Hong Kong: Celebration in the Air marks HongKong Disneyland's fifth anniversary

HongKong Disneyland is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year with Celebration in the Air. And we were lucky to see some of the attractions set up for the event.


After lunch at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, we took the shuttle bus to the theme park. Right after entering the gates, there are brochure racks. Always make sure to get a Disneyland Guidemap and Times Guide to help you plan your trip around the park. The Times Guide let's you know the schedule of shows and events happening in the theme park.

Since we were early for the Flights of Fantasy Parade, we first went to the Jungle River Cruise in Adventureland.



Shortly before 3:30 p.m., we were ferried to Main Street, U.S.A. in an area reserved for us to view the Flights of Fantasy Parade. The VIP viewing location is actually a feature of the Gold Star Tour (HK$3088 for up to six guests) which also includes direct entrance to all attractions and reserved seating for theater shows.






This new and grander parade was created as part of Celebrations in the Air, the 5th anniversary bash of HongKong Disneyland, and features the different Disney characters. And since we were in the front row, my niece Bettina, got to join in the action.





After the parade, we proceeded to Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Then we were off to It's a Small World, dubbed "the happiest cruise that ever sailed as children of the world sing and dance to the song It's a Small World." I could distincly hear the song being sung in Filipino as we passed by the two girls in ternos.


Our next stop was The Golden Mickeys, a musical featuring Disney's films and characters. We had watched this show previously. And lining up for it was no joke. But this time around, we used the priority entrance.


After visiting the attractions, we had dinner at Plaza Inn in Main Street, U.S.A., a Cantonese restaurant hosted by Maxim's.



It was another eight-course meal for dinner which included (1) Barbecued Meat Platter, (2) Thick Soup with Shredded Pork, Bean Curd and Mushroom, (3) Golden Shrimp Ping Pong in Almond Flakes, (4) Seared Beef Fillets in Tangy Onion Dressing, (5) Sauteed Sliced Chicken and Prawns with Broccoli, (6) Flat Chinese Mushrooms over Baby Vegetables, (7) Fried Rice and Chicken Folded in Lotus Leaf Wrap and (8) Seasonal Pudding for dessert.


Before leaving the theme park that night, we watched the Tinker Bell Castle Illumination, another special attraction created for the 5th anniversary of Hong Kong Disneyland.


The next day, we went back again to the theme park. It was sunnier than the day before and perfect for photos. We actually had our photos taken in front of the train station where the Mickey landscaping can be found. We later had 8R copies printed for HK$120 at the Kodak store in Main Street, U.S.A. You can choose the border or the effect, including one where you can superimpose Tinker Bell on your hand.


My niece wanted to do a repeat of Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, so we proceeded there again and it's a good thing the lines were relatively short. We actually had Fast Passes that were good for the afternoon.

Fast Passes help visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland manage their time better in the theme park by lessening time consumed by lining up. The Fast Pass is a ticket which you can get at designated machines in front of an attraction which schedules you for the ride at a later time. So once you have a Fast Pass, you simply come back during the designated time period and you will be allowed to enter through the priority entrance. Only three rides have Fast Passes: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Space Mountain and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Here is more information on the Fast Pass.


With our Fast Pass, we were able to use the priority entrances of Winnie the Pooh and Space Mountain which saved us a lot of time.


Of course, we had to go on Bettina's favorite ride which is the Mad Hatter Tea Cups.


Also don't forget to visit Fanstasy Gardens where you can have your photos taken with your favorite Disney characters. Since we already had photos with Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Daisy Duck and Goofy from breakfast, we lined for photos with Winnie the Pooh and Minnie Mouse. We had a really late lunch at Comet Cafe before doing some last minute shopping at Main Street, U.S.A. After our grand experience at the theme park, we made our way to the MTR to explore other parts of Hong Kong.

Part 1: Experiencing Disney magic at HongKong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel

Hong Kong: Experiencing Disney magic at HongKong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel

A few weeks ago, we made another family trip to HongKong Disneyland. The park is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year. In previous trips, we'd usually stay outside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. But this time around, we got to experience Disney magic to its fullest with a stay at one of the Disney hotels.

From the Hong Kong International Airport, unless you are alone, the cheapest way to get to Hong Kong Disneyland is by cab (approximately HK$120). By MTR, it would cost HK$60 per head to get to Tsing Yi, then you have to transfer lines to get to Sunny Bay, then transfer trains to get to Hong Kong Disneyland. From there, you have to take the free shuttle to your hotel. With the cab, we were ferried directly to Disney's Hollywood Hotel where we were billeted for the next two nights.



Disney's Hollywood Hotel is a grand Art Deco building which mimics the character, glitz and glamor of Hollywood Boulevard in California. Although you can check-in as soon as you arrive, if the hotel is full as it usually is, rooms won't be available until 3 p.m. So if you arrive early, you can leave your bags at the concierge so that you can explore the theme park or have lunch while waiting.


Lunch was at the Crystal Lotus at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. So we had to take the shuttle to get to the other hotel next door. For lunch, we had the Disney character dimsum. Almost everything served had something shaped in the famous Mickey silhouette.






