Fun Things to Do When Traveling to Asia.

Asia is becoming an increasingly popular vacation destination for travelers from all walks of life. Here are some entertaining activities to try if you are planning a trip to Asia.

The Golden City of Jaisalmer, India.

Get in Touch With Nature in India
When thinking of India, the mind immediately jumps to bustling cities and the Taj Mahal. However, the country has a plethora of other options to explore. From snow-tipped mountains to lush forests and valleys, there are endless natural destinations to tour. India also offers majestic wetlands, colorful coral reefs, lagoons, waterfalls and the Ganges River, which is over 1,500 miles long. India certainly has plenty to offer in terms of its natural beauty.

Cai Rang Floating Market, Vietnam.

Take a Tour of Vietnam
With an attractive location next to the South China Sea, Vietnam is an ideal place to travel for those looking for a rich tour of southeast Asia. Vietnam tours take the guesswork out of planning a trip to this stunning country. The tours come in a variety of locations and price points, with options for every type of traveler. Sample Vietnamese cuisine and culture in Ho Chin Minh City, or take walking tours of ancient archeological sites, such as peaceful temples and pagodas.

Camel Ride Safari Tour in Dubai.

Traverse the Urban Jungle of Dubai
If you are looking for a more metropolitan destination, the famous city of Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, provides a rich and modern cultural experience. Dubai is most well-known for its thriving nightlife, sleek, modern buildings, amazing shopping malls and pristine beaches. If you are traveling with children, there are also many kid-friendly parks and beaches, with activities especially geared towards youth. With the variety of places and sites to explore, there is plenty to do in Dubai to fill up your calendar.

Park Bo Gum in Cebu, Philippines.

Play in the Sand in the Philippines
The Philippines is famous for its vast array of beaches. The nation, made up of thousands of islands, features a huge variety of beautiful and unique coastlines, from one of the world's longest white sandbanks to a pink sand beach on Great Santa Cruz island. Many of the beaches feature amazing sea life, making them ideal for activities such as snorkeling. Consider visiting the Philippines if your ideal vacation involves splashing in crystal clear waters and lounging on warm beaches.

Asia is such a diverse continent that it is incredibly easy to find a vacation spot that you will fall in love with. Whether you are looking for an urban getaway or a secluded spot in nature, you are sure to cultivate an unforgettable travel experience.

Vacationing in Asia | What Are the Best Kept Secrets?

When it comes to the age of the internet it is easy to say that there are no longer any secrets, especially when it comes to traveling. However, this is really not the case when it comes to traveling through Asia. While you can now find five star hotels almost anywhere in the country and get pizza just about anywhere you are, there are still many great places where people who are looking to ramble can go. Here are some of the best places to go in Asia if you are looking for a fun adventure.

Cambodian sunset.
Photo credit: Jurk Turtle.

Kep, Cambodia
Kep offers one of the last slow and sleepy towns in Asia. You can enjoy the breathtaking sunsets while surrounded by old architecture. There is no hustle and bustle along these shores. This is truly a place to go if you are looking for peace and relaxation. One thing that you absolutely must do while you are there is to go to the crab market where the fishermen hawk the catch of the day from traps and tubs. You can pay to have it boiled and eat it right there.

Caves of history.
Photo credit: Travelfishery.

Vieng Xai, Laos
When visiting Laos, Vieng Xai is often overlooked as most people choose to go to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang. However, if you are looking to get a taste of the modern history of the country, Vieng Xai is the place to go. When you are visiting make sure to take a guided tour through the caves that were once used as hospitals, barracks, and bomb shelters and even the former home of the Red Prince.

Chillin' in Gili Meno.
Photo credit: Enchanting Travels.

Gili Meno, Indonesia
Of the three Gili Islands, Gili Meno is the most primitive and laid back. This island gets you close to seeing what life is like on a desert island. Electricity and fresh water are supplied by Lombok, but the amounts are finite. The real charm of this island is the horse drawn carriages and the coconut plantations. While you are there make sure that you take the time to get in the water. The snorkeling and diving are excellent.

Sabah State Mosque.

Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
One of the main reasons to visit Sabah, Malaysian Borneo is because it is a total mixed bag. No two people will ever have the same experience when they visit this area. From great and grueling mountain hikes to fantastic deep sea diving, you are going to be in awe of all of the wildlife, fauna and flora that this area has to offer. In addition, Sabah is one of the most culturally diverse states of Malaysia, offering many indigenous traditions, great food, and a number of local dialects.

Golden Temple.
Photo credit: Am I Psyche.

Punjab, India
If you are a foodie, this is one place in Asia that you absolutely have to go. Many of the most popular Indian dishes come from this area. Even though the area is famous for its food, travelers tend to avoid it as it lies on the northern border. Aside from eating, Punjab offers a rich history in Hinduism and Sikhism. The Golden Temple and the Mata Temple are definitely worth checking out while you are in the area.

When it comes to traveling throughout Asia, there are still some wonderful locations that have not been overtaken by tourists. These locations are some of the best places to go if you truly want to experience the Asian culture. We can help you find the right gear for your adventures throughout Asia.

Shiatsu and its Health Benefits.

Shiatsu massage, an age-old massage technique, has been used for many years around the world to treat muscular stiffness and tension. Proven to help circulation, promote relaxation and regulate body energy, shiatsu massage offers many health benefits for Asian massage in NYC.

What is Shiatsu Massage?
Shiatsu massage is a type of acupressure technique that uses the thumbs, fingers, hands and feet to apply pressure to different parts of the body. Using circular motions, gentle pressure is used to create relaxation, while heavy pressure is used for improved circulation and muscular therapy. To loosen the muscles, techniques may also include deep rubbing and kneading motions to stiff muscles. Typically given on a padded floor mat or massage table, shiatsu massage is a vigorous type of massage that's proven to help various health conditions.

Headaches and Neck Pain
Shiatsu massage has been proven to ease the intense pain of migraine headaches, as well as neck pain and stiffness. Migraines, typically caused when the blood vessels in the head or brain constrict quickly, can cause debilitation pain, nausea, sensitivity to sound and light and changes in vision. Anyone who has ever had a migraine headache doesn't want to have a second one. Shiatsu massage offers pain relief by promoting circulation and increased blood flow to restricted blood vessels, promoting relaxation throughout the entire body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic joint condition that affects millions of people of all ages. It causes pain, swelling, stiffness, soreness and inflammation of the tissues located around joints. Although typically seen in the hands and fingers, it can affect any joint in the body including the neck, spine, shoulders, elbows, knees and feet. Shiatsu massage treatments, done on a recurring basis, help to relieve joint pain and stiffness by stimulating circulation and blood flow. Various pressure techniques can be safely applied to any body area that's affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

Skin Rejuvenation
Shiatsu massage does wonders to rejuvenate skill cells and promote increased blood circulation under the skin. This promotes new skin cell growth and gives the skin a healthy glow. Massage techniques stimulate sebaceous glands and tissue under the skin which helps to keep skin moist and elastic, a necessary process to prevent lines, wrinkles and aging skin. Shiatsu massage is used in some of the world's most prestigious spas, like the Garden Retreat Spa in New York City, to promote beautiful, healthy skin.

Charitable Giving in the Whole Of Asia.

Some of the richest people in Asia like Sukanto Tanoto are known for their generosity. However, they use some of the best plans for giving away this money. They use their considerable riches to help people through the use of foundations that spend the money for them. In decades past, rich people would often give their money away anonymously. In today's world, there is too much in the way of accounting to do. These business people have to account for these funds, and they need to have a foundation that people can approach. It is safer for the ultra rich, and it is easier for people in need to find the funds they need.

Haiyan aftermath in the Philippines.

The Foundation Giving
The foundations that these people have started give most of the money without any assistance from the person who gave the seed money. They use a strict set of guidelines that allows them to give out the money properly, and they consult with their board of directors and patron to make sure they are moving in the right direction.

The Public Image
The public image of the person who gives out the money is going to be used to make the foundation as visible as possible. This is going to change the way that these foundations are going to be managed, and they need to remember that they can use this profile to help find more people to give to.

