Ringo Starr to the Philippines: Send the World 'Postcards from Paradise'

It was 1966 when the Beatles last visited the Philippines. Most of us were not yet born that time when the global phenomenon ruled the music charts everywhere.

Read More

Department of Tourism Releases Nostalgic TVC for IloIlo

The Department of Tourism is now putting the spotlight on the Western Vizayas province Iloilo. They released a TV commercial earlier this month to promote the province as a destination where the "past is always present."

Read More

Up-and-Coming Vacation Spot 'Borawan' Gets Spotlight

Before the end of the summer season, broadcast journalist Anthony Taberna visits Borawan beach, an up-and-coming vacation spot in Padre Burgos, Quezon to examine what the place has to offer and how tourism uplifts the lives of the local residents tomorrow (May 29) in “Tapatan ni Tunying.” Coined from the names of two top Philippine getaways, Borawan is known for its white sand beach compared with Boracay and the huge rock formations similar to that of Palawan. With the arrival of tourists, long-time resident Precy and her family found additional sources of income. Her husband, Pando, uses his fishing boat to ferry visitors to and from the island while she assists at the resort’s canteen during the peak season. Meanwhile, Joel, who used to be a former dynamite fisherman, has now found better means of living with the advent of tourism in his town and has learned to take care of the environment that provides him with his livelihood. Aside from bringing tourists to and from Borawan, he also scours the beach in his free time, collecting discarded plastic bottles and other junk items he could sell. Watch “Tapatan ni Tunying” tomorrow (May 29), 4:30 PM on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold.

[Press Release provided by ABS-CBN to WanderPH.com]

Read More

It's More Fun in Bohol - Department of Tourism's TV Commercial

After last year's devastating earthquake, the Department of Tourism would like the world to know that Bohol is back in business! The international TV commercial which lasts for 30 seconds gives 1,776+ reasons for everyone to visit the island-province paradise.

Bohol is home to 1,776 limestone Chocolate Hills, the adorable but endangered Tarsiers, the white-sand beaches of Panglao Island, the lush underwater world of the Balicasag islet, the languid and scenic Loboc River, the organic Bohol Bee Farm, the exciting Chocolate Hills Adventure Park, and more!

Although some of the island-province's heritage churches were destroyed by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on October 15, 2013, Bohol has now fully recovered and the churches are now under reconstruction and restoration by the government.

Furthermore, the natural wonders of Bohol were unaffected by the quake not to mention that it has been named Best Governed Province and its Panglao beach was cited as one of the Best Secret Beaches on Earth by Travel+Nature Magazine.

 Watch the glossy TVC below which I'm sure will convince you to visit this island paradise in the near future:

   

For updates about the province of Bohol, like their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PadayonBohol

Read More

Palawan is No. 1 Island in the World, Boracay 12th

Palawan recently bagged the title "Best Island in the World for 2014" based on an international poll conducted by travel magazine “Conde Nast Traveler” through their annual Readers Choice Awards.

Photo: www.divezone.net

Conde Nast Traveler revealed the results of their 27th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards on October 20, 2014 and topping the Top 30 islands list is our very own Palawan. The island province, which is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Tubbataha Reef Marine Park) had scored the highest rating of 88.75% and garnered a total 76,600 votes for the title “Top Island in the World.” Here’s what the magazine said about Palawan:

This small island—one of the Philippines’ 7,107—shot to the top of our list this year with a recent claim to fame: It’s now home to one of the new seven natural wonders of the world, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Pro tip: Palawan’s natural wonder is one of the longest underground rivers in the world, traveling five miles through a subterranean cave system. Guided boat tours take visitors down a portion of the waterway, where karsts, natural rock formations created by dissolving limestone, loom in every direction. Boracay, on the other hand, ranked 12th with a rating of 82.683 beating Indonesia’s Bali which ranked 17th in the Top 30. 

