Singapore: Santa Grand Hotel Lai Chun Yuen in Chinatown

There are a lot of fine examples of adaptive reuse in Singapore. The hotel I stayed at in Chinatown was no exception. In fact, most branches of Santa Grand Hotels are heritage buildings that have been converted into boutique hotels. They have two branches in Chinatown right beside each other, Santa Grand Hotel Chinatown and Santa Grand Hotel Lai Chun Yuen where I stayed.

According to the marker in front of the hotel, "Lai Chun Yuen was by far the most popular Chinese opera theatre in Singapore in the late 19th century. Built in 1887 and originally designed in the style of a Chinese teahouse, its overwhelming popularity made it a prominent landmark. Patrons would sit around small tables, nibbling tidbits and sipping tea while famous opera singers performed on stage. Wealthier patrons had private cubicles where they enjoyed more personal services, rendered by the girls from the brothels on Smith Street. All these took place in high-ceilinged rooms with wooden balconies, decorated with ornaments and dimly lit lanterns."

The lobby of the hotel is actually the main hall of the old opera house. The Singapore Government required Santa Grand Hotels to preserve many elements of the opera house, including the stage which you can see right above the reception desk. Chinese lanterns adorn the hallways of the hotel.

And my room on the third floor leads to a common wooden balcony that affords guests a view of the street below. The room's furniture and fixtures are modern. But you can see that they've preserved the old wooden floor.

It's nice to see structures like these that survive generations because they are made relevant in changing times through adaptive reuse. The Chinese opera culture declined in the 1930s with the advent of cinema. In fact Lai Chun Yuen was converted into a cinema in 1941. But that did not survive the Japanese Occupation. Today, it is a charming boutique hotel. But you can still feel the spirit of the place as you enter its portals.

Santa Grand Hotel Lai Chun Yuen
25 Trengganu Street, Chinatown
http://www.santagrandhotels.com/laichunyuen.asp

Santa Grand Hotels Central Reservation
E-mail: reservation@santa.com.sg
Tel. No. +65 6298 8889; Fax No. +65 6396 8356

Thank you to the Singapore Tourism Board and Agatep Associates for arranging this visit!

International Day for Monuments and Sites 2012 celebrates World Heritage

In 1983, UNESCO endorsed April 18 as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, on the proposal of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). According to ICOMOS, "This special day offers an opportunity to raise public awareness concerning the diversity of the world’s heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it, as well as to draw attention to its vulnerability."

Every year, ICOMOS assigns a theme to the celebration. In 2012, we mark the 40th anniversary of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage or the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. And this year's theme is: World Heritage.

The Philippines has five UNESCO World Heritage inscriptions in 11 cities and municipalities around the country. These are the Tubbataha Reef in Cagayancillo, Palawan, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (Batad and Bangaan in Banaue, Nagacadan in Kiangan, Hungduan and Mayoyao all in Ifugao), Historic Center of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, and the Baroque Churches of the Philippines (Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, Sta. Maria Church in Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, and Miag-ao Church in Iloilo).

To give you a quick background on how sites get nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List, read Nominating properties to the UNESCO World Heritage List. To know more about the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines, watch this AVP narrated by Archt. Augusto Villalon. To learn more about the International Day for Monuments and Sites and this year's theme, read the article presenting this year's theme by Alfredo Conti, Chair ICOMOS World Heritage Working Group.

Camarines Norte: Island-hopping in Apuao, Apuao Grande & Caringo in Mercedes

Apuao Island

After the Calaguas Group of Islands, the islands off the coast of Mercedes are another popular beach destination for visitors to Camarines Norte. We visited Apuao, Apuao Grande and Caringo Islands. Plus we passed by Canimo, Canton and Quinapagyan Islands along the way.

Our day actually started very early since we motored to the Mercedes Fish Port at five in the morning to witness the Bulungan sa Pandawan. Bulungan is an early morning fish trading practice at the Mercedes Fish Port where bids for the lots are whispered to the broker who determines the highest bidder.

The place was abuzz with activity before sunrise with boats unloading crates of fish and other seafood, and bidders trying to outdo each other for the freshest catch.

Canimo Island

After breakfast at the port, we boarded a small boat to visit the different islands. Being in the Pacific Ocean side, expect waves to be really high. I'm actually motion sick and it was quite difficult for me. But the islands are worth the visit. We were the only visitors it seemed. So it's a great place for those who want to enjoy some quiet time.

Our first stop was Canimo Island where there's an old lighthouse. Unfortunately, the waves were too high, preventing us from landing at the usual place. And since the walk would have taken much longer at the alternative jump off point, we decided to forgo the stop.