The People
The people that approach these foundations are going to discover that they can more easily get their funding because they are working with a foundation rather than a person. Approaching a person can be very hard, but approaching their foundation is much easier. People can apply for funding from these foundations many times over, and they can get grants to do many different things. These foundations offer flexibility as well as the massive amounts of money that are needed in the nonprofit community.

When people are looking for assistance in the nonprofit world, they can look to some of the most generous people in Asia. These business people are going to reach out to foundations all over the region with the help of their own foundation. They can give their money with accountability, and they will be able to reach more people who would be afraid to approach them otherwise. This is the wisest way for any wealthy person to give away their money.

The Wait is Over | UFC Fight Night in Manila!

Finally. Finally. Finally! :)
Having been a fan of mixed martial arts for years now, it has long been my dream to watch UFC fighters battle it out in Philippine soil. My wish has finally been granted as today, the UFC announced its much-awaited, first-ever Fight Night event in Manila.

UFC Fight Night Manila!

Scheduled on the evening of May 16, UFC Fight Night Manila will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Its international broadcast will be through UFC Fight Pass, and will air on the morning of May 15 in North America,

Ken Berger, Executive Vice President and General Manager of UFC Asia said, “We are thrilled to be kicking off our Asia event calendar in Manila this year. The UFC has a loyal and passionate fan base in the Philippines and we’re looking forward to bringing the very best of mixed martial arts to Manila for the first time. We have found a great event partner in SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. and are excited that the SM Mall of Asia Arena will be home to a historic UFC event that fans will remember for years to come.” 

Berger also noted that this will be the first and only South East Asian card for the year.

No fights have been officially announced as of this writing, but it's most likely that homegrown talents Mark Eddiva and Roldan Sangcha-an will be in the line-up. Fighters will Filipino roots such as Mark Munoz, Chris Cariaso, and John Dodson could also be included in the fight card, as well as notable Asian fighters such as Kang Kyung Ho and Hyun Gyu Lim.

Tickets will go on sale in March, launched in conjunction with SM Tickets.

The Face Shop | 10 Years of 'Natural Story'.

I must admit, the main reason that I started buying and using The Face Shop products was because of their poster boy, Kim Hyun Joong.

He was my favorite Flower Boy (from the hit 2009 drama 'Boys Over Flowers'), my favorite among the members of SS501 (his now defunct boyband), and one of the first Hallyu stars that I literally went gaga over, lol.

My favorite Flower Boy.

Moving forward, Kim Hyun Joong has been endorsing The Face Shop for the past three years. Launched in 2003, the brand opened its doors to the public with its very first branch in Myeongdong, South Korea, and has since become a household name in the global beauty industry.

'Natural Story' was the brand's concept, and it was as simple as it could be. The Face Shop wanted to share the benefits of nature, and together with science, deliver the best products for the skin.

Taking pride in using only the highest-quality, all-natural ingredients, The Face Shop also boasts of products that are reasonably priced for the modern woman of today. Their successful line of skincare and cosmetic staples is testament to worldwide consumer loyalty, and product effectiveness.

Natural Story.

It's been a decade since that fateful day in Myeongdong, and to commemorate this glorious occasion, The Face Shop has released a 10th Anniversary Limited Edition set containing five of their most popular, best-selling products of all time.

Happy Anniversary, The Face Shop!

Included in the set are:

Natural Sun Super White SPF50+ PA+++.

The brand's signature sun care line. Since its release in 2006, the Natural Sun AQ line of products has seen additions and evolution due to advancements in sun care technology. Nine products comprise this trendy sun care line with each product empowering consumers with sun protection plus added skincare benefits based on their activities and needs.

Raspberry Roots Sleeping Mask.

Koreans are known for incorporating mask sheets in their daily beauty regimen, and The Face Shop's 'Real Nature' and 'Raspberry Roots' masks are consumer favorites. The 'Real Nature' line sells over a million pieces globally per month while the 'Raspberry Roots' line is a favorite among international customers since its release in 2006.

Rice Water Cleansing Foam.

Staying true to its commitment of providing effective and affordable skincare products, the brand’s famous 'Herb Day 365' and 'Rice Water Bright' cleansers have remained at budget-friendly prices for 8 years in a row. These products are best known as long-lasting cleansers that have superb brightening and cleansing powers with instant results guaranteed.

