Monday, January 24, 2011
Philippines Fiestas
Fiestas in the Philippines are held to celebrate a patron saint (the Philippines is the only majority-Christian country in Southeast Asia) or to mark the passage of the seasons, depending on which part of the country you're in. The sole exception is Christmas, where the whole country breaks out in celebrations that can begin long before December.
The roots of Philippine fiestas go back even further - back to before the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the 1500s. In the old animistic culture, regular ritual offerings were made to placate the gods, and these offerings evolved into the fiestas we know today. A wonderful fiesta season means good luck for the rest of the year.
For individual Filipinos, fiestas can be a way of supplicating the heavens or to make amends for past wrongs. In one place, penitents lash themselves with whips; in another, childless women dance on the streets hoping for the blessing of a child.
Every town and city in the Philippines has a fiesta of its own; whatever time of the year it is, there's sure to be a fiesta going on somewhere!
Feast of the Black Nazarene
Quiapo, Manila
January 9
The Black Nazarene is an antique hand-carved statue of Jesus Christ, which is brought out to the streets of Manila's Quiapo district to lead a huge procession of thousands of barefoot penitents, all massing around the rolling statue yelling "Viva Se?or!"
Penitents believe that touching the statue will grant one a miracle in one's life; stories have been heard of diseases healed and personal problems solved after touching the blackened statue.
The carving is black, legend says, because the ship that brought it caught fire along the way; despite its charred state, it is a prized icon for Manila's faithful.
Ati-Atihan Festival
Kalibo, Aklan
January 1-16
The Ati-Atihan Festival honors the "Santo Ni?o", or Christ Child, but draws its roots from much older traditions. Festival participants wear blackface and tribal clothing to imitate the aboriginal "Ati" tribespeople who welcomed a group of Malay datus fleeing Borneo in the 13th century.
The festival has evolved to become a Mardi Gras-like explosion of activity - three days of parades and general merrymaking that culminate in a large procession. Novena masses for the Christ Child give way to drumbeats and the streets throbbing with dancing townsfolk.
On the last day, different "tribes" played by townsfolk in blackface and elaborate costumes take to the streets, competing for prize money and year-long glory. The festival ends with a masquerade ball.
Other festivals in the Philippines, like the Sinulog in Cebu and Dinagyang in Iloilo, are directly inspired by the Ati-Atihan.
Sinulog Festival
Cebu City
January 6-21
Like the Ati-atihan, the Sinulog Festival is another Catholic festival honoring the Christ Child (Santo Ni?o), with deeper pagan roots. The feast draws its origin from an image of the Santo Ni?o gifted by Ferdinand Magellan to the recently-baptized queen of Cebu. The image was re-discovered by a Spanish soldier amidst the ashes of a burning settlement.
The feast begins with an early morning fluvial procession marking the arrival of the Spaniards and Catholicism. The procession follows after a Mass; "sinulog" refers to the dance performed by the participants in the big procession - two steps forward, one step back, it's said to resemble the movements of the river current.
Participants dance to the beat of drums, shouting "Pit Se?or! Viva Sto. Ni?o!" as they move the procession along.
Moriones Festival
Marinduque
April 18-24
The province of Marinduque celebrates Lent with a colorful festival commemorating the Roman soldiers who helped crucify Christ. The celebrations begin on Holy Monday, and end on Easter Sunday.
Townsfolk wear masks patterned after Roman soldiers, taking part in a masquerade dramatizing the search for a Roman centurion who converted after Christ's blood healed his blind eye.
The festivities coincide with the reading and dramatization of the Passion of Christ, re-enacted in different towns throughout Marinduque. Penitents can be seen whipping themselves in atonement for this year's sins.
Panagbenga (Baguio Flower Festival)
Baguio City
February 26
The mountain city of Baguio celebrates its flower season with - what else? - a flower fiesta! Every February, the city holds a parade with floral floats, tribal festivities, and street parties, with the scent of flowers creating a unique signature for this equally-unique celebration.
The word "panagbenga" is Kankana-ey for "blooming season". Baguio is the Philippines' foremost center for flowers, so it's only appropriate that the city's biggest festival centers around its chief export. Other festivities include a BAguio Flower beauty pageant, concerts at the local SM Mall, and other exhibits sponsored by the local government and foreign sponsors.
