Macau celebrates ‘World Heritage Year’

"2006 Macau World Heritage Year" launched last February, continues to unfurl exciting monthly activities to keep Macau, that former Portuguese colony, now a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China, jumping with action enough to keep it on top of the most jaded traveler’s list of tourist destinations.

July will certainly see young people crowding into Macau with the 10th International Youth Dance Festival set until July 14 and the 12th Asia Junior Athletics Championship on July 15-18.

August comes in with another burst of youthful energy as sports takes over with the 18th ITU Macau International Triathlon set for Aug. 6 and the Macau FIBV Women’s Volleyball World Grand Prix on Aug. 25-27.

The last four months of the year are busy with more of these international sporting events such as the Dragonboat Race, walking fun runs, marathons, sea cycling, the famed Macau Grand Prix and the Macau International Kart Prix. Of course, there are the much-awaited Fireworks Festival and the Music Festival which come as a prelude to the colorful Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Add to all of these is the first-hand experience of Macau’s history, culture, art and lifestyle, as one ventures into "The Historic Centre of Macau," the urban area within the old city of Macau spanning eight squares and 22 historic buildings, named a "World Heritage Site" by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2005.

Adding their own unique charm and allure are the many winding side streets of the city, full of restaurants featuring Portuguese and Macanese delicacies and shops offering bargain-priced international wares. And, should one yearn for more modern-day pleasures, there are the Las Vegas-style casinos and hotels, the newly-opened Fisherman’s Wharf entertainment complex, the ultra modern Macau Tower and Convention Center, as well as the new shopping complexes dotting the city’s landscape.

Air Macau flies from Manila to Macau Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while Tiger Airways operates daily flights out of Clark in Pampanga.