Carly Rae Jepsen Travels to New York, Paris and Tokyo in Music Video for 'Run Away With Me'

Carly Rae Jepsen really really really really really loves to travel as seen on the music video of her latest single “Run Away With Me.”

The video started out with a trip to Paris featuring the Canadian singer travelling from the airport to several tourist landmarks in the City of Lights. Her stops included the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, as well as fun shots in the city's Metro subway system.

From Paris, the camera follows Carly to New York, where the Statue of Liberty and Times Square are featured, and another fun shots in NYC's subway stations.



The video made a quick transition from New York to Tokyo featuring Carly having fun at Hachiko Square, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. There are also clips showing the singer in various night life locations in the Japanese capital.

Travel with Carly in three cities via the music video below:

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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.

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Aguinaldo Shrine Comes to Life with Video Mapping Show

 

The Department of Tourism uploaded a video of The Aguinaldo Shrine when it came to life on the eve of the Philippine Independence Day. The historical 18th century mansion of the first Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo illuminated with a vibrant light show that night through a “projection mapping,” similar to the 3D mapping on the facade of The Venetian in Macau.

The 20-minute light show featured historical events in Philippine history and popular tourist destinations in the country. The video mapping show ran 3 times nightly from June 11 to 15, 2015 and there are clamors to do this every weekend to invite more tourists to visit the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.

 

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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."

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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]

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Hotel Review: Nara Hotel in Nara, Japan

Classic and elegant--these are the two words that best describe Nara Hotel in Nara Japan. This 106-year-old hotel has been my home in Japan for 4 days and 3 nights.

Nara Hotel was founded in 1909 to serve as a “state guest house” in the southern-central region in Japan that is located on a hill in the postcard pretty Nara Park. To date, this hotel has accommodated a number of famous personalities like Albert Einstein (1922), Charlie Chaplin (1936), Richard Nixon (1951), Audrey Hepburn (1983), Marlon Brando (1956), Glenn Ford (1956) and our very own Jose P. Laurel (1945) who has a statue located in the Sakura tearoom.

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Everland Resort in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Although daytime temperature in Seoul for the month of January ranges from -3 to 6, it really did not snow during my 1 week stay in the city. Or perhaps it did (while I’m sleeping) at dawn around 4:00am when temperature is at its lowest -9 degrees. So we decided to travel to Everland Resort at Gyeonggi-do province south of Seoul where the upper hills of the theme park are covered with snow.

From Euljio 3(sam)ga station where our hotel is located, we rode the subway train and transferred to 4 subway lines to reach the Ever Line in Yongin. It has a petite train similar to the Hong Kong Disneyland train that connects the MTR to the theme park, only the Ever Line has a longer route with 15 stops.

From the train, you can see that parts of the river are frozen despite the sunny weather.

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Hotel Review: Bijuu Residence in Kyoto Japan

We travel to discover new things and to gain new perspective. And most of the time, our adventures are about stepping our feet to popular landmarks or tourist spots and setting our eyes to something beautiful and mesmerizing. We perceive hotels as just a place to sleep.

Last month when I went to Kyoto, Japan, I was fortunate to be accommodated by the beautiful Bijuu Residence, and it changed the way I think about hotels. It’s one of those rare moments that a hotel has been part of the destination experience because of its uniqueness.

Bijuu Residence, first and foremost, has a powerful location because its located in Shijo area, the shopping and nightlife capital of Kyoto. It’s only a minute away from Kawaramachi subway station of the Hankyu Kyoto Line making it accessible to tourists coming from Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Tokyo and other cities connected by Shinkansen (high-speed trains). It’s only a 10-minute walk away from the Yasaka Shrine and the Gion area while the Kiyomizu Shrine is a 20-minute walk.

Bijuu offers only 2 rooms, 301 de luxe at the third floor which offers a mesmerizing view of cherry blossoms (in Spring) and the manmade river below; and 501 suite which occupies the whole of 5th floor and offers a panoramic view of the Higashiyama mountains and the Kamo river. Both suites, all floors actually, offer free wifi connection for the whole duration of your stay.

The 301 de luxe boasts of a very spacious living room with a huge plasma TV equipped with a satellite TV and CD/DVD player. It has a Japanese-style center table made of wood, a wood sofa, stone flooring, some lamps, a large vase with a plant, blackout curtains, etc.