Maleldo Lenten Rites
San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga
April 17-24
Maleldo is best described as Extreme Lent: San Pedro Cutud village in Pampanga celebrates what is perhaps the bloodiest Good Friday spectacle in the world, as penitents flagellate themselves with burillo whips and have themselves literally nailed to crosses.
The tradition began in the 1960s, as locals volunteered to have themselves crucified to seek God's forgiveness or blessings. Many more followed, with hundreds making the "panata" (vow) over the years. Today, both men and women undergo the excruciating ritual.
In 2006, Scottish broadcaster Dominik Diamond volunteered to join the penitents, hoping to have his ordeal captured for UK television. Unfortunately, he chickened out just as it was his turn to be nailed up. ("God made me cancel my own crucifixion", Times Online.)
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Chinese New Year in Singapore
Chinese New Year in Singapore marks the debut of the Year of the Rabbit in style, with a fantastic celebration spanning the whole island. The celebrations begin on January 15 with the Street Light-up, with Chinese New Year proper beginning on the evening of February 2 and continuing till the Chinatown Yuan Xiao Jie on February 12.
Chinese New Year in Singapore kicks off in the ethnic enclave of Chinatown, particularly along Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road. Beginning on January 15, the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations transform the island-state's traditional Chinese enclave into a riot of lanterns, street stalls, and performing arts, with celebrations extending as far as Marina Bay. (Find out more about Shopping in Chinatown, Singapore.)
Look forward to a few key events of the season: a Street Light-Up, a Festive Street Bazaar, Nightly Stage Shows, and Chinatown Yuan Xiao Jie. The festivities can be very easily reached by MRT, simply alight at Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19).
Street Light-Up. Key streets in Chinatown - Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road, and Garden Bridge - will be lit up with traditional Chinese lanterns and colorful street lights while street performers and acrobats (not to mention the inevitable lion dancers) liven up the lanes. Local Singaporean celebrities will also show up to get the party going. The Light-Up Ceremony happens on January 15, 2011, from 6pm- 10pm.
Festive Street Bazaar. Chinatown will host more than five hundred stalls selling traditional foods, flowers, Chinese handicrafts, and customary New Year decorations. Have a go at barbecued sweetmeats, waxed duck, and cookies served fresh on the street, or pick up some traditional Chinese New Year decorations to remember the day by.
The 2011 Bazaar will last run from January 14 to February 2, covering Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple and Trengganu Streets, and People’s Park Complex.
Chinese New Year Countdown. Ring in the Chinese New Year in Singapore's Chinatown on February 2, as you join the locals and local celebrities alike with firecrackers and fireworks going off all through the evening. From 9:30pm to 12:30am, along Eu Tong Sen Street & New Bridge Road.
Chinatown Yuan Xiao Jie. The last day of Chinese New Year 2011 (February 12) serves as the high point of the celebrations. This day's celebrations will center around Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road, from 7pm to 10pm.
Nightly Stage Shows. Local and overseas cultural performance troupes take the stage, exhibiting traditional Chinese performances like martial arts, lion dances, and Chinese opera. Come to the Kreta Ayer Square, next to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, to see acts unfolding every night from January 15 to February 2, from 8pm to 10.30pm.
Moving on to the Singapore riverside, The Float @ Marina Bay hosts the yearly Singapore River Hong Bao carnival from February 1 to 13. The "Hong Bao" derives its name from the traditional red packets of money given by older Chinese to unmarried younger relatives during Chinese New Year.
Nightly cultural performances and traditional Chinese artwork can be enjoyed outdoors, and giant lanterns fashioned after popular Singapore landmarks loom larger-than-life. This year also features a Marina Barrage lantern made out of recycled plastic bottles.
Watch Chinese acrobats perform on the street. Have your name written in Chinese calligraphy. Get a Chinese zodiac reading of your birth date. If you want to get into the swing of Chinese culture for the duration of the festival, the Hong Bao is the place to be.
This year, a special Nanjing Pavilion will be set up for the Hong Bao - Nanjing will be the host city for the Youth Olympic Games last hosted by Singapore. Performers from Nanjing and speciality food and handicrafts from the city will share the spotlight in this year's Hong Bao.
