In the quiet, green area of Coloane, the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion offers visitors a simple and peaceful place to see animals up close. Located within Seac Pai Van Park, the pavilion is part of a larger nature park that houses various animal species, including gibbons, flamingos, monkeys, and, of course, the famous giant pandas.
Ruins of St. Paul’s in Macau
One of Macau’s most iconic landmarks, the Ruins of St. Paul’s, stands as a symbol of the city’s rich blend of Portuguese and Chinese heritage. Located at the top of a small hill near Senado Square, the stone façade of the former 17th-century church is one of the most visited and photographed sites in Macau, often regarded as the face of the city.
Tai O Fishing Village
Tai O is one of the few remaining traditional fishing villages in the region. It’s famous for its stilt houses—simple wooden homes built over the water, where generations of Tanka fisherfolk have lived.
Po Lin Monastery
The architecture of Po Lin Monastery is beautifully traditional—bright red pillars, golden Buddhist motifs, intricately painted eaves, and detailed woodwork. Inside the compound lies the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas—often referred to as the Hall of Thousand Buddhas. Completed in 2014, this sacred space showcases nearly 12,800 individual golden Buddhas, each positioned in niches along the walls, none exactly alike, creating a vast tapestry of Buddhist devotion.
Tian Tan Buddha
One of the most iconic landmarks in Hong Kong is the Tian Tan Buddha, or simply, the Big Buddha, perched high on Ngong Ping Plateau on Lantau Island. Standing at 34 meters tall, this massive bronze statue is visible from miles away, its calm and serene presence overlooking the lush mountains and sea.
Hong Kong Museum of History
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Hong Kong Museum of History has long been a key destination for learning about the city’s unique past. For years, its signature exhibition, The Hong Kong Story, offered visitors a detailed walkthrough of Hong Kong’s transformation from a fishing village to an international city. Immersive displays, such as a life-size fishing boat and a recreated 19th-century street, made it one of the most popular cultural attractions in Hong Kong. However, in recent years, the museum has been shifting its focus, emphasizing Hong Kong’s role within the larger context of Chinese history and heritage.
Victoria Peak
Towering over the city’s skyline, Victoria Peak, or most commonly called The Peak, offers the best panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, Kowloon, and even the distant green hills of the New Territories. It’s the classic postcard shot—but experiencing it in person is something else entirely.
Revisiting Hong Kong Disneyland on its 20th Anniversary
Hong Kong Disneyland first opened its gates on September 12, 2005, on Lantau Island as part of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Two decades later, the park has grown in both size and magic, and I had the chance to revisit just in time for its 20th anniversary celebration. My first visit was a long time ago, so this return felt like both a nostalgic trip and a fresh experience.
Kidlat Tahimik’s Oh My Gulay
Hidden atop the old La Azotea Building on Session Road, Oh My Gulay is not your typical restaurant. Owned by National Artist Kidlat Tahimik (Eric de Guia), it merges art, nature, and vegetarian cuisine into a unified experience.
Laoag Cathedral
The story of St. William’s Cathedral, more commonly known as Laoag Cathedral, began in 1580 when the Augustinian missionaries established a parish in Laoag. The original structure was made of wood and thatch, typical of early mission churches. As the town grew, a more permanent church was planned. The stone foundations of the current structure were laid in 1612, marking the start of what would become a central feature of the city for centuries.
Sta. Monica Church of Sarrat
In the town of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, the Sta. Monica Church stands as one of the most notable landmarks in the province. Known as the largest church in Ilocos Norte, it is especially recognized for the remarkable length of its nave. Built of red bricks in a mix of Earthquake Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, the church complex also includes a convent, a belfry, and a unique brick bridge staircase called the curillo, which connects the church and convent.
Who is Gregorio Aglipay?
Gregorio Aglipay was born in 1860 in Batac, and it is here where his journey began, ultimately leading to the establishment of a national church that would challenge colonial religious dominance. Originally a Roman Catholic priest, Aglipay became known not only for his religious calling but also for his nationalist ideals. He was appointed by Emilio Aguinaldo as Military Vicar General during the Philippine Revolution, serving as a voice for Filipino clergy who had long suffered under Spanish control.
Amoj In Wanderland 