from Bodo’s Bamboo Bar Resort, situated up a hill, facing the sea below, http://www.bbb-alcoy.com. Here, I enjoyed a delicious lunch while admiring the views of Alcoy.


6. Boljoon - It has the most striking impression from a distance as you approach Boljoon because after passing by cliffs on the seaside roads, the St. Patrocinio de Maria church immediately catches your eye as you drive closer to Boljoon. It is known to be the oldest remaining original stone church in Cebu. Should you wish to make this your vacation spot, you can check out Granada Beach Resort and Spa (www.granadabeachph.com) or Cebu Club Fort Med (www.cebu-clubfortmed.com)


7. Oslob - The area has a lush greens and splendid vistas of the seaside. It is known for the Museum of the Sacred Art, the Mainit Medicinal Hot Springs and the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church. The church was destroyed by a fire in 2008 and is currently under going repairs. In Oslob, you can stay at VBeach Resort just at the border of Boljoon and Oslob (vbeachresort1@yahoo.com). They serve great meals as well as pastries.


8. Sumilon island - The island is around 24 hectares in size and is a marine protected area under the guidance of Siliman University Marine Reserve.

9. Badian island - Another interesting island which has a very high end resort.


10. Santander. If you are taking the bus from Cebu to Bato, this would be your last stop. From here, you can actually take a ferry to nearby Negros island. There are a number of resorts in Santander, more on the area known as Liloan. Check out Eden resort, http://eden.ph and Lubi Resort, http://www.lubi-resort.com. I was truly impressed with the accommodations at Lubi Resort.

Top Ten Things to do in Vigan

My trip to Vigan was a very memorable one. These were the things I did and what made them so memorable for me.

1. Calle Crisologo - In my opinion, if one does not see Calle Crisologo, then one has not truly experienced the heart of Vigan. I think this street is what makes Vigan so famous. The preserved ancestral homes that line the quaint tiny alley is just picture perfect. The antique shops, souvenir stores, cafes and restaurants make the experience a bit more "touristy", but still, a worthwhile experience.



2. Plaza Salcedo - Take a stroll to Plaza Salcedo, and you may want to take pictures of all the structures around this plaza. The provincial capitol is there, St. Paul's cathedral, El Arzobispado de Nueva Segovia, and even the commercial buildings are interesting as well.

3. Crisologo Museum - Learn a bit about Philippine history. Drop by the Crisologo Museum for some certain facts you may have never known before.

4. Chavit Singson's Baluarte - This place is not just like any ordinary zoo, it is an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility where children (and adults) have the opportunity to learn about so many different kinds of wildlife, exotic and local.


5. Stay in an authentic old style hotel - There are many hotels, pensions and guest houses in the very heart of Vigan. During the low season, it may be possible to scout around and check on the rates. But during peak season, I suggest booking in advance.


6. Vigan delicacies - Hmmm, where do I start? OK, you would see so many signs advertising the famous Vigan longganisa, so sample a few before hoarding on your "pasalubongs" (gifts to take back home). Check out the Vigan empanada and also, the royal bibingka.


7. Take a Calesa tour - This was a lot of fun! I think 3 hours was enough to see the major sights in Vigan. The pace was leisurely and there was enough to photograph, linger and shop in between stops. I suggest starting early in the morning, so you would be done by noon, and ready for lunch.

8. Pottery - If you decide to take the Calesa tour, ask your guide to take you to the pottery makers. Once there, you may be able to witness a piece of pottery being made. Totally fascinating!

9. Hidden Gardens - I do not have a green thumb, but I did appreciate how this garden was created and maintained. If you do have enough time, there is a very cozy cafe inside, where you could sip on some coconut juice and enjoy some home made empanadas.

10. An evening under the stars - Certain streets in Vigan became open cafes, catering to hungry stomachs and weary travelers. Walk the streets and find a cafe that will be to your liking.

Top Ten Things to do in Cebu

On a personal note, here are the top ten things to do while in Cebu on vacation.

1. Food trip! - From the simple food stalls along the street to the fancy restaurants in malls, there are so many interesting delicacies to sample. Filipino restaurants are everywhere and the menu selection can be overwhelming, so ask a local for what to sample. I would recommend, "kinilaw" (raw fish marinated in coconut milk with vinegar), "kare-kare" (ox tail in a peanut butter sauce), "lechon kawali" (crispy pork), "Kangkong" (leafy vegetable), Mongo soup (bean soup with coconut milk) and for dessert, try the many varieties of rice cakes. Oh, ask for local lemonade called "calamansi".

Cebu Mangoes - You can find them at fruit stands that are scattered in different parts of the city or even in the grocery stores. A kilo can get you around 4 or 5 pieces, depending on the size. The tricky part is trying to figure out if they have perfectly ripened. But certainly, you will be pleasantly surprised after taking one bite from this delicious fruit.



2. Go to Top of Cebu - Around a 30 to 45 minute drive up the hills of Cebu, towards a famous look-out point, called Top of Cebu. There is an entrance fee, but once inside, it will be worth it. Enjoy the cool breeze and the panoramic view of the city of Cebu. I suggest going right before sunset, so you can enjoy seeing the city as the light fades and the city lights start to light up the streets below.

3. Enjoy a day at the beach in Mactan island - There are no "famous beaches" within the city of Cebu, so a trip across to the island of Mactan, will take you to several choices of private beach resorts and hotels. Among those choices would be Mactan Shangri-la, Plantation Bay, Maribago Blue Waters, BE Resorts and also Tambuli Beach Resort.


4. Cebu's tallest building - The Crown Regency Hotel and Towers is the tallest in Cebu and it has an Edge Coaster. For amazing views and a unique thrill ride, it may be just unique experience you are looking for.


5. Head North! - Take the northern trip to Malapascua and visit places like Danao, Sugod, Bogo and San Remegio along the way.



6. Go way down South - Take the southern trail to Santander, and see interesting architecture in places like Carcar, Argao, Dalaguete and Boljoon.


7. Go sight seeing - See the historic spots within the old part of Cebu called "downtown", where the Basilica del Sto. Niño, the Cebu Cathedral, Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, Casa Gorordo and the Museo Sugbo are all located.


8. Have a massage! - If there is one thing I enjoy, and that is, having an affordable massage, after a long day of sight seeing. There are so many massage places all over Cebu, you will have a difficult time selecting which place to go to, so, take your time and sample as many as you can.

9. Rent a "banca" and go island hopping - During my childhood days, my family would rent a small outrigger boat to go to the nearby islets near Mactan island. This is one way to spend a relaxing day and a good way to get a great tan as well!


10. Check out the handicrafts of the talented Cebuano - From furniture to fashion accessories, handbags to home decor, there are so many Cebuano products that you may want to take home with you.