A client of Travel International Group, Inc. Bob Bennett has written us about his experience in the Philippines, which I would like to publish here to encourage others, especially our “kababayans” who have not been back to the Philippines for years, to come and visit.  Below is Bennett’s account.

I have made five trips to the Philippines in the past few years. I travelled there to scuba dive, tour the country’s interesting spots and shoot photos above and underwater. I have enjoyed touring World War II sites in Corregidor Island, and the shipwrecks of Coron, Palawan and Subic Bay. 

Corregidor Island, also called “The Rock” is about 48 kilometers west of Manila, with its entrance at the Manila Bay. Because of its strategic position in the bay, Corregidor served as a focal point for the naval defences of the capital city of Manila. During World War II, Corregidor was the site of several battles and fell to the Japanese forces in 1941. Although the American forces recaptured it in 1945, Corregidor Island was abandoned to the elements until the 1980’s when the Philippine government converted it into a historical tourist destination.

Tourists are shuttled around on the tranvias to the island’s many relics and memorials, beginning with the Japanese War Memorial, then to the Batteries Way,  named in honor of the Coast Artillery Corps of the U.S. Army, which was a mainstay of the Corregidor Garrison during the Japanese invasion.

There were 23 batteries installed on Corregidor, consisting of 56 Coastal guns and mortars.  In addition Corregidor has 13 anti-aircraft artillery batteries with 76 guns and Sperry searchlights. Those big guns of Corregidor are now silent, but they tell a very sad story of a war that has claimed so many lives.

Among the ruins that tell of Corregidor’s glorious past is the Mile-Long barrack.  It is a three-story concrete building constructed to be hurricane-proof. It was used for the billeting of American officers and enlisted personnel detailed at the garrison. The headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur was located in the building.

The Malinta tunnel had been dug through solid rock and offered complete protection from artillery or air attack. Command communications and medical units were housed in the tunnel, as well as the headquarters of USAFFE where men and women lived and worked during the siege of Corregidor.

The Pacific War Memorial honors the Filipino and American servicemen who participated in the Pacific War. It also houses a museum which serves as the repository of relics and memorabilia of Corregidor’s glorious past.

For those who want to explore more of Corregidor, there is a hotel in the island where tourists can stay overnight or even longer.  There is a light and sound show every night at the Malinta Tunnel. 

In our succeeding columns, we shall bring you Mr. Bennett’s scuba diving experience in the Philippines. He is back in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota and contemplating on returning to the Philippines.

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After an amazing tour of Thailand, the group of Los Angeles travel agents, my travel partner Jane Stark included, who was just in the Philippines early this year, took advantage of an offer by Philippine Airlines headed by its Account Executive Gigi Inigo, for a Manila free stop over where they spent a relaxing last day stint before proceeding back home.

Upon arrival in Manila, the group was met and greeted by Travel International’s representatives in Manila.  The group was then checked in at Shangri-La Edsa conveniently located at the heart of Manila.  On its first night, the group had dinner at Crocodile Grill near the hotel.

The following day, Jane had the opportunity to inspect the hotel with Shangri-la Sales Manager Jane Lim.  All its 632 rooms are tailored to satisfy guests' needs and comfort.  The hotel has superb banquet and conference facilities, like the elegant Isla Ballroom, which can accommodate 1,400 guests, the Garden Ballroom and 13 other function rooms. All is equipped with the latest audio-visual and lighting accessories. The hotel has a Business Centre offering a comprehensive range of secretarial services. The Business Centre offers laptop and Internet ready computers along with private rooms for meetings and small receptions.

The Edsa Shangri-La offers tantalizing cuisine from around the globe to fine diner's delight.  It has the bistro-style Paparazzi for a taste of Italy, where tempting classics are complemented by innovative pizzas and pastas. At the Summer Palace, where the group had dinner on their last night with  Shangri-la sales diretor Cecile Webber,  Cantonese dishes including dim sum are served. At the Inaho Tei traditional Japanese cuisine is offered. The Garden Cafe has a casual ambience and offers a sumptuous daily buffet together with an á la carte menu. At the Lobby Lounge guests can enjoy live music, at the same time enjoy afternoon tea or cocktails.

In the evening, Gigi and Jane’s couple of friends pampered themselves at the Chi Spa, where they found new levels of comfort and rejuvenation. Jane estimated that the spa covers a floor area of more than 3000 square meters and she found out that it is considered the biggest hotel spa in Manila. It is only the second to open in the Philippines after the Chi Spa Village at Shangri-La Mactan, but it is the 7^th worldwide.

