Kidapawan City, Philippines

Explore Kidapawan City, Philippines, Southeast Asia

By:  Virgie Cadiente.

About The City:
Kidapawan City is located in the island of Mindanao, Province of Cotabato, Philippines. It is nestled at
the foot of the splendid Mt. Apo, the highest  mountain in the country.  The city’s name originated from Manobo (the city’s early settlers) words “Tida” which denotes spring and “Pawan” which denotes highland.  It is originally called Tidapawan  but the arrival of Christian settlers from different parts of the country has caused the transformation of the word Tidapawan to Kidapawan.  The city is also a home for several kinds of exotic fruits like durian, rambutan, mangosteen, lanzones, marang and banana,  thus obtaining the title  “The City of Fruits and Highland Springs”.  Fortunately, the city is deified with a propitious climate being positioned outside the typhoon belt.  Having a wet and dry season, December and January are the coolest months with April and May as the sultriest months are.

How To Reach Kidapawan
Kidapawan  City can be reached by air, sea and land transportation.  For air transportation, you can visit the following airlines:
1. Cebu Pacific Airlines
2. PAL Express
3. Philippine Airlines
Route (international tourists): Country of Origin to Manila
            Manila to Davao City
            Davao City to Kidapawan City – by bus, van or taxi only ( 2 hours)
If you want to take a bus, go to  Ecoland Terminal but if you want to

Singapore, Republic of Singapore

Singapore, Pearl of Asia

By Siny Sebastian

Enter the realm of the Lion city and you are sure to be enthralled by the beautiful sights that this wonderful and vibrant country is proud to show the world. The enchanted metropolitan island city with its diversified cultures, cuisines and vivacious night life has been able to charm and allure multitudes of modern globetrotter to its shore.
One of the most remarkable features of this island country is that it has been able to constitute 50 % of its area with greenery along with modern sky touching scrapers and subways. In spite of being one of the most densely populated countries, it still has 50 major parks and 4 national reserves within the small area and for this reason it is called the Garden City.
A look back into the history tells how the country got its name from the Malay word “Singapura”. According to the legend, Sang Nila Utama, a Srivijayan prince, landed on the island and, catching sight of a strange creature that he thought was a lion, decided to found a new city and thus “Singapura” or the “Lion City” was born.
Tourism is a major industry in Singapore and therefore we readily accept and seize any new and future oriented trends in leisure and entertainments. As a result of which, tourists consider Singapore as a place which is always full of fresh and new surprises and as a place worthy of repeat visits.
The diversity that the country offers in terms of religion, language, cultures are unparalleled when compared to its size. Tourists are able to communicate easily with the local people since English is one of the main languages along with Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Due to multiculturalism, there is no single set of culturally acceptable behavior.  People are of friendly nature and it is not uncommon to see shopkeepers and customers of multiple races engaging in animated conversations.

Singaporean food cuisine is touted as the potpourri of all cuisines. Food in particular is a steal, since
there is an extensive array of mouth - watering cuisines to satisfy every palate. The legendary hawker centers and coffee houses are open 24/7 and furthermore it is possible to relish these excellent hawker foods for under $5 for a generous serving. It is a paradise for the food lovers since they can try the local favorites like Laksa, roti prata or Chilli Crab or indulge in the international cuisines like Mexican, South East Asian, American, European and Middle Eastern cuisine in this clean city.  International fast food joints such as McDonald’s, KFC can also be seen in most of the shopping malls and is very much visible throughout the region.
Due to the excellent public transport system, it’s very much easy to move around the region. Most of the citizens travel by using bus, train and taxis. Train mode consists of both MRT and LRT. Taxis are also

Helsinki, Finland

MyCity – Helsinki, Finland

 By Denise Ruthmann

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and it is lying in the very south of the country. The city has its very own charm and is not comparable to any other north European harbour town, because it has been influenced by Russian and West European cultures. With its great location directly at the sea, rich culture, the exotic seeming Finnish language and the kindness of its people Helsinki presents itself as a welcoming and attractive city, which remains long time in a visitors memories.