Photo: www.divezone.net

The Top 10 Islands in the World

1. Palawan, Philippines
2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina USA
3. Maui, Hawaii USA
4. Kauia, Hawaii USA
5. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
6. Great Barrier Reef and Whitesunday Islands, Australia
7. Santorini and Cyclades, Greece
8. St. John, US Virgin Islands
9. Kangaroo Island, Australia
10. Big Island, Hawaii USA

Cross-published in Starmometer

Read More

Exquisite 9-Course Italian Dinner at Finestra's Chef's Table

If I get the chance to go to Europe, Italy would be the first country that I will visit. The arts and culture of this boot-shaped nation never cease to amaze me. And of course, the places that I want to see are the Canals of Venice, the Colosseum, the Pompeii and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, among others.

Italy, by the way, is famous around the world not only for their UNESCO Heritage sites, the visual arts of Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo, the music of Luciano Pavarotti, the fashion trends in Milan, but also for their food. And when I think about Italian food, the first four things that come to my mind are pizza, pasta, gelato and espresso, but of course, the assortment is wider and more diverse than what our stomach can imagine.

Last Wednesday, August 13, I was fortunate to have a taste of Italy. I may not be able to go to Italy for the distant future but at least I was able to taste the country via Finestra's Chef's Table.    

Finestra is one of Solaire's signature restaurants. It boasts of authentic Italian dishes under the strict supervision of its Executive Chef, Mr. Salvatore De Vincentis.

Chef Salvatore has more than 20 years of cooking experience with tenures at Grand Hyatt in Dubai and Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in Bahamas. He arrived to the Philippines four years ago and worked at Edsa Shangri-La Manila and now at Finestra in Solaire Resort and Casino. The feathers in his cap include Best Executive Chef for Italian Cuisine at the WOFEX Worldwide Competition Awards, Best Italian Restaurant for Edsa Shangri-La Manila’s Paparazzi at the 2009 Nescafé Gold Spot Awards, and Best Italian Restaurant for Mezzo Mezzo, JW Marriott Hotel, Mumbai at the 2012 Times Food & Nightlife Awards.

Chef Salvatore and his team prepared a 9-course meal for me and fellow bloggers (Jeng Bauto of www.showbiznest.com and Mhel & Ken Ignacio of www.certifiedfoodies.com) at the Chef's table located right at the open kitchen of Finestra. Chef's Table, by the way, it an exquisite dining experience in Finestra where a group of up to four people get to sit and dine as the food is being prepared in front of you. You can also chat with Chef Salvatore and ask him about the story behind the food being prepared and what not. And that's what we did.

The thing Chef Salvatore said that I will never forget is that most of the ingredients in the food they are serving in Finestra are imported from Italy. From cherry tomatoes, from all kinds of cheeses and even the wine came all the way from his country making Finestra an authentic Italian restaurant.

Course #1: Burrata Pugliese 

The meal started with two flavorful appetizers. First, the Aragosta and Shrimp Soup with Olive Crostini.

Second, the aged Parma ham and rughetta salad. Skewed on a breadstick is a melon wrapped with Parma ham, a popular dry-cured ham that is usually thinly sliced and served uncooked. According to Chef Salvatore, it got its name from the Italian city which main product aside from cheese is the all-natural ham made from only four ingredients, pork, salt, air and time.

My favorite, by the way, is the cheese on the left side of the plate called Buffalo Mozarella. It's made from  the milk of the domestic Italian water buffalo which gives it a unique taste. Inside is a combination of mozarella and cream giving it an unusual, soft texture.

Course #2: Pizzeta

What's an Italian meal without pizza and Chef Salvatore served us a traditional kind that brings him closer to home. This pizza has Porcini mushrooms and Trentino Speck or smoked ham for toppings and lots of Bocconcini or the small mozzarella cheeses the size of an egg like the Buffalo Mozarella. Chef asked us if we want the pizza sliced and we nodded. Apparently in their hometown, they don't use a pizza cutter in slicing the pizzeta. They use their bare hands instead.

Course #3: Calamarata

Top right of the photo grid - Red Sicilian Pesto, Clams, and Mussels.