Jane said, the Chi Spa is nestled in the hotel’s Garden Wing, providing guests with the luxury of personal space and timelessness. In traditional Chinese philosophy, Jane who is of Chinese descent said, ch'i is the universal life force that governs well-being and personal vitality.  It is believed that in order for people to maintain good health, ch'i must flow freely within the body.

The Chi Spa boasts of a variety of luxurious treatment suites and features indigenous and Philippine-inspired treatments. Its signature therapies include Chi Balance, Aroma Vitality and Ying Yang Couple’s massage work to relax and restore vitality, while therapies like the award-winning Himalayan Healing Stone massage and the Mountain Tsampa Rub use indigenous ingredients and techniques drawn from the ancient healing practices of the Himalayan region.

Jane learned there were also healing massages, which draw inspiration from Philippine traditions like a menu featuring “Hilot,” a time-honored healing massage that has survived the ages, and “Dagdagay” a traditional foot massage using bamboo sticks employed by an indigenous mountain tribe in the Philippines. 

“Every time I come back to the Philippines, I always discover something new,” Jane enthused. “What a wonderful experience. I am just falling in love with that country,” she proudly said.

Experience what my travel partner Jane Stark experienced in the Philippines.  Jane is a certified dive specialist, a certified Dubai, Honduras specialist, a certified Japan, Philippines, Thailand specialist, a certified honeymoon destination wedding specialist, and a certified Avis special agent. You can call her at Travel International (310) 327-5143 or visit our website at www.travelinternational.net .

Located on Rama IV Road near the Henri Dunant Avenue is the Snake Farm, which was the next destination of the group of my travel partner Jane Stark, who joined the familiarization tour of Thailand, sponsored by Philippine Airlines.  The snake farm is ideally situated within the Thai Red Cross Institute, for when visitors get bitten by snake or other kinds of animals, they are in the right place for treatment. Vaccinations are available for cholera, smallpox, typhoid, hepatitis and rabies in the institute.

The snake farm, which houses some 56 deadly snakes found in Thailand, is a popular tourist attraction in Bangkok. It is visited by scientists, students and those who have interest in snakes, snake ecology or the medical importance of Thailand’s venomous snakes. The snake farm is set up to produce anti-venom serum for snake-bite victims nationwide. Venomous snakes including the king cobra, Siamese cobra, Russell’s viper, banded krait, Malayan pit viper, green pit viper and Pope’s pit viper are milked everyday for their venom to make snake-bite antidote.

Ms. Stark wrote that the group was given a quick view of Thailand’s most dangerous snakes and the institute’s production of anti-venom. The highlight of the group’s visit to the snake farm was the demonstration of snake handling and also how to milk a snake.

Ms. Stark said the demonstration was quite informative. She said that after venom is taken from the snake it is then sent to a special horse farm in Hua Hin, where small amount of venom are injected into the horse.  Over a period of time more and more of the venom is injected into the horse until it builds up immunity.  Blood is then drawn from the horse, and the blood plasma is purified and tested before being sent out to hospitals around the country and the world.

The Snake Farm is open to the public every day from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm on weekdays, and 8.30 am to 12.00 am on weekends and public holidays. Admission fee is charged.  

After that very informative tour of the snake farm, the group had sumptuous Thai dinner.

As the group was headed for the Philippines the next day, it went to a night market after dinner for last minute shopping. The group shopped for Thai souvenir items to bring back home for loved ones and friends. 

Ms. Stark highly recommends that for those traveling to the Philippines, it will be worth to stop by Thailand, which is just two hours flight to Manila. “You will definitely have an amazing experience in amazing Thailand,” Ms. Stark enthused.

Let Travel International’s certified Thailand golden agent, plan a travel itinerary for you. Call us at (310) 327-5143, or log on to our website, www.travelinterntional.net.

In the next issue, we will feature Ms. Stark’s stay in Manila, before flying back to Los Angeles.

Before proceeding back to Bangkok, the group of my travel partner Jane Stark visited Vimanmek Mansion, believed to be the world’s largest Teakwood Palace, which was a Royal Residence. Inside the compound where the Vimanmek Teak Mansion is located, is the Jim Thompson house. These two structures are other examples of the finest Thai residences.

The tour started with the Jim Thompson house, an American who lived in Thailand after World War II.  He is known as the man who put the Thai silk industry in the global market. Now preserved as a museum, his house contains some of his personal belongings that showcase his passion for Thai art and culture.  It contains a fabulous collection of paintings and Asian artifacts. The house was said to be constructed from different parts of various derelict houses in central Thailand.  Record showed that in 1967, Jim Thompson mysteriously disappeared in the Cameron Highlands, in Malaysia.