Most interesting is the very center of Helsinki. Here you can find modern shopping malls as well as individual little shops, international restaurants from all over the world as well as traditional Finnish cuisine, art, culture, entertainment and much more. It has been built in the style of classicism by its famous architect was Carl Ludwig Engel.
The most famous building in Finland is located in the center as well: The white cathedral or Tuomiokirkko in Finnish.

 You can find the beautiful building printed as a motive on countless postcards and also the inside of the cathedral is worth a visit. Right in front of the Tuomiokirkko lies the popular Senat Square which is surrounded by small shops and cafés and often venue of public gatherings and markets. Close by you can find the popular Kauppatori, a marketplace directly at the harbour which offers regularly creative, fresh and delicious products for all seasons. Especially interesting in the area of the Kauppatori are the ships which can bring you to Stockholm in Sweden, Tallinn in Estonia and Suomenlinna. The latter is a beautiful Finnish island right in front of Helsinki. In former times it was used as a sea fortress. Nowadays the island is a part of  the city and also inhabited by some. Suomenlinna is a green and lovely place with breathtaking views on the sea and loved to be visited by tourists as much as by Finns.

Beside the center also the parks of the Finnish capital are worth mentioning. Most well-known is a park called Kaivopuisto. This park is one of the oldest and most beautiful parks in all over Helsinki and lies directly at Helsinkis' coast. From here you have a perfect view on the sea, ships and small islands. The meadows of the park offer a great opportunity for picnics during summer time. Especially at the 1. of May, the official Finnish Vappu holiday, a visit in Kaivopuisto is the best hint you can get. At this occasion every year half Helsinki seems to gather in this park and celebrates Vappu with a lot of fun, music, beverages and grilled food.


So don't hesitate any longer, but come to visit this, both lively and lovely, city in the far north.

Pokhara City, Nepal

Pokhara City, Nepal, Asia

by Suman Ojha

Pokhara is the most beautiful city of country Nepal. It is a valley bounded by gorgeous green hills.
Within the valley also, there are little hills which culminate the beauty of the city. Beyond the surrounding hills are the snow-white mountains that can be seen from several parts of the city and more vividly from top of the nearby hills. Pokhara is a little heaven on a small land.

Nature has blessed the city with a number of bounties. It is also called city of Lakes. There are several lakes within the valley among which
Fewa Lake and Begnas lake have been the heart of the city. In addition, there are several adventurous caves like Mahendra Cave, Bats’ Cave and Gupteshower Cave. Devi’s Fall is another interesting and should-be-visited aspect of Pokhara. This is not the end, Seti River which flows through the heart of the city is well known for the George structures it has created through the path. These are only the natural gifts of the city; besides, there are several culturally and religiously valuable assets as well. World Peace Pagoda (at the top of hill surrounding Fewa Lake), Matepani Gumpa and Bindabasini Temple are other important cultural places for tourists.
A lot of opportunities are also available for adventurous people. If one wishes to see the whole valley in a glance, s/he might go to Sarankot Hill. It’s a tall hill on the western side of Pokhara valley from where you can get a telescope to view the every detail of the city. Moreover, you can do Paragliding over the Fewa Lake and in the sky above the city to enjoy the all round beauty. If this doesn’t satisfy you, then experiencing the world's steepest, fastest and tallest Zip Line will be waiting for you to give the ultimate thrill.
If tourists happen to visit around the New Year (January 1), they become lucky to experience Street Festival at the Lake Side (area near Fewa Lake). During this festival, Lake Side glows in light for the whole night. Moreover, during the time of October and November, tourists can see people celebrating Dashain (the greatest festival of Hindus). The festival runs for 10 days and all the people throughout the country celebrate this festival regardless of their religion. People take ‘tika’ on their forehead and blessings from their elders. Relatives living far away meet together on the occasion of Dashain festival and share their happiness and sorrows. Similarly, Holi is another exciting festival that is celebrated here. In this festival, people play by throwing colored powders on each other. It is believed as a celebration of victory of divine over the devil in the ancient past.
Tourists can move from one place to another within the city in public buses. However, if they have enough money, taxis can be easily available to them. In addition, they can hire a cycle for short rides and bike for long distance tours.
Another interesting speciality of Pokhara is Rainfall. It is the city that has the highest rainfall record throughout the country. Monsoon season is the best time to visit Pokhara for rain lovers. However, it can be annoying if the days become cloudy and one doesn’t get chance to get the view of bright mountains. Also, heavy rainfall might be unfavorable if one is planning to do boating. Yet, if you are fond of rafting, this is the best time for you.