Course #4: Raviolone

Top left of the photo grid  - Diver Scallops with Saffron Cream and Salmon Caviar on top.

Course #5 - Risotto

Bottom left - Homemade Sausage, Rice in Barolo Wine Reduction Sauce. 

Bottom right - Bisol Cartizze wine that gives the taste buds a different take on Calamarata, Raviolone and Risotto.

Course #6 - Intermizzo

Chef Salvatorre said it's time to cleanse before the main course so he served us a Limoncello Sorbet. The lemon cocktail was served in a small glass separated from the ice ball so we can balance the strong lemon flavor according to our taste. This 'intermezzo' actually removed the 'umay' from our tongue so that we can continue to course #7 and #8 which are the main course. Yes, folks, finally the main course is up next! 

Course # 7 - Branzino

Branzino means "Seabass" and it's a seafood meal with Roasted Chilean Seabass in Datterini Cherry Tomato and Sorrente Olive Oil infusion.

Course # 8 - Agnello

Agnello means "Lamb" and I'm really delighted that the next entree is a Grilled Lamb Chop because I love lamb chops! Whenever we go to Go Greek, I always order grilled lamb chops because it's rich in protein and less in fat compared to pork and beef.

Anyway, Chef's Salvatore's Lamb Chop was cooked in medium rare which is perfect for the Schiopetto Collio, a wine that caresses the palate with expressive layers of sweet, perfumed fruit.

Course # 9 - Dessert

Finally, we're down to desserts! Chef Salvatore asked us what do we like and I said "surprise us" (chos). He served us three kinds of desserts actually.

On the left is the traditional Nutella Cake. On the middle is the Tiramisu, which I thought before was Japanese because of its sound and learned that it's actually Italian. On the right-most of the rectangular plate is the Wallnut Caramel Gelato which was the best-tasting gelato I've ever tasted (without exaggeration, really!). The taste of caramel ice cream embedded on powdered wallnuts was fantastic! It ended the 9-course meal with a bang.

You too, can embark on an exquisite dining experience with two to five of your friends and relatives at Finestra's "Chef's Table." It's fun, it's casual, educational, entertaining, and amusing. But most importantly, it offers a multisensory culinary adventure like no other. Experience Italy taste-wise at Finestra located in Solaire Resort and Casino at 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque City. Just make a reservation 72 hours in advance for the Chef's Table.

Photo op with Chef Salvatore De Vincentis

Menu Options:

Six-course meal - P4,888+ /person
Nine-course meal - P5,888+ /person

Optional Beverage Pairing:

Additional P1,299+ /person (for a six-course meal)
or P1,699+ /person (for a nine-course meal)

For more information, visit www.solaireresort.com and like their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/SolaireResort and follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SolaireResort.

Read More

3rd Time in Boracay's a Charm Because of Zuzuni Hotel

They say third time's a charm and it's true, well at least for me. I've been to Boracay 3 times already and it's the latest trip to the island paradise that charmed me the most because of the hotel. 

While some travelers don't give much importance to where they stay when they're on a trip and they see hotels as somewhat just a place to sleep, I have a different opinion. For me, accommodations are part of your journey and these hotels can give as much memories as the attractions you are going to. Well, if the hotel can give you a pleasant experience, that is.        

My trip to Boracay last month was made even more wonderful because of the hotel we stayed in for 3 days and 2 nights: Zuzuni Boutique Hotel. It was a pleasant surprise when we arrived because it's my first time to a beachfront hotel, ever. In my previous trips, we stayed in a large hotel that is far from the beach. So aside from sharing the space with lots of other 'bakasyonistas,' it takes us about 5 to 10 minutes walk before we reach the beach. In Zuzuni, it was a different story.  

My room is located at the 3rd floor. These squeaky clean wooden stairs directed me to my room. 

 And when I opened the door, everything's so clean and nice and the whole room was well-lit. According to some staff-members, everything was Mediterranean-inspired.

Here's my bed which is kinda similar to the ones in 5-star hotels. The sheets smell really nice and the comfort level is definitely 10/10! 