The Vimanmek Mansion was built in the early 1900’s, made entirely of golden teak wood, and said to be built without the support of nails. The palace has the unique blend of Thai and European styles. The elite palace boasts of pavilions featuring traditional Thai architecture and gorgeous well maintained blooming landscaped gardens.

The Vimanmek Mansion is the former house of King Rama V, known to have modernized Thailand and was able to avert the colonization of his country. During his reign in 1868 to 1910, he reformed Thailand’s administration, economy, education and science, transforming the traditional society and established the foundations of a modern state.  One of his major achievements as sovereign was the abolition of slavery.

The three-story, L-shaped Vimanmek Mansion or palace is regally opulent, which is evident in its 81 rooms, many of which have priceless Thai antique collections. It also contains many appealing guesthouses, enhancing even more its exquisiteness. It is really a fascinating palace and a must visit spot in Bangkok.

The Vimanmek Teak Mansion is located in the north part of Bangkok, near the Dusit Zoo.  From the mansion, the group visited the Royal Carriage Museum, and the Abhisek Dusit Home.

The Royal Carriages Musuem contains carriages, mostly imported from Europe, which were popular during the reign of Rama V.  The small Suan Farang Kunsai Mansion has oil paintings and pictures of King Rama V and his family.

The Aphisek Dusit Throne Hall contains handicrafts, including the famous Mat Mi Silk, Malaeng Thap, metallic collages, multi-colored beetle wings, damascene ware, nielloware and Uan Liphao basketry reportedly made by Queen Sirikit.

For our next column, we’ll feature the snake farm. If you have any questions, you may call us at Travel International (310) 327-5143. Our Certified Travel Specialists will be most happy to assist you. You can also visit our website at www.travelinternational.net.

Following is the continuing account of my travel partner Jane Stark, who joined other travel agents in California for a familiarization tour of Thailand sponsored by Philippines Airlines.

The next day, Jane wrote, “we had buffet breakfast at the hotel after which we set forth for our tour of the Ancient City.”  “It was very hot and humid, without a lot of shade to go under for a little rest, but no matter how exhausting, the tour was all worth it because of the interesting and colorful history of Thailand that unfolded before our very eyes,” Jane mused.

The Ancient City is located on the old Sukhumvit road, not far from the crocodile farm, which is also an interesting attraction.  It is considered the world’s largest outdoor museum covering an entire area of roughly 320 acres of land. There are hundreds of replica of magnificent temples, palaces and monuments all over Thailand.   The buildings represent religious and royal sites some showcasing the past. There are over 100 monuments collected or reproduced. There are also many examples of typical Thai houses from the past.  “As we passed through all those monuments and buildings, we can feel the air of the past and the unspoiled atmosphere of the olden days.” Jane said.

The group also visited the Siam Elephant Forest and experienced elephant ride, as well as enjoyed the great show of the elephant. The elephant demonstrated their agility and intelligence by stepping over volunteers lying on the ground, playing basketball, painting, walking on their hind feet and a lot or amazing tricks.

Tourists are allowed to feed elephants with bananas that can be purchased in the area. The elephants snapped at bananas thrown to them as tourists strolled by. "It was a fun moment for the group but nothing more exciting than the elephant ride experience," Jane said.  Then they went to a local restaurant for an international buffet lunch of seafood.

In the afternoon, the group went back to Bangkok.  On the way they visited the Gem Center Jewelry and Thai silk factories.

We’ll bring you more of the different sites the group visited in our succeeding columns. 

If you are planning a vacation in the Philippines, try including Thailand in your itinerary.  Call us at Travel International (310) 327-5143 and let our Certified Travel Specialists help you with your booking and plan your itinerary.  Or you can call Jane directly in the same number if you have any questions.  We invite you to visit our website as well. Log on to www.travelinternational.net.

After a good day rest with a two-hour massage at her Swissôtel Le Concorde room, my business partner Jane Stark and her group went cruising up the Chao Phraya River for a candlelit dinner of mouth-watering Thai cuisine served on the deck.  The Chao Praya River becomes the setting of romantic dinner cruises at night. The river cruise passed through 9 piers providing access to Bangkok's most famous attractions. “From the boat, we had spectacular views of the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn,” she enthused. 

The Chao Praya River flows from the Thai highlands to Bangkok and in fact, one can travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by the river.  It is called the “River of Kings.” There are cities along the river and these are Nakhon Sawan, Chainat, Singburi, Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani, Ang Thong, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Bangkok and Samut Prakan, that ends at the gulf of Thailand, approximately 360 kilometers.  Many locals and tourists love to travel along the Chao Praya River.