Apuao Island

Behind Canimo, the waves got even rougher. But when we finally arrived at Apuao, the hammock and huts, the cover of trees, and the cream sand beaches erased all thoughts of discomfort. I simply wanted to take a nap and enjoy the strong breeze that hit the island.

Apuao Grande Island

Apuao and Apuao Grande Islands

Next to Apuao is Apuao Grande. It's actually separated by a very narrow gap that you can easily cross especially during low tide. There used to be a resort on the island. But it was abandoned after it was badly damaged by a typhoon. Both islands are also great for picnics.

Part of the plan was to visit the cave in Canton Island. But since it was high tide and the waves were a bit rough, the entrance was submerged under water and it would have been dangerous to get close.

Caringo Island

Ibasco House on Caringo Island

Our last stop was Caringo Island to visit the oldest house in Mercedes, the Ibasco House which amazingly has been preserved in this remote island all these years. We then made our way to Cayucyucan Beach back in mainland Mercedes where we were picked up at one of the local beach resorts there.

Visit the Ivan About Town FB page for more photos of Camarines Norte. Thank you very much to Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo A. Tallado and the Camarines Norte Tourism Office for inviting me to visit their beautiful province. Thanks also to the Mercedes Tourism Office for assisting us.

Camarines Norte Tourism Office
Provincial Capitol, Daet, Camarines Norte
Tel. No. +63 (52) 7213087 / Fax No. +63 (52) 4402013

Camarines Norte: Surfing & kitesurfing at Bagasbas Beach, Daet

Bagasbas Beach in Daet, Camarines Norte is a good place to go surfing. But it's also popular for kitesurfing. A two hour introductory course would cost about Php2500. You could also opt for five or ten hour courses. If you just want to rent equipment, the daily rate for a complete set of kite with bar is Php2700.

After visiting Calaguas, we motored from Paracale to Daet, Camarines Norte. We first stopped by the town proper where the first ever Rizal Monument in the country can be found. It's actually part of the Rizal Heritage Trail. And you can get your Rizal Passports stamped at the local tourism office.

We checked-in at the Bagasbas Lighthouse Resort. Since the group was exhausted from the overnight trip in Calaguas, we decided to relax in Bagasbas Beach the rest of the day.

Visit the Ivan About Town FB page for more photos of Camarines Norte. Thank you very much to Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo A. Tallado and the Camarines Norte Tourism Office for inviting me to visit their beautiful province.

Camarines Norte Tourism Office
Provincial Capitol, Daet, Camarines Norte
Tel. No. +63 (52) 7213087 / Fax No. +63 (52) 4402013

Bagasbas Lighthouse Hotel Resort
Bagasbas Beach, Daet, Camarines Norte
Tel Nos. +63 (54) 4415855 | (917) 5101856
E-mail: info@bagasbaslighthouse.com

Singapore: Arab Street, Haji Lane, Little India, Chinatown, Singapore River, Marina Bay, Universal Studios, Jurong Bird Park & more

Singapore may be a small country, but there's definitely a lot to see and do. I spent nine days last month in Singapore, exploring its culturally significant old quarters: Little India, Arab Street and Haji Lane, Chinatown and Katong (Perenakan), took a cruise along the Singapore River and walked from Bugis to Raffles Place to marvel at the old and modern architecture, visited Universal Studios and Jurong Bird Park on the Singapore Tripper Pass and enjoyed a fantastic view of the Singapore skyline from the top of Marina Bay Sands among a lot of other things.

And expect a lot of food shots because Singapore is very known for its hawker food! And thanks to many of my local Singaporean friends, I was able to try a lot of the food only the locals know!

March 12-14 - Little India, Geylang and Marina Bay

March 15 - Bugis, City Hall, Singapore River, Merlion Park, and Lau Pa Sat

March 16-17 - Chinatown, Sentosa, Marina Bay, Arab Strret and Haji Lane 

March 18 - Chinatown and Newton Circus

March 19 - Universal Studios, Singapore River, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Marina Bay and Katong

March 20 - Chinatown (Ann Siang Hill) and Jurong Bird Park

Thank you to the Singapore Tourism Board, Euro RSCG Agatep PR, Santa Grand Hotel Lai Chun Yuen in Chinatown, iFly Singapore, and my local friends Ong Han Chong and Diana, Tin Pei Ling and Ng How Yue, Ian Cai, Angela Lau and Francis Lim for treating me out to really good local food! Thanks also to Ron Cruz and Lilit Reyes for meeting up with me and Gideon Lasco!