Other Hong Bao highlights include concerts by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, a calligraphy competition, and a local short film showcase.
"Chingay", in its Hokkien equivalent, translates to "costume and masquerade". The normally staid Singaporeans take Chingay to its more colorful and musical extreme every year during the Chingay Parade, a two-night street party and parade that marks the climax of the Chinese New Year celebration. The Chingay parade will be staged on Friday and Saturday, February 11 and 12, beginning at 8pm.
The parade is now proudly international, growing from its purely Chinese traditional roots to embrace more than 80 local organizations, 7,400 performers and 1,800 volunteers, with international performing groups from China, Denmark, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.
The Chingay 2011 parade route takes place in front of the Pit Building against the backdrop of the Marina Bay. Parade participants will ride on floats, or walk in the procession, offering a riot of color and noise that few other Singapore festivals can equal.
Chingay tickets can be purchased from SISTIC (sistic.com.sg) beginning at SGD 25. Tickets are also available at Singapore Visitors Centre at Orchard Road and Singapore Pools Outlets. For more information, visit the Chingay website: chingay.org.sg.
Who said Singapore doesn't know how to party? Join Singapore’s biggest street dance party on February 12, beginning at 10:30pm at the Pit Building. Partygoers will find the Pit Building track transformed into an outdoor dance floor with space for 8,000 revellers, and dance to the rhythm of beats selected by international DJs.
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Sunday, January 23, 2011
Thailand Honeymoon
If the great outdoors is more your speed, the mountainous area surrounding Chiang Mai is lush and green and offers plenty of outdoor adventure, from elephant rides to river rafting. Visitors to the Chiang Mai region typically head out on multi-day hikes, which often involve roughing it, but there are also some exceptionally beautiful luxury resorts for those who want to indulge.
Where to Stay
Within the city of Chiang Mai there are more and more small boutique hotels and resorts opening every year. On the less-expensive end, 3 Sis Bed & Breakfast is an excellent choice. It's very pretty, very well maintained and is just around the corner from some of the city's most important temples. Tamarind Village, right in the center of Chiang Mai, is the only luxury resort in the old part of the city. Outside of the city, there are a few very romantic, very beautiful and very expensive resorts, including the Chiang Mai Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi and the Golden Triangle Anantara in Chiang Rai.
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Monday, January 17, 2011
Weather in Malaysia
Malaysia has a tropical climate, with very warm days and fairly cool nights. On average, temperature holds at 86?F (30?C), with cooler temperatures in the highlands. In Kuala Lumpur, average daytime temperature year-round is 82?F (27?C).
The east coast of Malaysia experiences humidity and heavy rains from November to February, brought by the southwestern monsoon; rainfall averages over 120 inches a year. The west coast experiences its heavy rains during August. Conditions may vary according to the prevailing monsoon winds at the time.
Choose a location below for the weather conditions in its vicinity.
West Malaysia
East Malaysia
Links labeled "NOAA" go to current weather forecasts made by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under the auspices of the U.S. government.
Links labeled "WWIS" go to current weather forecasts made by the World Meteorological Organization's World Weather Information Service, under the auspices of the United Nations.
Bring lightweight cotton clothing; this is worn any time of year. Bring plenty of rainwear, as rains can occur at any season.
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Vietnam Visa
Visitors going to Vietnam must show a valid Vietnam visa before being allowed into the country. A visa may be requested from a Vietnamese embassy near you, or may be sourced through a reliable travel agency.
Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam is a tougher nut to crack where visas are concerned. The rules and costs vary widely depending on the issuing embassy or consulate.
The Bangkok embassy, for example, can take your payment and process your visa on the very same day charging 1000 Baht (US$50 in its dollar equivalent; no other currency is accepted). The San Francisco consulate takes five days and $65 to do the same thing.
The information presented here may change without prior notice, so double-check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy before applying for your visa.
Most visitors to Vietnam will need a visa to enter the country, with a few exceptions. ("List of visa exemption agreements between Vietnam and foreign countries", Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs.) Citizens from ASEAN countries are permitted to enter without applying for a visa, and other countries have made similar arrangements for their citizens.