On the other side of the wooden divider is the bedroom. It has two double-sized beds. The divider, by the way, has the music and light switches, some outlets and reading lamps.

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Osaka: Japan’s Food Capital

Do you want to visit Japan but feels like Tokyo is so overrated? Why not come and visit Osaka?

Discover this unique destination where Japan’s conservative culture perfectly meets its modern and urban lifestyle. If you want to explore a place filled with good food, booming night life, ancient and modern architecture, historical landmarks and friendly people, Osaka is the right place for you! Tokyo may be Japan’s capital, but Osaka remains to be its best place to eat, drink and party.

Osaka is located at the South coast of the Western part of the Japanese island of Honshu. It is Japan’s second largest city and primary economic center. The place is known as a food lover’s paradise and has been dubbed as the “Nation’s Kitchen” since the Tokugawa period up to the present.

However, it’s not just the okonomiyaki and takoyaki which draw millions of tourists to Osaka annually (though those yummy dishes are partly responsible for it); different sites and attractions also lure a lot of people to come and discover Osaka.

Here are the top 10 things to do when you’re in Osaka:

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Cebu Pacific Marks 100M Trips, 100M Stories, 100M Juans

Cebu Pacific Air marks 100M Trips, 100M Stories, 100M Juans

Cebu Pacific Air recently flew its 100 millionth passenger, Yelen Bontuyan, from Cebu to Manila, marking a major milestone in its 18-year airline history. As CEB’s 100 millionth guest, Yelen received PHP100,000 as well as 100 tickets to any domestic or international destination, during a special inflight announcement that took the place of the airline’s trademark Fun Games. The airline celebrated the milestone with the rest of the passengers on her flight, with each being given free round trip tickets to the domestic destination of their choice.

A warm reception greeted Yelen upon arriving in Manila. Cebu Pacific employees, some of whom have been with the airline since its inception, welcomed Yelen, the passenger who will now be forever part of the airline’s history. Manila-based Yelen shared, “I’ve been going back and forth to Cebu, where many of my relatives are based, since I was very young. For the past 16 years, I fly Cebu Pacific because their airfare is much more affordable than other airlines. With my ticket prize, I really want to visit more places in the Philippines, and visit my relatives more often. Being the 100 millionth passenger is my most memorable travel experience. This is really a blessing for me. It’s a great way to start the year,” she added.

100M Trips, 100M Stories, 100M Juans

Late last year, as Cebu Pacific got ready to reach its 100 millionth milestone, Cebu Pacific provided tickets to 13 Facebook friends, who nominated their loved ones they believed deserving of free flights. Their stories, ranging from a close sibling bond to a mother’s dream destination, were also featured on the Cebu Pacific Air Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CebuPacificAir).

The airline also continues to share the different stories of the people one meets while traveling, via the Juan of a Kind Stories Facebook page (www.facebook.com/JuanOfAKindStories). From the heartwarming to the humorous, each anecdote captures the similarities and differences of our cultures.

CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog related, “We started operations in 1996, at a time when air travel was expensive. It will always be a privilege for us to link islands and countries together, contribute to nation-building, and play a role in our passengers’ life stories." Cebu Pacific has grown into the Philippines’ largest airline with approximately 90 domestic and international routes, taking more people to farther shores and providing affordable air travel. It now operates the most extensive network within the Philippines, as well as between the Philippines to 28 international destinations, including Australia (Sydney), Brunei, Japan (Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Dammam, Riyadh), and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai). For more information, visitwww.cebupacificair.com.

[Cebu Pacific Air Press Release]

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Filipino Talents Star in Music Video for Hong Kong Disneyland Campaign

“Tayo’y managinip kasama ang mga bituin, at ang lihim mong ginto ay ating tuklasin…,” Hong Kong Disneyland Resort recently announced the release of a new song tailor-made for the Philippine market, titled “Find Your Light.”

It is a song produced by an all-Filipino cast - written by the park’s very own Music Director, Rony Fortich, with vocals performed by Raki Vega and choreography created by Park Choreographer Jaime Del Prado. The music video was proudly produced to highlight the park’s many talented Filipino cast members and aims to inspire Filipino guests to share both the joy and “Pinoy pride” at Hong Kong Disneyland. Guests are able to unleash their energy and passion to create a moment that is uniquely theirs at Hong Kong Disneyland. 

