The Great Singapore Sale
May 9, 2008 at 1:37 am | In travel, vacation | Leave a CommentTags: philippines, shopping, singapore, travel, vacation
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Full Day Sentosa Tour with Cable Car Ride / Singapore Half Day City Tour / Singapore Flyer (World’s Biggest Ferries Wheel)
DEPARTURE DATES
• June 14, 2008 – June 17,2008
• July 4, 2008 – June 7,2008
• (4 Days / 3 Nights)
YOUR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
• Peninsula Excelsior Hotel Singapore
Inclusions and Exclusions
- Roundtrip Airfare via Philippine Airlines
- Hotel Accommodation
- Daily Breakfast
- 2 Lunches and 3 Dinners at local restaurant – standard menu
- Half Day City Tour in Singapore
- Admission to The Singapore Flyer
- Full day Sentosa Tour w/ admission, 1 way cable car ride
- All transfers and tours in Singapore on private basis with English speaking guide
SINGAPORE AND BINTAN ISLAND!!!!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Bintan Lagoon Resort / Singapore Half Day City Tour / Singapore Flyer (World’s Biggest Ferries Wheel)
DEPARTURE DATES
• July 3, 2008 – June 7,2008
• (5 Days / 4 Nights)
YOUR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
• Bintan Lagoon Resort Bintan Island
• Amara Hotel Singapore
- Roundtrip Airfare via Philippine Airlines
- Hotel / Resort Accommodation
- Daily Breakfast
- Half Day City Tour in Singapore – no admission
- Admission to The Singapore Flyer
- 3 way transfers: Airport / Pier + Pier / Hotel + Hotel / Airport
- 2 way land transfers in Bintan
- Roundtrip ferry tickets to Bintan
- All transfers and tours in Singapore on private basis with English speaking guide
SINGAPORE: “SHOPPING INFO”(PART 2)
May 9, 2008 at 12:39 am | In travel, vacation | Leave a CommentTags: philippines, sale, shopping, singapore, travel, vacation
Far East PlazaCaters to the hip market with its fashionable and outrageous clothes, shoes, eyewear, precious gems and CDs. Street fashion, unique accessories and knick knacks are also on sale.
Little India Spreading out along Serangoon Road , Little India is one of Singapore ’s most colorful districts. Almost all of the residents here are from Indian descent, since their ancestors’ arrival in Singapore in the mid 1800’s.
Sim Lim SquareIs most famous for its electronic items. Haggling is also possible so it’s better to canvass first then compare and negotiate prices.
The Mustafa CentreThe only 24 hour shopping mall in Singapore , takes up an entire block on the edge of Little India. Asian items, such as Indian products, are available here.
Arab StreetTo get a feel of the Singapore “suburbs,” try shopping at the famous Arab Street . Colorful and unique clothes and textiles made from different types of fabrics are sold at the streets.
SINGAPORE: “ITINERARY INFO”(PART 2)
May 8, 2008 at 2:08 am | In travel, vacation | Leave a CommentTags: philippines, shopping, singapore, travel, vacation
Inside Sentosa: Images of Singapore
Images of Singapore is the winner of the 2005 Themed Entertainment Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Reinvention of a Cultural Heritage Centre.Near the Cable Car Station, this attraction gives an educational and kid-friendly retelling of the colorful culture and vibrant heritage of Singapore , made possible through life-size figures, animatronics and state-of-the-art special effects. Images of Singapore is definitely a journey to the very soul of Singapore ? from its legends and folklores to stories of adventure, perseverance, values, honor and cultural diversity.
Open from 9 AM to 7 PM daily with the last admission at 6:30 PM, there is also an Images of Singapore Shop selling items uniquely Singapore . Right after the Images of Singapore tour, one can have a gastronomic feast at the Taste of Singapore restaurant, just located within the area.
Inside Sentosa: Songs of the Sea
On late March 2007, the Songs of the Sea show replaced the 25-year-old Musical Fountain show. Be mesmerized with the show’s live cast and dramatic effects, spectacular pyrotechnic displays, water jets, brilliant lasers, special computer imaging, bursts of fire, captivating music and stunning flame bursts. With the stage set in the sea, this $30 million investment was developed to enhance the attractions inside Sentosa. There is also an open-air viewing gallery which can accommodate up to 2,500 visitors. The show runs daily at 7:40 PM and 8:40 PM and lasts for 25 minutes.
In less than a year, Songs of the Sea already received international awards such as Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement: Event Spectacular and ASEANTA Award: Best ASEAN New Tourist Attraction.
Oscar & Co. is the exclusive souvenir shop of Songs of the Sea with fun goodies for sale such as plush toys, light wands, children’s slippers and photo frames.