Citizens of the following countries may stay, visa-free, for no more than 30 days: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore Citizens of the Philippines may stay, visa-free, for no more than 21 days. Citizens of the following countries may stay, visa-free, for no more than 15 days: Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, South Korea, SwedenIf you are not a citizen of any of these countries, you must apply for a visa at a nearby Vietnamese embassy.
In the United States, you may apply at the Vietnamese embassy in Washington, DC if you're on the East Coast, or at the Vietnamese consulate in San Francisco if you're on the West Coast. (For other embassies around the world, look here: select Vietnam embassies.)
Tourist visas are available for a maximum 30-day stay, with the option to extend your visa for another 30 days upon your arrival in Vietnam.
To get a Vietnam tourist visa from your nearest Vietnam embassy or consulate, download the visa form from the local embassy's website and fill it up.
At the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the U.S., you'll be required to present:
Your original passport - valid for six months more after the planned trip, and with vacant pages for the full-page visa stamp One completed visa application form One 2"x2" passport-sized photo attached firmly to the space provided on the application form A money order or Cashier's check payable to the processing mission. The Embassy asks that you call them to ask for the current fees, although the rates are common knowledge among travelers (see the next page, the section titled "Fees for Vietnam Visas").More details are available on their website: "Instructions on Visa Application to Vietnam", Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco.
Business visas are available for business visitors (if you're investing in a business in Vietnam, or if you're arriving for work). Vietnam business visas are valid for six months and allow multiple entries.
The requirements for a Vietnam business visa are identical to those for the tourist visa, with the addition of a Business Visa Approval Form from your sponsor in Vietnam. You cannot get this form from the Embassy or the Consulate - your sponsor must get it from officials in Vietnam.
Diplomatic and official visas are issued for visitors with government and diplomatic business. Holders of diplomatic and service passports will be granted these visas, which are free of charge.
The requirements for these visas are similar to those for the business visa, with the addition of a note verbale from the concerned agency, foreign mission, or international organization.
Jason D. of Vietnam Visa Center warns that the authorities in Vietnam are quite strict about overstaying tourists. “Overstaying your visa is a big problem here,” explains Jason. “Even overstaying your visa by a day will involve a costly fine.
“If someone overstays their visa and tries to exit the country overland, many travelers will be asked to go back to the airport and sort out the issue with the immigration authorities there,” warns Jason. “The immigration officers may be lenient but others may charge anywhere from US$30 - US$60 a day.”
If you’re not sure how long you’ll need to travel around Vietnam, Jason suggests that you get a longer-term visa to begin with. “Getting a three-month visa - multiple or single - would allow travelers plenty of time to get around Vietnam without worrying about overstaying,” he explains.
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Weather in Vietnam
Due to its unique geography, Vietnam has a climate with wide variation from north to south, delineated into two distinct climatic zones. Generally, Vietnam is best seen between September and April.
The North has a moderate subtropical climate, with a cool, damp winter occurring between November and April, and a hot summer with periods of heavy rain from May to October. Temperatures may swing dramatically from 41?F (5?C) in December to 98.6 ?F (37?C) in July. Winter in the North is cold compared to other parts of Southeast Asia - temperatures have been known to dip below 15?C in Hanoi, and snow has occasionally fallen in the highlands.
The South has a humid tropical climate with three distinct seasons: a cool season from November to January, a hot season from February to April, and a rainy season from May to November. The latter is brought by the southwestern monsoon that also brings regular typhoons in its wake. Humidity hits a peak from March to May. Average temperature shows little variation compared to the north, swinging between s in the southern plains (Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta) varies less, going between 70-82.5 ?F (21-28?C) in a year's time.
The central highlands have the same seasons as the South, only with much lower temperatures during the winter seasons.
Choose a location below for the weather conditions in its vicinity.
Links labeled "NOAA" go to current weather forecasts made by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under the auspices of the U.S. government.
Links labeled "WWIS" go to current weather forecasts made by the World Meteorological Organization's World Weather Information Service, under the auspices of the United Nations.
You can wear loose cotton fabrics all year, but bring warmer clothing when going up to the highlands, or if you're wintering in north Vietnam. Bring rainwear and an umbrella if you're in town during the monsoons.
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