“World-class, state-of-the-art entertainment shows and performances are at the heart of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort experience. We treasure Filipino talent and their passion of music and have been recruiting cast members from the Philippines even before we opened the Park ten years ago,” said David Lightbody, Director, Entertainment & Costuming, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. “After the completion of the park’s expansion with the launch of the three latest themed lands and the newly launched nighttime spectacular ‘Disney Paint the Night,’ we have seen the number of our Filipino cast members increase every year. With a diverse range of cast members from over 30 different nationalities, Filipino cast members currently hold major roles in a range of shows, both behind the scenes and on stage. The quality and energy of their performances has played an instrumental role in touching people’s heart and providing guests with the fondest memories of their Disney experience.”

Pinoy Pride in Bringing Magic to Guests

As an all-Filipino cast production, the “Find Your Light” music video features Filipino and English lyrics and sees the very best talent at the park shine and showcase their love for Disney. “Many Filipinos grow up surrounded by music and Disney stories, so I am very proud to show my Disney side here and be part of that story together with many of our Filipino talent,” said Rony Fortich, Musical Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the composer of “Find Your Light.” “Since I joined the park when it opened in 2005, the unique story-telling and musical environment here has inspired me to find new, wonderful ways to tell stories through music. It is very fulfilling to see the smiles on our guests’ faces.”

Vocalist, Raki Vega, shared her passion for performing in the park in her leading role as the host of the Broadway-style musical, “The Golden Mickeys.” “It’s a dream come true for me to perform on a Disney stage, and I have been blessed with the opportunity to try a range of different roles since I joined the park. I am thrilled to be the lead vocal on “Find Your Light,” as I feel it represents everything that is magical about Disney. It enables me to invite my Filipino friends to ‘take my hand’ so that they can share my joy at Hong Kong Disneyland,” Raki said.


A Unique Musical Journey at Hong Kong Disneyland

All Filipino guests can embark on their own musical journey at Hong Kong Disneyland. The music begins right from the very moment they enter, with amazing tunes by the Hong Kong Disneyland Band, and the various atmospheric shows in the different themed lands. Guests can also experience the magic of the Broadway-style musicals, “The Golden Mickeys” and the “Festival of the Lion King”, and immerse themselves in the colorful Flights of Fantasy Parade.

But the joy does not end there, guests can go on an adventure exploring the three newly launched themed lands including the Asia-exclusive Toy Story Land, one-of-a-kind Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point and try out the Filipino guests’ top three favorite attractions of last year including the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, Space Mountain and Mystic Manor. Don’t forget to look out for Mickey and friends as well as the Disney Princesses, including the latest additions to the park, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna from Frozen. 

The All-New “Disney Paint the Night” Spectacular

Guests visiting Hong Kong Disneyland at night will see the park in a whole new light. The brand-new “Disney Paint the Night” is a never-before-seen light show which transports guests into an unimagined world of luminous and interactive fun. Combining the latest LED lighting technology, colorful costumes, magical storytelling, delightful music and dynamic dances, it features seven original floats, including Tinker Bell, Monsters, Inc., Cars, The Little Mermaid, Belle, Toy Story, and Mickey & Friends. With more than 740,000 LED lights, the floats bring classic Disney and Disney•Pixar stories to life with an interactive touch while illuminating the entire parade route every night. During the parade’s two show stop moments, guests can become a part of the parade by using the specially designed merchandises such as the Made with Magic Paint Brush, Mickey Glow Mitt and Minnie Glow Bow to interact with the floats.


“Show Your Disney Side” Exclusive Offer for Filipino Guests

With the newly launched “Disney Paint the Night” parade and more than 100 rides and attractions spread across seven themed lands, it is easy to pack two days’ worth of fun in for our Filipino guests. From now until June 30, 2015, the park has an exclusive “Show Your Disney Side” offer for Filipino guests which includes a one-day or two-day ticket, one complimentary personalized name tag, and a main course with soft drink at designated restaurants etc., all at the special price of HKD 499 (approx. PHP 2,850) / HKD 680 (approx. PHP 3,880). 