Singapore Flyer (World’s Biggest Ferris Wheel)
Experience Singapore like never before on the world’s largest observation wheel. Offering primarily a bird’s eye view of Singapore in its breathtaking and panoramic height, the Singapore Flyer stands at 165 meters above ground level. Thirty meters taller than the London Eye, the Flyer has the same height as with a 42-storey building. Constructed at an amount of $240 million dollars, this is definitely a one-of-a kind experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
Enveloped safely in a capsule, one can experience the sensation of being on top of the world, overlooking Singapore ’s magnificent 360° views such as the Singapore River , Sentosa Island , Merlion Park , Raffles Place , and even neighboring islands of Malaysia and Indonesia . Inside the Flyer terminal, there are also a wide range of restaurants, shops, facilities and activities.
Authentic local dishes are also available at the Flyer, such as the popular restaurant Seafood Paradise . There is also a wide array of cuisines at the different restaurants offering European, American, Indian, and Japanese delicacies.
If Singapore ’s #1 pastime is eating, shopping which is #2 in their list is also possible at the Flyer from jewelry stores to boutique shops and souvenir items. At the upper floors, there are also a man-made tropical rainforest, flight stimulator, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Kenko Reflexology and Fish Spa.
Located at Raffles Avenue , the Singapore Flyer’s ticket booths are open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Daily flights, on the other hand, is from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Each flight takes about 30 minutes, which is also equivalent to one rotation of the flyer.
Bintan Lagoon Resort
Only a 55-minute ferry ride from Singapore ’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, one can reach the Bintan Island or Negeri Segantang Ladain Indonesia . Famous for its beaches, tropical gardens and views of the South China Sea , Bintan eventually became a popular weekend getaway for Singaporeans. Bintan, an island of 1,866 square kilometers, is the largest of the 3,200 islands in the Riau Archipelago and is one of the world’s oldest and busiest maritime trading routes. The capital of Bintan is the southwestern city of Tanjung Pinang . Located less than 45 kilometers south east from Singapore , the island is more accessible in Singapore than from other Indonesian islands.
A lot of accommodations are available at the Bintan Island , and this includes the Bintan Lagoon Resort, part of a 300-hectare lush development which is also one of the major regional sponsors of the Amazing Race Asia 1.
The Bintan Lagoon Resort offers various amenities for relaxation. Aside from the beachfront gardens with traditional Javanese ambiance, there are also 18-hole world class golf courses within the vicinity. Boasting of its Indonesian tropical paradise, Bintan Lagoon offers thrilling water sports to complement their perfect white beaches. End the day with a course through the coast with an all-terrain vehicle and a rejuvenating Javanese massage at the Taman Sari Spa.
Bintan Lagoon also offers tours around the island. Places to see include the Bintan Elephant Park or Elephant Sanctuary where visitors can feed the elephants, take pictures and even ride them into the forest trails. Visitors will definitely be amused with the Sumatran elephants’ performances such as playing football.
There is also a Mangrove Discovery Tour, a two-hour eco-adventure that includes riding a speed boat along the Sebung River . This tour highlights the importance of maintaining mangroves for the protection if its coasts and sustenance of the ecosystem as the mangroves provide habitat for wildlife.
Singapore Photo Gallery(PART4)
May 8, 2008 at 12:52 am | In travel, vacation | Leave a Comment
SafariDon’t confuse this with the African bush. This is still in Singapore. In Singapore Zoo, you might forget about the difference!
Singapore FlyerDon’t read this if you fear heights! This GIANT ferris wheel has just been operational since March 1, 2008! It stands 541ft TALL!!! OH YEAH!!! Now that’s a Ferris Wheel!!
Songs of the SeaThis is a Spectacular water show giving storytelling another Medium!!! Water, music and multimedia all work together to tell a story in a spectacle like no other!
Visitors CentreNow that’s service! Singapore has lots of visitor centres. Just what a tourist needs, a nice, honest, friendly helping hand from the locals.
Nightlife!Whew! Tired yet? Not yet? Burn that extra energy in Singapore’s nightlife! Dance untill you can dance no more. So that you can sleep well and wake up better that ever?
SINGAPORE: “SHOPPING INFO”(PART 1)
May 7, 2008 at 1:48 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a CommentShopping in Singapore
Many visitors go to Singapore primarily for sightseeing, but seeing Singapore’s various items on sale and the locals’ passion for shopping (aside from eating), they end up bargain-hunting as well. Focusing on the shopping tourism, their country’s government allotted a huge fund for the development of the fantastic shopping places that we know of today.