It was a seven-course meal which included Sesamed Rice Pasta Salad with Chicken, Disney Dimsum (Little Pig Barbecue Pork Bun, Little Green Men Pork and Vegetable Bun and Mickey's Seafood Glutinous Pancake), Double-boiled Chicken and Conpoy Soup in Petite Coconut, Wok-fried Shrimps and Disney Root Vegetables, Red-braised Pork Loin stuffed in Whole Chinese Pear, Fried-rice with Tasmanian Crabmeat stuffed in Whole Crab Shell, plus desserts (Chilled Mickey's Red Bean Honey Pudding and Duffy Steamed Lotus Red Bean Puree Bun).

After lunch, we proceeded to the theme park and returned to Disney's Hollywood Hotel right after dinner and the Tinker Bell Castle Illuminations. Please read related post for more on the parade and evening events: Celebration in the Air marks HongKong Disneyland's fifth anniversary.




The next day, we went back to HongKong Disneyland Hotel for a meet-and-greet breakfast with Disney characters at Enchanted Garden. In fact, during every meal, the Disney characters welcome everyone and visit every table for pictures, the highlight of dining at Enchanted Garden.


But the breakfast buffet spread itself was impressive with a wide selection of Western, Chinese, Japanese and Indian food among many others. If only my stomach didn't have any limits, I would have wanted to try out more.


After breakfast, we checked out the hedge maze in the sprawling garden behind the hotel. The back of the hotel actually faces the sea creating a picture-perfect setting. After walking around, we proceeded again to the theme park for more fun.


We got back at Disney's Hollywood Hotel that night, we saw Chip and Dale near the elevator posing for photos with guests.

During our last day, breakfast was at Chef Mickey at Disney's Hollywood Hotel. We weren't able to enjoy the buffet much since we had to rush to the airport right after the quick breakfast. But I'm glad we got to experience more of the Disney magic during our visit to the HongKong Disneyland Resort. There's definitely a big difference if you choose to stay at a Disney hotel and you might want to consider it especially if you are traveling with kids.

Part 2: Celebration in the Air marks HongKong Disneyland's fifth anniversary

Cebu: Edge Coaster at the Sky Adventure Experience

Despite visiting Cebu quite often, it was only last month that I got to try the Edge Coaster at the Sky Adventure Experience of Crown Regency Hotel Cebu. We paid Php750 for the buffet dinner and one ride at the Sky Adventure Experience. The buffet had a lot of dishes to choose from which was quite good. For the rest of the rates, visit the Sky Adventure Experience website.


The Edge Coaster goes around the edge of the 38th floor of the Crown Regency Hotel, 130.84 meters above street level. What makes the ride thrilling is that you can let your seat tilt at an angle of up to 55 degrees. A few meters from the start of the ride, it automatically tilts 50 degrees. If that's too much for you, you can choose to lower the angle a bit.

Unfortunately, cameras are not allowed. So I couldn't take photos of the view. But they have photographers who will take your photo and you can have copies printed.

Sky Adventure Experience
(032) 4188888

Bohol: NHCP decision on Antequera Town Plaza, a victory for historic open spaces!

Several months ago, I received a call for help from concerned residents of Antequera, Bohol. The mayor was planning to build a multi-purpose hall in their historic town plaza. While this has been happening across the country, in violation of land use, and now, heritage laws, no one has actually raised a major howl until now. All those multi-purpose halls in town plazas are illegal!

The good news is, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) recently released its decision on the Antequera Town Plaza. It's a landmark decision after the passage of R.A. No. 10066 that protects all historic plazas and parks. It's a victory, not only for Antequera, but for all historic open spaces around the country! I hope this decision marks the end of local governments building large structures in public plazas and parks.


Thank you to the NHCP for upholding the rule of law. And congratulations to the people of Antequera for their vigilance! Note that the citizens were not against the construction of a multi-purpose hall, but rather the proposed location. In fact, many of the citizens opposed to the plan have volunteered to donate land for the new structure. I hope the mayor sees the goodwill here.

April 8, 2011

HON. JOSE MARIO PAHANG
Municipal Mayor
Antequera, Bohol

Dear Mayor Pahang:

Greetings from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)!

We receivd a letter from NCCA Executive Director Malou Jacob dated 21 February 2011 informing us of the Proposed Development of the Multi-Purpose Cultural Center building which is to be located at the town plaza of Antequera in Bohol. NCCA also requested to conduct site inspections and to assess your proposed project.

We have sent NHCP technical team to Antequera, and they have conducted site assessment. Per our evaluation, we regret to inform that your proposed development project at the town plaza is not in conformity with the Republic Act 10066 (National Heritage Act of 2009) for the following reasons:

1. Historic towns plazas should remain open and green to serve as breathing space of the town. Its open area should not be diminished, and its land use and zoning category should not be converted nor changed.

2. Town plazas are places where townspeople congregate for various outdoor activities, and therefore, should be regarded as natural environment and spaces that relates the history of the town and the lifestyle of its community.

3. Putting up a huge structure within the plaza will create visual scale and proportion, and will adversely affect the historical ambiance and character of the town.