The riverside provides fascinating sight of splendid palaces, many temples, simple Thai houses, and the charming Siamese way of life. The trip along Chao Praya River was indeed very exciting and enjoyable. Ms. Stark said.

“Along the river we saw many tourists attraction such as Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, which is said to be the star of visitor attraction and a symbol of Bangkok just as the Grand Palace is.  The temple is a blend of Khmer and Thai styles. The Wat Po or Wat Phra Chetuphon, has a huge reclining Buddha.” Ms. Stark explained.

From the bank of Chao River Praya is very impressive, fantastic view of the Royal Grand Palace. Ms. Stark said “that was the main attraction tourists see along the Chao Praya river bank.”

“The Chao Phraya River is not only a tourist attraction. It is a major transportation artery for a vast network of ferries, with barges every few minutes, ferries darting between them, and express boats that are faster than driving in the terrible traffic,” so noted by Ms. Stark.

The Chao Phraya River is said to have played many roles in Thai life, the people’s culture and traditions.  It is said that as the river flows, it carries with it the history and culture of the country. The boat ride can take guests to all of Thailand’s history. The Old temples, palaces and communities along the river banks tell of the livelihood of people.

In the olden times people depended mostly on the river and canals for their daily commute. Nowadays, even if most people use the roads for transportation many  Thai people still use the river and canals to and from their respective destinations.

Although it was just a brief dinner cruise along Chao Praya River, Ms. Stark said “it was a lifetime of an experience.” 

In the next column, we’ll bring you the exciting tour of the Ancient City of Bangkok.  Call us at Travel International (310) 327-5143 if you are planning a tour of Southeast Asia that includes Thailand.  Our friendly, dependable and efficient travel associates will help you plan your vacation of a lifetime.

My business partner Jane Stark recently joined a familiarization tour of Thailand sponsored by  Philippine Airlines .   PAL account executive Gigi Inigo was among those who joined the group tour.  Following is the account of Ms. Stark.

From Los Angeles, the group took the transpacific international flight to the capital of Thailand, Bangkok spending overnight on board.  The group’s guide who was fondly called Apple was on hand to meet the group upon arrival in Bangkok. The group checked in at the Swissôtel Le Concorde situated on the Ratchadapisek Road, which has emerged as the new thriving business and entertainment hub of Bangkok. The Bangkok International Airport is just twenty-minute drive away from the hotel, while the Huai Kwang MRT station lies two minute walking distance from the hotel.

Ms. Stark observed that many internationally famous golf courses, convention center and prime Bangkok tourist attractions and the Central Business District (CBD) are in close proximity to the Swissôtel Le Concorde.  She described that the hotel has a large number of spacious guest rooms, all furnished with large executive tables, with computer socket, computer modem capabilities, computerized bedside board with alarm clock, two IDD telephone lines with voice-messaging system, colored television with satellite channel, mini-bar, safe deposit box, tea and coffee making facilities. Each room has individually controlled air-conditioning system.  It has business as well as recreational facilities.

The Swissôtel Le Concorde offers wonderful dining options in its four restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines and a bar to relax with the guests’ favorite glass of wine or liquor. It has a beautiful ambience that match the mood of guests at any time of the day.

Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, bordered to the north by Laos, Burma and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and Burma.  It is considered the world’s 50^th largest country in terms of total land area at approximately 514,000 kilometers or 198 000 square miles and the 20^th largest in terms of population at 63 million people.  Bangkok, which is the capital, is also the largest city in Thailand, the center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities.  Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world.  The cultures and traditions in Thailand are significantly influenced by those of India, China, Cambodia, as well as the various countries in Southeast Asia.  Seniority plays an important role in the country’s cultures.  Respect for the elders is essential to Thai’s spiritual practices as well as in their daily lifestyles.  Like the Filipinos, Thais are also known for their friendliness and hospitality that gained them the reputation as the “Land of Smiles.”

In the evening after a good rest, Ms. Stark said, tour guide Apple picked up the group for a Chao Phraya River Cruise where a buffet dinner was served against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset, and the tune of live band on board. After dinner the group headed to a local spa for a 2 hour Thai massage to relax a tired body and restore energy for the next scheduled tour.

We will bring you the group’s experience on its Chao Praya River cruise dinner in our next column.  Meanwhile, call us at Travel International Group (310) 327-5143 for your next trip and our helpful Travel Specialists will be glad to assist you.  You can also visit us at our website, www.travelinternational.net.