These were only a few things about Pokhara city. No absolute beauty can be described in words, since it lies in the eyes of the beholder. So, visit Pokhara city and explore its immense beauty and hidden treasures.

Cebu, Philippines

Cebu, Philippines, Welcome to Paradise

By Bernadette Salas

Cebu is a city that has a little bit of everything for everyone.

To the world, it is best known as a beautiful tropical paradise. Home to white sand beaches, for years its natural beauty has been an attraction for tourists who craved the allure of the sun and sea. In the Philippines, Cebu is best known as a historic and cultural landmark. It was where Christianity was first introduced to the country by the Spanish conquistadors 492 years ago. It is here that the epic battle between Magellan and Datu Lapu-lapu happened, which resulted in the tragic death of the former.

Cebu is also one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines. We have a thriving BPO, IT and furniture-making industry. And of course, tourism is one of our major economic drivers as well. We may be a small city but you can find all the necessary modern conveniences you’ll need here.

When coming to Cebu, enjoying the beach should be first on your list. For those wanting to relax, you can simply lounge and savor the slower pace of life. For those who are feeling more adventurous, we have excellent diving spots in Mactan Island. A small boat called a banca

can also take you to the smaller islands surrounding Mactan that can best showcase the colorful variety of sea creatures and marine life in the area. You can also do all sorts of watersports such as jet skiing and parasailing too.

In terms of accommodations, you can choose to stay at a seaside resort or you can choose to stay in the city and commute to the beach. It’s only 30-40 minutes away by jeepney or taxi. And if you’re taking the taxi, it’ll only cost just around $6 one way. There are accommodations for every budget. And you can choose to stay at a guest house, a five star resort or something in between.

Your next agenda should be the food. According to Anthony Bourdain, we have the “best pig ever” in our lechon (slow pit-roasted whole pig). And of course, we have amazing seafood. Prawns, squid, fish, shells, you name we got it. You can have it grilled, stuffed or fried. And just for kicks, try the lato (seaweed) salad. It’s delicious! Typical Cebuanos also eat a lot of pork barbecue and chicken. It’s our favorite street food.

Finally, try to visit some of the cultural sites in the city. We have the oldest basilica in the country – The Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. The Basilica houses the miraculous Santo Nino or Child Jesus. Viewing and devotion can be done daily. So for the religious, it will be an interesting pilgrimage. For the curious, the church gives an interesting glimpse of religious life in the older days.

Our love for the Santo Nino is commemorated by a yearly street festival called the Sinulog. The Sinulog has a catchy signature beat and dance. And it has the most vibrant costumes! It’s truly the best religious street festival in the country. While a competition is held for the best dance presentations, the dancing and festivity pours out to the streets until the wee hours. So if you can time your visit to January, this festival is worth the trip.

People in Cebu speak English as a second language. So asking directions or assistance won’t be a problem. And we’re a relatively happy and helpful bunch of people so expect a lot of smiles all around. Be wary, however, of overly-friendly locals who offer all sorts of deals for a fixed price. They are likely to overcharge.

See you in Cebu!