[Hong Kong Disneyland Press Release]

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Drew Arellano Travels Siargao, Bukidnon, Palawan and Hokkaido in Month-Long Anniversary Special of 'Biyahe ni Drew'

This March, Biyahe ni Drew dares all biyaheros to leave their comfort zone, review their travel bucket lists and TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT! Professional traveller and most recent DOT’s Tourism Star awardee Drew Arellano goes to four scenic and memorable locations to celebrate Biyahe ni Drew’s 2nd anniversary.

March 6: Siargao

To kick off this month-long anniversary celebration, Drew goes surfs up on the famous Cloud 9 of Siargao. Here, he discovers that the famous surfing destination has a lot more to offer than barrelling waves. It also features unique rock formations where daredevils can cliff dive. In Magpupungko Beach, there are natural pools where one can leisurely swim. There are also dune buggy and crocodile hunting tours for those looking for an extra rush of adrenaline.

March 13: Bukidnon

Drew tries cowboy livin’ among the cattle herders of Bukidnon as he heads to Northern Mindanao for a taste of something different. Here, Drew finds out that there’s a lot more to raising cattle than meets the eye. Aside from visiting famous landmarks in Bukidnon, the self-confessed caffeine lover also discovers the secrets to creating the full-bodied flavour of the famous Monk’s Blend coffee.

March 20: Livin’ Large in Palawan

As dream destinations go, the private islands in Palawan probably top many travellers’ bucket lists. This year, Drew gets to experience the “good life” as he lives it up in secluded, exclusive hideaways in Palawan for Biyahe ni Drew’s special feature. This is the kind of trip that one would do in a heartbeat if money was no object. Travelling via private sea plane, island hopping via private yacht, having a staff of 30 at your beck and call and “owning” an island for a few days... certainly a trip of a lifetime.

March 27: Hokkaido, Japan

Drew escapes the Philippines’ summer heat by cooling off in Hokkaido, Japan for a “winter wonderland” special. For the first time in Biyahe ni Drew, Drew goes to Niseko, the most famous ski resort in Japan, known for its light powder snow where he tests his skiing/snowboarding skills.

Biyahe ni Drew’s 2nd anniversary specials will air from March 6 to 28, 8pm on GMA News TV!

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Flying AirAsia from Manila to Shanghai

I've been to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan but never in mainland China. This year, AirAsia Zest ticked one item off my bucket list and flew me to Shanghai, the largest Chinese city by population and the largest city proper in the world.

 

I heard so many good things about Shanghai and why this Chinese city is drawing more and more tourists from around the world. So when I learned that AirAsia Zest is bringing me to Shanghai, I was stoked! So I applied right away for a tourist VISA to China at the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines which is located at the 2nd Floor of the World Center, 330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, in Makati.

   

So if you plan to go to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai or any city in mainland China, CLICK HERE to know the steps in acquiring a Chinese tourist VISA.

Since I applied for single entry, I paid P1,400 processing fee and after 3 working days, I claimed my VISA! If you opt for multiple entry in case you plan to explore other cities like Beijing or Guangzhou, the charge is P2,800 and it's valid for 6 months. The scheduled departure of my flight to Shanghai was 8:15pm of September 23 so as early as 6:00pm, I arrived at NAIA Terminal 4, formerly known as Manila Domestic Passenger Terminal. Aside from Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and all domestic flights of AirAsia Zest are located here (Terminal 4) while flights to/from Kota Kinabalu, Macau and Seoul (Incheon) are now being served at NAIA Terminal 3 since September 15, 2014.

  

 First thing I did at the airport was to pay for the P1,620.00 travel tax. Here are the current Travel Tax Rates:

  

 The next step I did was to check-in my luggage. As you can see below there are two lines. The one on the left is for those who were able to check-in via mobile and website while the one on the right is the usual counter check-in.

   

 Of course, the line on the left is way faster so I suggest you download the AirAsia app on your mobile or visit www.airasia.com for web check-in. Just enter your booking number, last name, mobile number for barcode delivery and you're done!


As for me, I downloaded the AirAsia app that's why I was able to secure a window seat. Aside from being able to check-in, you can also manage your booking, search for lowest fares, find great hotel deals, know your flight status, ask customer care, and read some travel guides via this cool mobile app. After checking in my luggage, it's time to pay for the terminal fee:

   

 Then I proceed to the immigration to have my passport stamped.

   

 At around 7:45pm, it's boarding time! A shuttle bus took all the passengers to the plane.