My favorite part, and what enthralled me the most, was the balcony! Zuzuni is a beachfront hotel so the view from my room's balcony is mesmerizing. A perfect place to relax, I can see the ocean from here, some trees, the people walking by, the sailboats, and the powdery sands of Station 1. 

Here's the view from my room:

And here's the sliding glass window of my room which I like to keep open because I love breathing fresh air coming from the ocean.

Located at the ground floor is the Spanish-inspired restaurant called "Cuzina." They serve Filipino, Spanish and American breakfast here. If you're a guest at the hotel, you are entitled to a free breakfast. My choice was always Filipino breakfast, tocilog and tapsilog on the next day.

After eating breakfast, I work for an hour or two with my laptop and this amazing view:

Overall, my stay at Zuzuni Hotel was great. Everything was very clean from the comfort room to the balcony. They served delicious breakfast. The staff was friendly and eager to please. The location was very convenient, it's just a few hops away from the beach and near all the shops, bars, restaurants, water sports activities, that you need. Beside there was even a convenience store where you can buy the necessities that you forgot to bring. It's also 5-10 minutes away from D Mall.

If you're Boracay bound, I highly recommend Zuzuni Hotel simply because of my terrific 3 days 2 nights experience. Take note, it garnered a very high 8.4 score from Agoda.com with lots of positive feedbacks from 42 people who've been there so you can expect more good reviews about the this hotel.

For more details about their promos and corporate discounts, visit Zuzuni Hotel's Official Website at www.zuzuni.net. You can also like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/zuzuniboracay.

For reservations, call Zuzuni Hotel at (036) 288-4477, 09088620031 or 09088939841(8am-8pm) or email them at zuzuniboracay@gmail.com.

Read More

Tara Na Sa Norte: 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Northern Philippines

Summer is over but there are still 7 reasons why you should go North! Check out why exploring Northern Philippines is your best bet when wanderlust kicks in come rain or shine.

1. THE NLEX



The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is known as the “Gateway to the North”. It spans 84 kilometers of world-class expressway which connects Metro Manila to the Central and Northern Luzon regions. Built to ensure safety, convenience, and efficiency of motorists and passengers, the Manila North Tollways Corporation-operated (MNTC) expressway has 98 internationally recognized informational, directional, and warning signs along its entire stretch, as well as real-time en route travel advisories, and 24/7 CCTV cameras to monitor road conditions and ensure that you reach your Northern destination with ease.

2. COLORFUL FESTIVALS



Baguio may be known for its annual flower fest Panagbenga, or Dagupan for its Bangus Festival but there are more to Northern Philippines’ festival than meets the eye. Malolos, Bulacan has the Sto Niño de Malolos Festival, the biggest gathering of devotees to the Holy Child Jesus in the North, held every January. Kannawidan 'Ylocos' Festival in Ilocos Sur pays homage to Ilocano traditions, and include street parades, Ilocano poem writing contest, a talent night where performers sing Ilocano ballads, a dance drama, and marching band contest. Of course, Pampanga has its world-famous Lantern Festival held every December, and Sinukwan Festival, a festival immortalizing Aring Sinukwan, god of the ancient Kapampangans where groups outdo each other in dancing to the local anthem “Atin Cu Pung Singsing”.

3. AMAZING CHURCHES



Paoay Church, Photo by Edsel Ochoa[/caption] The country’s deep-rooted Christianity is mirrored in some of the country’s oldest churches located in Northern Luzon. Among them, Baguio Cathedral (Our Lady of Atonement) located atop Mount Mary Hill; Paoay Church (St. Augustine Church), a UNESCO World Heritage Site; St. William Cathedral, Laoag’s city’s landmark built in 1580; Betis Church (St. John the Apostle Parish Church) in Guagua, named a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum for its painted ceiling of murals depicting scenes from the Bible; and the San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, which doubles as a place of worship and a tourist attraction to this day with its Baroque architecture, particularly its pulpit which is intricately carved and heavily gilded in gold leaf.

