Travel Scene

Causeway Tours to Vigan

Ilocos Sur’s main attraction is

the historic Spanish city of

Vigan, whose elegant houses,

plazas, narrow cobblestone

streets, horse-drawn

“calesas,” and remarkable old

churches exude a colonial

atmosphere.

Vigan is the Philippines’ third

oldest city, after Cebu and

Manila. Unlike Intramuros, it

was never fortified. Historically

speaking, missionaries were

active in the region. It is the birthplace of Father Jose Burgos, a

mestizo whose execution along with two other priests in 1872 was a

key step on the road to revolution.

Explore the marvelous design and architecture of Vigan’s old

churches and discover a wealth of memorials in several of its plazas.

Plaza Salcedo, separating the capitol and the cathedral, contains the

statues of Jose Rizal and President Quirino. Plaza Singson

Encarnacion adjoins the capitol. Plaza Burgos on the south side of

the cathedral contains a monument to the martyred priest. The

Leona Florentino Plaza at the corner of Plaza Burgos contains the

memorial to one of the country’s first woman playwrights and poets.

It takes 10 hours to reach Vigan from Manila – definitely the

shortest travel back in time. For inquiries, contact Causeway Tours at

8538728, 853-8652.

Qantas offers summer fun, games

Experience the excitement of Australia, abuzz with preparations for

the Olympics, through affordable travel packages courtesy of Qantas

Airways, The Australian Tourist Commission, Tourism Victoria,

Tourism New South Wales, and their selected wholesale travel

agents.

Pick a city and spend three fun days in Australia for as low as

US$769, including airfare via Qantas, three-night hotel

accommodation, daily breakfast and a choice of one bonus offer.

There is so much to experience in Melbourne with its charming

ambience and enjoyable tourist sites. Check out the thrilling

simulator rides for both young and old at the city’s newest

attractions – the Melbourne Aquarium. Sample life at the Warrock

Cattle Farm or pan for gold in Sovereign Hill. The real Von Trapp

family singers in the Sound of Music can be heard live at the

Princess Theater. World-class jazz and comedy acts can be sampled

at the Crown Entertainment Complex. Also, a visit to Melbourne is

never complete without visiting Phillip Island for the penguin parade.

In magical Sydney, host city of the 2000 Olympic Games, there is a

smorgasbord of activities to fill your days and nights. Enjoy great

family fun at Wonderland Sydney or go for the climb of your life with

Bridge Club to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Shopaholics will

certainly have their fill at the colorful weekend market of The Rocks.

Step into Fox Studios Australia and go behind the scenes for an

unforgettable movie-making experience, where you become a film

extra in the sinking Titanic. Country charm lies just a short drive

away – from the spectacular Blue Mountains to the thrilling dolphin

paradise of Port Stephens. For connoisseurs, Hunter Valley offers a

wine-tasting adventure that’s not to be missed.

This promo is valid until May 15.

Dancing onboard Star Cruises

Star Cruises has launched its latest promo, the “Dance and Cruise”

on board SuperStar Leo from May 14-18. This is a four-day,

three-night cruise to Sanya, China and Danang, Vietnam. Sanya is a

lovely seaside city located on the southern-most tip of Hainan

Island, China. It boasts of a mild tropical climate, abundant

sunshine with colorful flowers in bloom throughout the year. One can

also find some of China’s most beautiful pearls in Sanya where

pearl cultivation is an important industry.

Danang, Vietnam is formerly known as Tourane under the French

rule. An important port in Central Vietnam during the 19th century, it

was also the landing point of the Americans during the Vietnam War.

Today, Danang is the fourth largest city in Vietnam offering many

fascinating cultural and historical places of interest such as the

Cham Museum, Cao Dai Temple and Ho Chi Minh Museum.

The theme for this particular cruise date is “ballroom dancing till you

drop”. Dance to your favorite beat up to the wee hours of the

morning while Superstar Leo sets sail to the South China Sea

[ Plaza Salcedo Wiki | Plaza Burgos Wiki ]