Mabuhay! Welcome to Manila ~ Is it really more fun?

Mabuhay! 

This is the customary greetings you will hear and encounter at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as soon as you set foot on the Philippine soil.  It is the Tagalog translation for 'Welcome'.

Local passenger jeepney plying in the city of Pasay

I welcome you to Manila, the Philippines.  

If you know where to go and you know what to explore, it will definitely be a memorable adventure for you. Now, if you are ready to reach the heights, swim in the beautiful beaches, explore the sights, and tour the busy streets, then, come and discover what this Philippine city has to offer.

It's a Boy ~ Her Royal Highness and her child are doing well

Yes, it's a boy! 

Millions of people around the world are waiting for this moment. The Royal baby boy was born today at 4:24 p.m.  Catherine and William, the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge, welcomed their first child who will be called His Royal Highness Prince ..... (name to be announced in due course). The child will be third in line to the throne.

Trafalgar Fountain in London ENGLAND ~ Courtesy of Reuters

Catherine was brought early morning to the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital which is next to Paddington Station in London.  It is the same hospital where Princes William and Harry were born.

The world is celebrating for the arrival of the Royal child.  People all over the world gathered outside Buckingham Palace and crowds of well wishers cheer at London's St. Mary Hospital. Celebrities reacted and have sent their best wishes to the couple. It's a feeling of excitement for this great part of the history.

HONEST ED's ~ A Toronto Landmark No More!

If you have travelled to Canada, you must have crossed the street leading to Honest Ed's, an iconic discount outlet in the intersection of Bloor & Bathurst Sts. in the city of Toronto. A landmark for tourists and a great entertainment and shopping experience combined.

The "one location only" shopping centre is located in the culturally diverse, safe and vibrant neighbourhood. The area around Honest Ed's store is called Mirvish Village, a unique shopping area featuring boutiques, book stores, artists studios, antique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Going up the stairs to the second floor, one can see autographed pictures of show business personalities and theatrical productions. This reveal the link between Ed Mirvish as a theatre producer, and Honest Ed as a retailer.

Honest Ed's days are numbered.  I am not a big fan of this huge retail store maybe because I am, most of the time, lost trying to find its exit.  But if only I buy something and head to the cashier to pay, then it will lead me to my way out because there is a tiny exit beside the counters.

Reviews: Hotel Domus Mariae Palazzo Carpegna in Rome, Italy

The Garden: Courtesy of  Hotel Domus Mariae Palazzo Carpegna

Updated: January 31, 2017 - Hotel Domus Mariae Palazzo Carpegna in Rome has been renovated and changed to a new name, The Church Palace. Please click the link below for an updated information.

Hotel Domus Mariae Palazzo Carpegna is a 4-star hotel in Rome, Italy set in a beautiful Renaissance-inspired mansion, overlooking the enchanting gardens of the Villa Carpegna park. It is an ideal spot for privacy and relaxation. The historical building is just a few minutes from St. Peter Basilica and the Vatican City. 

To tour the major attractions, take a train from Cornelia Subway Train Station (Linea A) which is around 300 metres walk from the hotel and 3 kilometres from the city centre and the main shopping streets.

Travel Warning: Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Is it safe to head out to Egypt for a holiday? The answer to this question is a big NO. One of the reasons is the spread of Covid19. So, if you have made a plan or thinking of booking a trip to this country, you better think again. Read on for a piece of more accurate information.

  

Egypt's ongoing political protests and social unrest is all over the place and are likely to worsen due to the intervention of the Egyptian military to put an interim, technocratic administration to run the country temporarily.

Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada advise that due to unpredictable security situation and continued demonstrations, Canadians should avoid a trip to Egypt especially to the Sinai Peninsula, Port Said, Suez, Ismailia, Mahalla and Cairo which is the centre of anti-government protests.