Literally one of the few safest cities in the world, there is no problem for people going shopping even late at night. In fact, Singapore also has a 24 hour shopping mall ? the Mustafa Centre open every day within the Little India community.
Here is a list of some of the famous shopping malls :
Orchard Road
The place itself is synonymous with the shopping craze in Singapore , as it is the shopping hub lined with malls selling everything from local brands to international and designer apparels. There are also a lot of restaurants, snack bars and cafes to choose from. Orchard Road is also the venue for some of Singapore ’s annual festivals and events such as the Great Singapore Sale, Singapore Fashion Festival, Chingay Parade of Dreams and Christmas in the Tropics. International five star hotels are also strategically located in this area. To make the place more attractive and pedestrian-friendly, Orchard Road will undergo a $40 million redevelopment. Every Saturday, certain malls extend until 11pm to participate in the late night, last minute shopping. Some of which are the Paragon, Tangs Orchard and Wisma Atria.
Centerpoint
is one of the largest and most popular malls along Orchard Road . Robinsons & Co is also located here, the Tourism Awards 2002 winner for the Best Shopping Experience ? Retail Outlet category.
DFS Galleria Scottswalk
Offers many exclusive items only found at DFS or the Duty Free Shop. These products also come with a DFS 100% Worldwide Guarantee.
The Heeren
This houses HMV, the largest music superstore in Southeast Asia . This is also a high-end mall with fine dining available at its upper floors.
Tanglin Shopping Centre
On the other hand, has boutique shops selling exquisite items such as Persian, Pakistani and Afghanistan carpets. Basically, this mall offers Asian antiques and the like.
Singapore Photo Gallery(PART3)
May 7, 2008 at 12:37 am | In travel, vacation | Leave a CommentTags: philippines, shopping, singapore, travel, vacation
OrchidSo what is a picture of an Orchid doing here in Rakso’s Singapore Photogallery? Simple, it’s pretty and it grows in Singapore’s lush tropical environment.
More OrchidsThere are more than one kind of orchids in Singapore. There are parks that display these magnificent flowers, not only those from Singapore, perhaps Orchids from all over the world!
DolphinsWho doesn’t love dolphins? They cute, smart, and when treated well, they will love you FOREVER! The last part needs credibility. Why not find out in Singapore’s Dolphin Lagoon?
Singapore Bird ParkWatch the Birdie! Which one? there’s too many! Of course! It’s the bird park! See birds from all over the world in one place.
Underwater WorldWhat a cute little… uh… is it a Manatee or a Dugong? Find out in Sentosa’s Underwater World.
Singapore Photo Gallery(PART2)
May 6, 2008 at 1:03 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
MosqueEveryone deserves to have time with their spiritual lives in a spiritual place like this Mosque, even while having a nice vacation in Singapore.
Far Eastern lookFeeling a little down away from one’s Far Eastern home? Cheer up! Singapore does have treasures from the east.
China TownChina Town, China Town, certainly a fun place to shop and eat!
Images of SingaporeCurious yet? Well, images of Singapore will provide the answers to questions regarding everything about Singapore’s culture.
Hello India!Saffron and red? Could it be, India? But isn’t this Singapore? It’s not a mistake. Yesiree there is a bit of India in Cheery Singapore.
ABOUT SINGAPORE SALE
May 5, 2008 at 2:47 am | In travel, vacation | Leave a CommentTags: philippines, sale, shopping, singapore, travel, vacation
SINGAPORE (SIGHTS) an overview
A small country on a small island, Singapore or “Singapura” is located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula . Even with its dominant Chinese population, English is still widely spoken. In fact, English is the administrative language of the country. Singapore ’s main attraction is the Merlion ? a half-fish half-lion hybrid statue. Located at the Singapore River , the Merlion is based on the legend of a prince (Sang Nila Utama) who named the island “Singapura” in Tamil or Lion City , when translated in English.
Aside from the Merlion, other famous places include the Esplanade (Theatres on the Bay). The largest performance arts venue in Singapore , this dome is most famous for its “durian” shape. The Merlion is only a few minutes’ walk from the Esplanade. Next to the Esplanade is the colorful Floating Stadium, the world’s largest floating platform performance stage on water that has a 27,000 seating capacity. The Singapore River also has other tourist attractions such as the Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. Alfresco dining, entertainment and various shops can be seen in these areas.
If Raffles Place is the main Central Business District (CBD) of Singapore , Orchard Road is the shopping haven in the country. Consistently ranked as the most visited attraction in Singapore , Orchard Road attracts more than seven million visitors each year. Locals also frequent the place for work and of course, for shopping and leisure.