4. WONDERFUL BEACHES AND WATER SPORTS



In Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, not only do the wide beaches lure you to swim but the excellent wind can give you the ultimate rush via kiteboarding and windsurfing. Zambales’ Potipot Island inspires visitors to go kayaking. Pangasinan’s Hundred Islands also boast of isolated caves, and snorkeling reefs. The more daring ones can go near and far Luzon to enjoy spectacular adventures. Deca Wakepark in Clark is a wakeboarder’s haven. Baguio has various trails which newbies and seasoned adrenaline junkies alike enjoy. Benguet also has challenging bike trails to conquer.

5. GLORIOUS FOOD



Organic food, pampanga, photo by Edsel Ochoa[/caption] Itself a unique adventure, food in Northern Philippines is both for the banal and the adventurous. Pampanga, of course, is the food lover’s haven with Bale Datung, a popular private kitchen perfect for intimate lunch or dinner with family and friends featuring Chef Claude Tayag’s homemade creations; Susie’s pichi pichi, tibok tibok, suman, moche and sapin sapin; Aling Lucing’s Sisig; and Nathaniel’s buko pandan. The Ilocos region boasts of its Vigan longganiza and crispy ukoy and empanadas.

6. INDIGENOUS PEOPLES



Aetas of Zambales, photo by Edsel Ochoa[/caption] Ethnic groups are known to have preserved the real culture of Filipinos. It would be good to encounter and learn more about the Aetas of Pampanga, the Igorots of the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Ilongots in the southern Sierra Madre and Caraballo Mountains on the east side of Luzon particularly Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya

7. BEST ACCOMMODATIONS



Near or far, affordable or luxurious, North Luzon’s many hotels and accommodations await guests. From Baguio’s Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club, to Bataan’s Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar where heritage structures are a sight to behold; to Anvaya Cove, a luxurious residential resort and private enclave that presents a balance between sustainable development and environmental preservation. Know more about how you can enjoy the best of North Philippines, its numerous travel spots and no-miss attractions by dropping by at ‘NLEX Tara na sa Norte,” a travel fair which will run on July 25-27, 2014, at the Glorietta Activity Center Makati City. At least 100 exhibitors are expected to gather for this travel and tourism fair mounted by the Manila North Tollways Corp (MNTC) - from the corporate sector, local government units, the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) regional offices, hotels, and restaurants, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and traders, among others. ‘NLEX Tara nasaNorte” will also provide a platform for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their craft, furniture, fashion accessories, food items and other regional products and make them accessible to Metro Manila residents.

Co-presenters are the Department of Tourism Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Glorietta and Ayala Malls, and supported by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB), this three-day event is also sponsored by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Clark Development Corporation, Maynilad and PhilHydro with Cebu Pacific as the official airline partner and Philippine Daily Inquirer, media partner.

Images courtesy of Edsel Ochoa

Read More

DOT Promotes Cebu as an Exciting Dive Destination (Video)

The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently released a new international TV commercial promoting Cebu as one of the country's exciting dive destinations.

The first part of the commercial is an 18-second teaser which invokes the following question: What sort of wonders can you find when you go on an underwater adventure in one of the dive destinations in the Philippines?

  

Then after a few days, the main TVC is revealed. It features the sites and sounds that make Cebu the ultimate diving destination--the breathtaking sardine run and the music from finely crafted Cebu guitars. The TVC lasts for 30 seconds and will air in different countries.

Side note: Latest record from the Department of Tourism revealed that the arrival traffic in Central Visayas hit 14.78 percent growth from January to June this year to 1.7 million, more than half of the 2.6 million target arrivals for this year.

Read More

Vigan Vies for Slot in 'New 7 Wonders Cities in the World' List

From 1,200+ nominees from 220+ different countries, our very own Vigan is the lone Philippine entry to have make it to the Top 28 of "New 7 Wonders Cities" global poll."

