Bulgaria blends history and luxury

AFTER decades in isolation under

communist rule, Bulgaria opened its

doors in 1989, revealing the unique

heritage that has been preserved through centuries.

Situated in the Balkan region, bordered by Greece, Turkey,

Romania, Yugoslavia and Macedonia, Bulgaria's amazing blend

of Euro-Asia cultures and religions beckons those seeking the

exotic and the classic.

The capital city of Sofia basks in the confluence of the world's

greatest civilizations.

Present-day Sofia emerged

largely from the 13th-century

Sofia and virtually stands on

a treasure trove of

archaeology.

The ancient city's council

lies beneath the Sheraton

hotel, a number of basilicas

nestle below the National

Historical Museum, and Roman thermal baths are buried under

the Sofia Mineral Baths.

A series of occupations--from the Thracians in 7th century B.C.

to the Romans, Huns, Byzantines, Slavs and finally the Turks in

1382--left their imprints on the city streets, complementing

modern life.

Christian faith

At the heart of Bulgaria's soul is its Orthodox Christian faith.

Churches are not only places for worship but also living

bastions of diverse religions.

St. Sofia Church, from which the capital is named, stands as a

testament to the history of the nation. Built by the Byzantine

emperor between 527 and 565, it was transformed by the Turks

into a mosque in the 14th century. Although one of the

mosque's minarets was destroyed by earthquakes in the 19th

century, recent restorations brought back evidence of the

dynamic religious fusion on the church's edifice.

At present, it is a cross basilica with three altars.

The most famous of all the Orthodox churches is the Alexander

Nevsky Cathedral. The church's gold dome stands out in Sofia's

skyline as the finest piece of architecture in the Balkans.

A must-see for visitors, the church has magnificent decorations

of Italian marble, Egyptian alabaster, Brazilian onyx,

stained-glass windows and 300 mural paintings. Built in 1882 in

honor of the Russian Tsar Alexander II who liberated Bulgaria

from the Turks, it reflects the neo-Byzantine style of architecture

fashionable in 19th-century Russia.

It took 30 years for craftsmen and artists from six countries to

finish this lavish cathedral. A crypt museum was added in 1965,

containing ancient icons from the 9th century and showcasing

the creativity of the Bulgarian school of iconography.

Monastery

Sofia also invites you to experience life in a 14th-century

monastery founded by Tsar Ivan Alexander.

During the Turkish rule, the Dragalevtsi monastery was the

center of Bulgarian education and culture. An interesting

attraction is its 15th-century murals. Its church, which is part of

the original monastery, often served as refuge to the national

hero Vasil Levski who fought the Turks.

Bulgaria's countryside remains largely unspoiled. Skiing in

winter is popular, while summer is perfect for lazy picnics in lush

meadows.

And history and luxury can mix very well in Bulgaria, a country

with a population of around eight million. A stay at the scenic

resorts and historic towns on the coast of the Black Sea is a

splendid way to take it easy.

Hotel Lilia is one such resort on the Black Sea shore, boasting

an environment in tune with the world's ecological standards. It

comes complete with all the enchanting amenities, and its

famous ''hot grog'' cuisine is simply mouth-watering.

Septembers

I made my first trip to Eastern Europe and to Bulgaria in

September 1997.

As a representative of Daila Herbal Community Enterprise and

Osaka Health Company, I participated in the 5th East-West Euro

Intellect World Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations held at

the National Palace of Culture in Sofia.

The six-day event was indeed educational, what with the

opportunity of meeting people from Belarus, Russia,

Yugoslavia, Germany, the African states, the United States and

many others.

I conquered the hearts of the Bulgarians with our exotic herbal

soaps and teas and health tonics, and reaped gold-medal

awards. My main objective was simply to establish commercial

relations and build up exports.

In September 1998 I again traveled to Sofia, to participate in the

the 6th World Exhibition. I again brought the natural and herbal

products that the Bulgarians love, and hoped to meet serious

buyers, distributors or importers. I did meet up with potential

buyers, and had the chance to respond to a number of inquiries.

But my time was limited, and our communication had to be done

through e-mail.

But last Sept. 18, Zenaida Bisnar Uy, Aleli V. Pansacola, and I

vowed to conquer Bulgaria.

Our flight included an overnight stay at Sky Baiyoke in

Bangkok, where we got the visas and booked our flight to Sofia

via Balkan Air, Bulgaria's national carrier.

We were first billeted at the prestigious Krankov Castle Hotel,

($320 a night for a suite), which offers marvelous breakfasts.

We met Dr. Petar Sabev, president of Metronom, through the

kind effort of Bulgarian Ambassador Petar Sabevof. Our meeting

with the Metronom people was indeed fruitful.

Two days before our departure, we signed an agreement with

Metronom and formed the Philippine-Bulgarian Friendship and

Trade Council over dinner.

Part of the agreement is to promote Bulgaria in the Philippines

through a proposed package tour in that country in April. We

are also planning to hold the Bulgarian Trade Show in the

Philippines in October, featuring Bulgarian food, wines and

spirits, health and technology, paintings and antique icons.

Bulgaria's famous red wine, Medrub, won first prize at the

international wine competition in the United States last year.

The country is also well known for its yogurt--the reason why

Bulgarians live beyond 90 years and produce superb wrestlers,

gymnasts and body builders.

And when it comes to essential rose oil, Bulgaria is known to

produce the world's best because of special techniques in

harvesting. Current prices range from $5,000 to $3,600 a

kilo--even more expensive than gold!