We suggest that the aforesaid project be situated in potential new development areas.

Looking forward to your favorable response for the preservation of our cultural heritage.

With all good wishes.

Very truly yours,
LUDOVICO D. BADOY
Executive Director III

Note: Photos from the Preserve the Antequera Town Plaza page on Facebook.

Cebu: Kawasan Falls in Badian

I've heard about the beauty of Kawasan Falls in Badian. On a recent trip to Cebu with my fraternity batchmates, we visited the waterfall. It's about 3 hours from Cebu City. And if you plan to rent a van, it's not cheap. On the way there, you get to pass by the picturesque coastline of the western side of Cebu.

The falls is several kilometers past the town proper of Badian. From the jump-off point along the National Highway, there's an easy 15 minute walk to Kawasan Falls. Along the way, you have to pay Php10 per head as entrance fee.


Kawasan Falls has aquamarine blue water making it look like it was a swimming pool. You can rent tables for Php300, or ride a raft that will bring you under the falls, also at Php300 per group.

It's quite refreshing but not as high as other popular waterfalls around the country. But in my opinion, you'd have to spend the whole day there, or explore nearby attractions for the trip or cost of transportation to be worth it.

Visita iglesia routes for Holy Thursday 2011

By now, you might have decided where to go tomorrow for Holy Thursday visita iglesia. But for those who still don't have any plans, here are some ideas for visita iglesia to our heritage churches in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

You could visit churches in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon, Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan and Pangasinan.

Bulacan: San Miguel Heritage Town and Biak-na-Bato National Park

San Miguel, Bulacan is a very historic town. The town proper is an outstanding assemblage of colonial-period houses. While the caves of Biak-na-Bato were witness to the birth of the Philippine nation.



We got to visit San Miguel, Bulacan recently as part of Lakbay Norte of the North Philippines Visitors Bureau. First stop was the San Miguel Heritage Town. We were able to stop by the historic San Miguel Church, where some of our nation's heroes are buried including Maximo Viola, a friend of Dr. Jose Rizal who helped finance the publication of Noli Me Tangere.


Unfortunately, we didn't have time to explore the ancestral houses. But we made one round around town.



I got to explore San Miguel when I was still a college student. And obviously, much has changed. It alarms me that the historical fabric of the town is starting to change as well. And safeguards need to be put in place if we are to conserve the historic core of San Miguel.



A few kilometers from the town proper is the Biak-na-Bato National Park, the mountain hideout of the Philippine Revolutionary Forces and birthplace of the Republika ng Biak-na-Bato in 1897. It is said to be the first Philippine republic with its own constitution. But it was short-lived and lasted only a month.


In 1937, President Manuel L. Quezon declared 2,117 hectares in the Biak-na-Bato area as a national park to honor the First Philippine Republic. It's actually a refreshing place with a comfortable cover of green, several streams and waterfalls, and a system of caves which served as hideouts for our revolutionary forces.


A visit to San Miguel, Bulacan is definitely an appointment with Philippine history.

Metro Manila: Las Pinas Bamboo Organ and visita iglesia in Paranaque and Las Pinas

The southern cities of Metro Manila have some interesting heritage churches, particularly Paranaque and Las Pinas which you can visit for visita iglesia.


Who does not know the Bamboo Organ? The Las Pinas Church is home to this National Cultural Treasure. It was in 1810 that Fr. Diego Cera began contruction for the Las Pinas Church which was completed in 1819. The architecture of the church itself is very simply yet sturdy with its massive stone colonades ans stucco Neoclassical altar.


The highlight of any visit to the Las Pinas Church is the Bamboo Organ which Fr. Cera built in 1823. It has a total of 1,031 original bamboo pipes and 129 new metal ones. It fell into disrepair but was restored in 1942 by Carmelo and Jose Loinaz. In 1973, the organ was sent to the Johannes Klais Factory in Bonn, Germany for a full restoration.



In Paranaque, one of the best preserved churches is the San Dionisio Chapel. This small chapel is worth the visit because of its intact wooden altar. But what makes the altar even more famous or infamous is the headless image of San Dionisio or Tatang Dune to the locals.


Paranaque in fact has several other heritage churches including the Paranaque Cathedral, La Huerta Chapel and Redemptorist Church, which you can visit when on visita iglesia.

The Paranaque Cathedral's veneration for the Nuestra Senora del Buen Suceso dates back to 1625. The current church was built from 1638 to 1650.

Bohol: Tsokolate Eh Souffle Cake at Cafe Lawis in Dauis Church

If you happen to pass by the Dauis Church in Bohol, make sure to walk all the way to the convento. Inside and behind it is the charming Cafe Lawis, nestled by the beach under large acacia trees. You'd be surprised that a cafe like that exists in an old church. But being a component of the Dauis Renaissance Program of the Ayala Foundation, standards have definitely been raised.


They actually have a nice selection of meals and snacks. But the pièce de résistance here is the Tsokolate Eh Souffle Cake (Php95) which is served with a rich tsokolate eh syrup and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It takes quite a while to prepare though. So make sure you order it first before exploring the church so that it's ready when you get back.