In 2011, the Puerto Princesa Underground River was elected as one of the "New 7 Wonders of Nature" via an online and SMS poll of global proportions. The feat put the Philippines on the eco-tourism map together with 6 other winners namely the Amazon in South America, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Iguazu Falls in Argentina/Brazil, Jeju Island in Korea, Komodo National Park in Indonesia and Table Mountain in South Africa.

The inclusion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River in the "New 7 Wonders of Nature" is a testament of how we as Filipinos, here in the country and around the world, are proud of our heritage and that we can be united to achieve a common goal. No less than our President Noynoy Aquino appealed to Filipinos worldwide to vote for PPUR that time. As a result, we got the title and at the same time we saw the number of visitors in Palawan increased to more than 100% and prompted the government to build an international airport in Puerto Princesa which is expected to begin operation in early 2017.

This year, the unity of Filipinos will be tested again as UNESCO World Heritage Site--Vigan--made it to the top 28 of New 7 Wonders Cities global poll. From more than 1,200 nominees, Vigan is now the lone Philippine entry in the running for the title (7 slots) which is set to conclude on December 7, 2014.

In 1999, Vigan became the first and only site in the Philippines to be included in UNESCO World Heritage list joining the ranks of Pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal in India, the Great Wall of China, the Vatican, Paris and the Kremlin. UNESCO described Vigan as an "exceptionally intact and well-preserved example of a European trading town in East and Southeast Asia. The architecture is truly reflective of its roots in both materials and design, in its fusion of Asian building design and construction with European colonial architecture and planning.”

This year, Vigan is about to take the spotlight once again if we can unite and power vote for its inclusion in the New 7 Wonders Cities. From the top 28, the list will trimmed down to 21 on July 7, 2014. If ever Vigan makes it to the Top 21, it will vie again for another voting phase that will reveal the Top 14 on October 7. From the final 14, the last phase of voting will run until the conclusion of the poll on December 7 and the announcement of the official "New 7 Wonders Cities" as chosen by hundreds of millions of votes from
around the world, will be revealed.

To vote for Vigan, log on to the global voting site www.new7wonders.com/en/cities. You need to choose 7 cities in order for your vote to be cast. You can also vote via SMS by texting VIGAN to 2929077, or by phone by following the instructions here.

Cross-published in Starmometer.com

Read More

Vigan: Side by Side with Other Heritage Sites

THE HISTORIC CITY OF VIGAN: SIDE BY SIDE WITH OTHER HERITAGE SITES
by Engr. Ricardo Favis

What does Vigan have in common with the Pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal in India, the Great Wall of China, the Vatican, Paris and the Kremlin? Answer: all are World Heritage Sites.

But five years ago, no one would have dared to compare our small town of Vigan with any of these famous monuments and sites. It would have been unthinkable to place Vigan side by side with the wonders of the world. Then came the news last 2 December 1999 that the UNESCO World Heritage Convention has inscribed the Historic Town of Vigan in the World Heritage List of Cultural Properties for its ‘exceptional’ and ‘universal’ value.

To be able to fully appreciate the distinct honor that has been accorded to our small town, let us travel together and explore some World Heritage Sites whose magnificence enriches each one of us, and whose disappearance would thus be an irreplaceable loss for all humanity.

Among the Seven Wonders of the World (which caught our endless fascination during our high school days), the Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China are the only survivors. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Lighthouse in Alexandria and other ancient wonders no longer exist, thus depriving us the opportunity to enjoy and to learn from them.

Great urban centers may exhibit important developments in architecture, town planning or landscape design. Several of them are Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice and Naples (Italy), Cairo (Egypt), Berne (Switzerland), Codoba, Caceres, Segovia and Toledo (Spain), Marrakesh (Morocco), Quebec (Canada), Havana (Cuba), Cracow and Warsaw (Poland), Budapest (Hungary), Lima (Peru), Paris, Avignon and Lyons (France), Mexico City, Prague (Czechoslovakia), St. Peterburg (Russia), Salzburg and Graz (Austria), Kathmandu (Nepal) and Bukhara (Uzbekistan).