Karachi, Pakistan

Karachi – The City Of Lights


By Ansab Khan


Karachi, a city of Pakistan, East Asia, is one of greatest cities of the world. It is highly population density city having over 20 million people not only from within the country but also from other countries such, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and other adjacent countries. Karachi is capital of Sind province, and it is hub for the people of Pakistan where everyone is warmly welcomed. Usually people come from across the country to find job, as Karachi is heaven for commercial purposes, having international airport and Ports.


Its summer time, and if you are planning to take tour in Karachi, this is right time and right choice for you, as Karachi is situated near sea which makes the climate moderate in every season.
Karachi is heaven for tourist, and believe me if you heard someone saying that he has visited the entire Karachi, then he is laying. They are so many attractions for tourist such beaches, parks, museums, Historic places[list] and buildings, entertainments and many more, you can keep counting.
One interesting thing you will find in Karachi is bike and biker, this is the only thing that you can enjoy and avoid as well. how you can enjoy is biking skills of youngsters, the way they ride bike is noticeable but it is dangerous too because rush of traffic but these guys have not fear and worries about anything when they start the bike, they forget everything and enjoy their ride which causes crucial accidents on daily basis.


Besides this, the funniest part of Karachi transportation is public transport which includes Rickshaw, Ching Chi, Buses, and Mini Buses. They are highly decorated and the funny quotes, saying and one liner written on them are epic, if you know local language, you would really enjoy them. I’m quoting some for you with English translations. “Maa ki Dua, Jannat Ki Hawa”, (Mother’s Prayer, Heaven’s Air), Sharmeeli Nagin (this is really tough for me, Sharmeeli mean Shy and Nagin mean Female Snake, Shy Female Snake, and now imagine this is written on slow paced bus driving exactly before, how would be feel…) “Dekh Magar Pyar Say” (Watch But with Love) and the last but not the least, “Himmat Hay Cross Kar, Warna Bardasht Kar”, (Cross, if you have courage, otherwise tolerate.)


There are several food streets in Karachi, in North Nazimabad, Hussainabad, Burns Roads, Boat Beson, and Do Darya etc which have local and international restaurant. The most famous foods are biryani, nihari, haleem, Karhai and barbecue. You also have international cuisine such as Arab, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, South Indian, and Korean etc. there is one another thing that is Pathans’ Tea Stalls and shops on every corner, normally youngsters spend their weekend nights on tea stall having chit chat with hot tea. There are load of tea shops but one famous is Café Piyala near Gulberg, you must visit once.


Karachi is the fun and people loving city, accommodate every kind of people. You can have food with minimal or no amount. Although it is good point of attraction for tourists nevertheless tourism is reduced drastically because the unrest and uncertain situation in Karachi. General Election has been held in Pakistan, it is hoped that this will be effective positively the situation overall.

#Famous Places in Karachi
Beaches Seaview, Manora Island, Sandspit Beach, Hawke's Bay Beach, Paradise Point, French Beach, Cape Monze, Nathiagali Beach

Museums National Museum of Pakistan, Pakistan Air Force Museum, Pakistan Maritime Museum.

Parks Bagh Ibne Qasim, Boat Basin Park, Mazar-e-Quaid, Karachi Zoo, Hill Park, Safari Park, Bagh-e-Jinnah, PAF Museum Park, Maritime Museum Park
Historic places and buildings Chowkandi graveyard, Mewa Shah Graveyard (One of the Largest Graveyards of Pakistan), Karachi Port Trust, Sindh High Court. Hindu Gymkhana, KMC Head Office, Ghulam Husain Khalikdina Hall, Frere Hall, Empress Market, Jehangir Kothari Parade, St Patrick's Church, Mohatta Palace and Karachi Cantonment Railway Station buildings
Entertainment Arena, Atrium Malls and Cinema, Capri Cinema
Water Parks, Amusement Parks, Shopping Malls,
Clubs.