Singapore is also famous for its street foods housed in what they call as “hawker centers.” As a country with melting pot of cuisines ranging from Chinese, Malay and Indian, one will not definitely go hungry with the wide array of food choices in hawker centers ? the cheapest and most popular places to eat in Singapore . For an authentic Singaporean culinary experience, visitors should try eating at Bugis, Newton Circus and Lau Pau Sat ? some of the most well known hawker centers in the country.
Singapore also has its own Chinatown . But aside from this common similarity with many Asian countries, this country also has a Little India and Arab Street . Mustafa Centre, the only 24 hours department store in Singapore , is found in Little India.
This small country strikes it big with the development of Sentosa Island . This man-made island has become Singapore ’s premiere tourist destination, attracting not just Asians but also visitors from different countries around the world. Especially now with the recently built Singapore Flyer, the world’s biggest ferries wheel, this country will definitely make its way into global tourism.
The Great Singapore Sale 2008
Singapore may be a small country, but it is well known for shopping. One of Singaporean’s favorite pastimes, shopping experience reaches its peak at the Great Singapore Sale held every year. From May 23 to July 20, 2008, this is definitely the time of the year for big bargains and great retail and dining deals. Attracting tourists and the true shopaholics at heart, GSS 2008 is organized by the Singapore Retailers Association with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board and Uniquely Singapore. Mastercard is also the official partner for this event.
With discounts of up to 70% off, anyone can shop and bargain for a wide array of items such as clothes, shoes, jewelry and anything and everything about fashion. Electronic gadgets, household items, furnitures and even souvenir items are also widely on sale. This summer-long event will surely make crowds flock to many of Singapore ’s air-conditioned malls, most of which are located along Orchard Road . One shouldn’t also miss cheaper deals at bazaars, night markets and at the only 24 hour shopping center ? the Mustafa Centre at Little India. In these areas, one can truly haggle as compared to department stores and boutiques where prices are fixed. For electronic stores at the Lucky Plaza or Far East Plaza , bargaining is also possible.
For six irresistible weeks, experience bargain-hunting at its best! The city is transformed into a shopping haven where visitors can also enjoy prizes and rewards every time they shop and avail of the various products in participating outlets. During the Great Singapore Sale mania, special fun events are also held such as the Great Singapore Shopping Challenge where the ultimate bargain-hunters are crowned. There are also raffles and live entertainment provided within the bustling shopping areas.
Shopping can also get incredibly tiring but with Singapore ’s delectable cuisines, one will surely feel rejuvenated after a day of walking, bargaining and shopping. But of course, the best way to end the day is by availing of spa packages and beauty treatments also discounted during the GSS season.
For 2006-2007, some of the participating establishments during the Great Singapore Sale include Vivo City , Bugis Street , Velocity @ Novena Square, Chinatown Point, Harbourfront Centre and United Square . At the Orchard Road , famous malls include Wisma Atra, Tang’s, Takashimaya, Paragon, Centerpoint, Forum, the Heeren and Plaza Singapura. Meanwhile at the Marina Bay , participating establishments include Raffles City , Suntec, Millenia, City Link and Marina Square .
Tourist Privilege Card
Available for all visitors, the Tourist Privilege Card can be used to enjoy fantastic discounts on various items available in participating outlets within Singapore . Attached inside the GSS tourist brochure, this can be claimed during the GSS season from any Singapore Visitor Centre. Aside from shopping discounts, the Tourist Privilege Card can also be used for discounts on City Tours and Sentosa Attractions.
JEJU ISLAND KOREA GETAWAY
May 3, 2008 at 2:27 am | In travel, vacation | Leave a Comment
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Yongduam Rock • Hallim Park • Hyeopjaegul Cave • Love Land • Seongsan Sunrise Peak
• Mysterious Road • Bunjae Artpia • Hallasan National Park • Park Southernland (Legend shooting place) • Keumrung sculpture park • Canola Blossom (April) • Seopjikoji
• Jeju Folk Village Museum • Jushangjelli • Teddy Bear Museum • Chenjiyeon Waterfalls
DEPARTURE DATES
• March 19, 2008 – April 26,2008
• Departure every Wednesday (4 Days / 3 Nights) and Saturday (5 Days / 4 Nights)
YOUR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
• Hawaii Hotel or similar (3 Nights /4 Nights)
• Jeju Crystal Hotel or similar (April 26 Departure Only)
OTHER NOTES
• No visa needed for Philippine Passport holders, for foreign passports, please inquire through our contact details page.
• FLIGHT DETAILS: TO BE ADVISED VIA AIR PHILIPPINES.