Some archeological sites bear an exceptional testimony of a civilization which is living or has disappeared. This category includes Sukhothai and Ayutthaya (Thailand), Persepolis (Iran), Carthage (Tunisia), Petra (Jordan), Teotihuacan (Mexico), Machu Pichu (Peru), Troy (Turkey), Delphi and Mycenae (Greece), Damascus (Syria), and Jerusalem.

Some World Heritage Sites are associated with ideas or beliefs of outstanding universal significance, such as the case of Vatican City (Holy See), Temple and Cemetery of Confucius in Qufu (China), and the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha in Lumbini (Nepal).

There are also the castles and palaces that are magnets for tourists, like the Versailles (France), Alhambra and Escorial (Spain), Grand Palace of Brussels (Belgium), the Potala in Tibet, the summer Palace in Beijing and the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (China), and the Complex of Hue Monuments (Viet Nam).

Sana’a (Yemen), Timbuktu (Mali), Taos Indian Pueblo (USA), and the modern city of Brasilia (Brazil) are some cities with distinctive architecture.

The Office of the UNESCO Regional Advisor for Culture in Asia and the Pacific first introduced the concept of the World Heritage Convention at the community level in four small towns: Vigan (Philippines), Luang Prabang (Lao PDR), Lijiang (China) and Hoi An (Viet Nam). These towns which are pilot demonstration sites under a UNESCO Programme on Integrated Community Development and Heritage Site Preservation in Asia Pacific through Local Efforts or LEAP have all been inscribed in the World Heritage List.

Aside from the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids and Necropolis of Egypt, other famous landmarks include the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae (Egypt), the Taj Mahal (India), the Statue of Liberty (USA), the Westminster Abbey and Palace (United Kingdom), and the Stonehenge (United Kingdom).

Religious structures and complexes include Acropolis (Greece), Borobudor (Indonesia), Angkor (Cambodia), Mont Saint Michel (France), Chartres Cathedral (France), Churches and Convents in Goa (India), the Four Baroque Churches (Philippines), Piazza del Duomo in Pisa (Italy), Cologne Cathedral (Germany), Monasteries in Mount Athos, Chios, Chora and Patmos Island (Greece), and the Jesuit missions of the Guarinis (Argentina and Brazil).

The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci in the Church of Santa Maria delle Gracie (Italy) has been single out as a masterpiece of human creative genius. Other artistic works of outstanding universal value include the rock paintings in the Altamira Caves (Spain) and the rock carvings in Tanum (Sweden) and Alta (Norway).

Monuments that remind us of the horrors of war include Auschwitz Concentration Camp (Poland), the Defense Line of Amsterdam (Netherlands), and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Japan).

Archeological sites of scientific importance include the Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian (China), the Fossil Hominid Sites (South Africa), and the Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmaki (Finland).

The Wielickzka Salt Mine (Poland), Mines of Rammelsberg and the Volklinger Ironworks (Germany), and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India) are sites that exhibit important developments in technology.

A site can also be a cultural landscape or an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement or land-use which is representative of a culture. An example of a cultural landscape is the Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordilleras.

A natural site may be a geological wonder or it exemplifies a stage of the earth’s evolutionary processes, such as in the case of the Yellowstone, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Grand Canyon (USA). The Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) manifest biological evolution and rich biodiversity. Natural sites that contain the natural habitats of endangered animals include the Komodo National Park (Indonesia), the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino (Mexico), Iguazo National Park (Argentina) and the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (Senegal).

Natural sites cited for their rich biodiversity and natural beauty include the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), the Everglades (USA), The Great Barrier Reef (Australia), Lake Baikal (Russian Federation), and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park (Philippines) and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Philippines) for large numbers of animals include the Ngorongoro and Serengeti Reserves (Tanzania). A natural site may also be a scene of exceptional beauty or spectacular view, such as Mount Taishan (China), Los Glaciares and the Peninsula Valdes (Argentina), the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (Canada), the Redwood National Park(USA), and the New Zealand Sub- Antarctic Islands.

[This article was provided by the City of Vigan]

Read More