Chia Seed Moisture Holding Seed Cream.

One of The Face Shop's signature skin care lines, Chia Seed is armed with an eco-friendly concept and packed with premier hypo-allergenic quality ingredients. The Chia Seed Moisture-Holding Seed Cream,  which keeps the skin soft and hydrated 24/7 by sealing in moisture, has been a steady best-seller since its release last year.

FACE IT Power Perfection BB Cream.

One of my favorite BB Creams of all time (I even regard heralded this as one of my HG BB Creams), and the number one selling product in the brand’s BB cream category. More than 1 million pieces have been sold since it was first introduced in the market, making it a legend among consumers - a hit in countries like China, Southeast Asia, and Japan.

The 10th Anniversary LE set. :)

Selling at Php 1500 (around $34) here in the Philippines, this Limited Edition Set is now available at all The Face Shop outlets worldwide.

Have you tried any of these products yet? What's your favorite beauty/skincare product from The Face Shop? :)

Foodie Goodie | Beef and Beans Stir Fry.

I posted this photo on my Instagram yesterday. It's the dish I cooked for lunch for the little man and I - something I prepared in a little over thirty minutes using very simple ingredients. I was surprised that my son loved this dish I invented, and even more surprised that I received requests for the recipe. Haha!

So here you go, mommies! I hope your kids enjoy this dish as much as my son did. :)

Beef and Beans Stir Fry

Ingredients:
300g ground beef
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup oyster sauce
1/8 cup butter
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1) In a wok or large skillet, heat butter over high; stir-fry beef for about five minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.
2) Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until onion is softened, about 3 minutes.
3) Add green beans; stir-fry until beans are tender-crisp, about 4 minutes.
4) Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for another two minutes.
5) Stir in the oyster sauce. Make sure it spreads evenly among the beef and vegetables.
6) To prevent sticking, add three tablespoons of water to the pan.
7) Add salt and pepper to taste.
8) Turn off heat, serve on top of hot rice.

Shared with Food Friday and Food Trip Friday.

Tiger Airways Philippines | Roaring Loud, Soaring High.

A new Tiger has arrived - and it brings with it a promise of a great adventure, memorable experiences, and the excitement of a new journey.

Known as the leading and most trusted value-for-money carrier in Southesast Asia, Tiger Airways Philippines will make its formal debut in the skies beginning July 10.

“Tiger Airways is the leading airline and travel partner connecting people across Asia Pacific. It is a distinguished regional brand that differentiates itself in terms of safety and reliability,” says newly-appointed president and chief executive officer (CEO) Ms. Olive Ramos.

Committed to bringing its customers its brand of friendly, high-quality service, and excellent standards of security, Tiger Airways Philippines promises to make travel around Asia more enjoyable. With the Philippines poised to become Asia’s next tiger economy, Tiger Airways anticipates more flights connecting the country to its Asian neighbors – and even beyond, in the coming years. “It’s a niche we are eager and equipped to serve,” adds Tiger Airways’ chief.

Currently, Tiger Airways flies to Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong from Manila and Clark. Locally, it serves travelers going to Laoag, Bacolod, Kalibo, Cebu, Iloilo Tacloban and Puerto Princesa.  Next month, Tiger Airways will add another feather to its cap when it marks a milestone - the Kalibo and Singapore route, the first and only airline to offer such route.

“We embrace the simple belief that travel is about bringing people closer to their dreams and about enabling great experiences, and memories,” adds Ramos. The new Tiger Airways Philippines will offer great value and seamless experience. Together with the Filipino personnel’s warm and hospitable traits, the airline will be “the one to beat” in the coming years, she adds.

The birth of Tiger Airways Philippines brings along with it the technology and business savvy of Tiger Airways as it offers travelers greater accessibility to the rest of Southeast Asia. It does not only commit to high performance standards and innovation, it also confident about keeping its venture more sustainable for stakeholders.

Tiger Air embodies a ‘can-do’ and respectful spirit, according to Ramos. “We will continuously pursue for roaring excellence. We are going to be the airline of choice!”

For more details log on to www.tigerairways.com