• Rates, itinerary and meals are all subject to change without prior notice
JEJU ISLAND: Novela Sites and Sets:”JEWEL IN THE PALACE”
May 3, 2008 at 12:55 am | In travel, vacation | Leave a Comment
Introduction:
Jewel in the Palace which is the English translation and Philippine TV title of Daejanggeum started the historical drama genre fever. It has gained wide popularity in the different parts of Asia and even in other countries outside the continent.
It received various awards from different award giving bodies for their outstanding production and performance. In the Philippines , Jewel in the Palace premiered on 2005 in GMA 7 on its primetime slot. Swept away by the grand scale production outfits, props, story and characters, the Filipino viewers were hooked on it every night that it became a habit to tune in to the channel just to watch.
Plot Summary:
The story revolves around Jang-geum who dreams to enter the royal kitchen and serve the royal family. She is a daughter of a former officer and a former court lady that was caught up in conspiracies from the Palace. When her parents died, she entered the royal kitchen. She is then being rivaled by Choi Geum-yeong to become the best cook in the palace.
Because of her consistent remarkable cooking along with her mentor Lady Han, Lady Choi schemes a plan to make her and Geum-yeong the top contender as the best cook in the palace which later turns out to the Lady Han’s death and the reason for Jang-geum to be thrown out of the palace.
She then finds herself in Jeju Island as a servant in its local government office. It is this time that she learns about medicine which resulted to her being recognized as a doctor in the island. She then returns to the palace and became the first female royal physician by the king’s commendation. Without her even knowing it, the king confessed his love to her but she was already in love with Min Jung-Ho, the one who always helped her when she is in trouble. The king then furious with her confession, has made everything to break them up though he still cares and wants to protect her against the growing hatred of the palace officials.
Cast:
SEO JANG-GEUM portrayed by Lee Young-Ae 
Possessing a kind heart and an intelligent mind, the beautiful Jang-geum wasn’t blessed with a happy life. She became an orphan since she was a child by two parents haunted by the royal palace before. But even though faced with many difficulties, she continues to strive hard and keeps her positive attitude all throughout. When she entered the royal palace she learns how to cook with the help of Lady Han.
Because of her achievements in cooking, she became the target of a conspiracy by Lady Choi. She was then evicted to Jeju Island where she learned medicine then returned to the palace as the first ever female royal physician with the king’s consent.
MIN JUNG-HO (KAPITAN) portrayed by Ji Jin-hee 
Appointed as a Royal Guards officer, he became a close confidante and secret lover of Jang-geum. An handsome gifted scholar who has passed the civil service examination and a great and respected leader to his subordinates.
He is the strong support that Jang-geum leans onto in times of hardships. He instantly fell in love with her because of her undying passion for learning. By being with her, he puts himself also in danger because of the strict palace rules and the conspiracies surrounding Jang-geum.
CHOI GEUM-YOUNG portrayed by Hong Li-na
Ever since she and Jang-geum entered the royal palace, she treated Jang-geum as her rival. She is Lady Choi’s niece who then plots a something to overthrow Jang-geum in the palace.
Ambitious of being the top cook in the royal kitchen, Geum-young is also competing for Min Jung-ho’s affection though it is all in vain because he is already in love with Jang-geum
KIM JUNG-JONG portrayed by Im Ho 
The 11th king of the Chosun Dynasty, Jung-jong is seen as tenderhearted but sometime indecisive king. He becomes fond of Jang-geum’s many talents which eventually makes him fall in love with her.
LADY HAN (HAN AE-JONG) portrayed by Yang Mi-gyeong 
She is the one of mentors of the royal kitchen which guided Jang-geum throughout their whole ordeal with Lady Choi. Although strict, she cares for Jang-geum like her own flesh-and-blood. She died later on because of the conspiracy led by Lady Choi.
LADY CHOI (CHOI SEONG-GEUM) portrayed by Gyeon Mi-ri 
The ambitious and greedy younger sister of Choi Pan-sul and also Geum-young’s aunt, Lady Choi then sees Jang-geum a big threat for her ambitions to rule over the royal kitchen with her niece. It is then revealed that she was the one behind the death of Jang-geum’s parents and Lady Han and responsible for Jang-geum’s expulsion from the palace.
Shooting Locations:
JEJU FOLK VILLAGE MUSEUM
P’yosun-ri, P’yosun-myon, Jeju-do
This is where Jang-geum learns and practices medicine while serving local government of Jeju Island . It is one of the most visited places in Jeju where you can take pictures of the locations where some of the scenes from Jewel in the Palace were shot. It houses different areas where you can go around and explore for yourselves the unique culture and living in the ancient times of Korea .
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