 

 

 It only took around 15 minutes for all the passengers to board inside the plane and find their seats with the help of the friendly flight attendants.

   

 The female flight attendants are wearing the chick red uniform while the male flight attendants are wearing black.

  

 After all the passengers are seated (i have all the lane of three seats to myself by the way), the female flight attendants started the pre-flight safety demonstration.

  

 The aircraft took off at around 8:20pm. After the seatbelt sign was turned off, flight attendants started to distribute inflight food and beverage.

For my dinner, I chose Uncle Chin's Chicken Rice with strawberry yogurt for dessert. A certified bestseller, the meal is dubbed as an Asian favorite. The fluppy seasoned rice served with roast chicken accompanied by Uncle Chin's special secret chilli, ginger and garlic sauce was delectable!

    

 Aside from Uncle Chin's Chicken Rice, other available inflight meals include the Nasi Goreng, Nasi Kuning Manado, Roast Chicken with Blackpepper Sauce, Chicken Mayo Apple Sandwich, and more!

   

Here's a tip: When you prebook your meals online prior to your flight, you'll get priority service, more choices and 20% discount! At around 10:30pm, we arrived at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai. Thanks Mr. Pilot for the smooth flight. We are actually 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Two flight attendants greeted us good night as we alight the plane.

 

I breezed through immigration, claimed my luggage and rode a taxi outside the airport going to The Bund Riverside Hotel, my home in Shanghai for 5 days. And since my hotel is located at the Bund, here's my very first snap of Shanghai's skyline:

   

As for my next update, I will blog about my adventures in Shanghai! AirAsia Zest, by the way, flies daily from Manila to Shanghai. For bookings and other details, visit visit www.airasia.com. And to get updated with the lowest fares to Shanghai and other AirAsia Zest's international destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Macau and Seoul (Incheon), like their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines.

Cross-published in Starmometer.com

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AiinsWorld - Bucheon, Korea

Did you know that when you're in Korea, you can travel around the world in 60 minutes?!

Apparently, there is a theme park in Korea featuring miniatures of popular landmarks around the world perfect for picture taking and taking selfies. When I say miniatures, by the way, I don't mean 'small' because the replicas are quite big, approximately 20 to 30% from the original landmark. Like for example this replica of France's Eiffel Tower:

The theme park is called "AiinsWorld" and it's actually one of the highlights of my trip to Korea earlier this month! It's located at 529-2 Sang-dong, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. It's a little outside of Seoul but you can easily go there by taking the Seoul Subway Line 7 and alight at Samsan Stadium Station, Exit 5. Just follow the sign boards and take a 10-minute walk before you reach the park.

I arrived there around 1:00pm in the afternoon and the ticket price is 8,000 won. Since I have a discount coupon from a tourist brochure that I got from Incheon International airport, my entrance fee was only 6,800 won (i saved 1,200 won!). Travel Tip: When in Seoul, find those red brochures at the airport, they got plenty of discount coupons for tourists.

By the way, if you opt to go to AiinsWorld at night, the entrance fee is 12,000 won starting at 5:30pm. It's a little more expensive than the daytime tickets, I guess because of the led lights that illuminate the whole place at night time.

Here are the park's operating hours:

April - October: Weekdays 10:00 - 21:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00 - 22:00
November - March : Weekdays 10:00 - 20:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00 - 21:00

Last admission is 1 hour before closing time.

Check out my snaps:    

Paris Opera House

Fontainbleau

Cathedral of Chartres

Cathedral of Notre Dame (France)

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy)

Colosseum (Italy)

Basilica de San Pietro

Petra

Chichen Itza

Sydney Opera House (Australia)

Statue of Liberty (USA)

9 Story Wooden Pagoda at Hwangyongsa (Korea)

The Petronas Towers and the World Trade Center

(Malaysia and USA)

Manhattan (USA) 

The Golden Gate Bridge (USA)

Lincoln Memorial (USA)

Diel el-Bahri Temple of Hastshepsut

Kumamoto Castle (Japan)

St. Basil's Cathedral (Russia)

For more details about AiinsWorld, visit their website at www.aiinsworld.com.

AirAsia flies daily from Manila to Seoul Korea (Incheon). Get the lowest fares now at www.airasia.com!

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