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Jailhouse Rock: Cebu’s Dancing Prisoners Sep 28

Time Magazine named it the 5th most popular viral video of all time. More than 23 million Youtube viewers witnessed hundreds of murderers, rapists and drug addicts in orange jumpsuits shift, twirl, and dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, a revisit to the famous group choreography in the music video. They have been featured in the local version of Big Brother as they danced with the housemates, These are the Cebu Dancing Prisoners.

The prisoners are from Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) in central Philippines, a 1,500-inmate facility. The dancing is the brainchild of Byron Garcia, a security advisor to the Cebu government who wanted to include an exercise regimen. He also began posting set routines of the prisoners online to showcase his program to other rehabilitation centers. Although the first video garnered few hits, the second video, Thriller, went viral. Two inmates in particular, Crisanto Niere and Wenjiel Resane, became internet superstars for acting out the lead parts of the in the laconic skit as 1,500 fellow prisoners danced in the background, mimicking the zombie steps of Michael Jackson’s ground-breaking music video.

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9 of Nepal’s Best Museums Sep 22

Nepal’s countryside is breathtaking, its people astounding, and its culture incredible.

There are, of course, a few museums throughout that you should gravely consider visiting if you want to truly understand the country’s rocky history. Consider the following:

9. The National Museum

The National Museum is located within a little of Swayambhunath Hill and is frequently visited by residents of Kathmandu. The museum houses a myriad of pristine artifacts portraying what life was like in the early part of the last century. You’ll find a large display of firearms as well as a ton of information regarding war history and the plight of the country as it aimed to shield itself from the British Raj. The collection includes coins, statues, murals, and paintings.

8. The Museum of Natural History

Also located near Swayambhunath Hill, the Museum of Natural History is sadly common of the least visited museums in the valley area. The museum, which is closed on Saturdays and holidays, has a huge display of Himalayan butterflies as well for the reason that a collection of other plants, snakes, and rare bird species.

7.

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Category: Mysterious Asia  | Tags: museums  | Leave a Comment
India – Mahabaleshwar Sep 16

Mahabaleshwar is an uncelebrated little elevation town in west. occidental India, well off the foreign tourist trail. It doesn’t have great altitude or great glamour, but it is one of my favorite weekend getaways in the world. Blessed with a charming old-world aura that never fails to capture one’s imagination, it is a personal favorite of mine for a well-deserved weekend break. After maybe 50-odd visits there, I am still totally in tenderness with the place.

Photo credits – Ankur P

My trips to Mahabaleshwar revolve around a 125-year-old red stone building called The Club. If you are curious about life during the British Raj era, come and stay in this place. There are guests suites in the main club building, as well as in three separate blocks of cottages. The property even comes with a residential ghost, who allegedly inhabits a room in the D Block.

As soon as you check in, you are assigned a table at the dining room and an aged, liveried bearer. The bearers are all old retainees with starched uniforms and stand-offish British manners.

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Category: Mysterious Asia  | Tags: india  | Leave a Comment
A Visitor’s Guide to the Island of Boracay Sep 16

Nestled in the Alkan Province of the Philippines you’ll fall upon the tropical island of Boracay. The island is incredibly popular amongst tourists because of its white sand beaches, shells, falsehood, and seclusion. Littered with restaurants, shops, gardens, and attractions, you’ll perceive the island entertaining and intriguing – and you’ll be searching for a reason to stay longer.

When to Visit Boracay

Boracay boasts a tropical climate year round. Those who’d prefer to spend their days on the beaches might want to avoid visiting during monsoon season, though, which usually runs from November from one side February.

The Boracay Tourist Center

The Boracay Tourist Center is located at Mangayad, Manoc-Manoc. Visitors to the island are encouraged to visit the tourist center for “one-stop services” including money transfer and currency exchange, safety deposit box rentals, post office services, and – of course- information put on local attractions. You will also find craft boutiques and convenience store items at the tourist center.

Health & Safety in Boracay

The biggest health concern for individuals who have never visited a tropical climate is, of course, the sun.

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Category: Mysterious Asia  | Tags: guide island, island  | Leave a Comment
Buddhist Temple at Mount Sorak Sep 12

About one and a half hours drive away from Seoul, South Korea, is beautiful laid-back Mount Sorak. This mountain region offers mesmerizing views and numerous hiking treks for the nature lovers, and at the foot of the mountain are various Buddhist temples from centuries of old. Here are some scenic snaps from the foot of the mountain, featuring luxuriant fresh landscapes, colorful guardian statues (left, third row) and a magical sprinkle and calender fountain (right, second row). Be sure to come back next week as we bring you more snaps, this time from the top of Mount Sorak itself!


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Capital Adventures in Wellington Sep 04

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand (not its larger northern neighbor, Auckland). Travelers in the understand agree that this is person Pacific city not to be missed. With a combination of cosmopolitan attractions and a very laid back atmosphere, what’s not to like? Here are some top tips in opposition to your next visit.

Photo credits – tony_the_bald_eagle

Take the cable car to the Royal Botanic Gardens

The old cable car is one of those old relics ticking along very becomingly thanks to the tourist trade. So it’s purely a cheesy tourist thing, but I just love it because after it clinks and clanks its way to the top you’ll be at the Royal Botanic Gardens, and your reward is a wonderful view over the city. The gardens are huge and have a calculate of gorgeous old buildings and they really put some heart and soul into the flower displays!

Photo credits – *TreMichLan*

Chill out in Kelburn

Just west of the gardens is Kelburn Village, Wellington’s most European neighborhood. The main street is lined with cosy cafes, one-of-a-kind shops, antiques, a bakery, amongst other retail gems.

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Category: Mysterious Asia  | Tags: wellington  | Leave a Comment
Three Countries In Ten Days: Bang Pa-In Summer Palace Sep 03

The travel time from Bangkok to Ayutthaya took close to two hours. It was a great thing that we decided to hire a private taxi for our trip. We were only charged THB2000 including all toll fees for the Ayutthaya tour. Needless to say, it was some enjoyable and comfortable ride given that we were able to take quick snacks and naps on the road.

In no time at all, we found ourselves being “delivered” by our taxi to the entrance of the Bang Pa-In. This particular attraction was the first and foremost stop in our Ayutthaya tour itinerary. The Bang Pa-In, which was located about sixty kilometers of forty miles North of Bangkok, is also called the Summer Palace of the kings of Thailand. It is also situated along the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

It is quite easy to get to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. One needs to go to the Bang Pa-In District which can be found around eighteen kilometers South of Ayutthaya. Since we traveled by taxi, we took the Phahon Yothin Road towards the North and simply followed the road signs to Bang Pa-In. Those who single out to take the public bus must catch Bus No.

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Category: Mysterious Asia  | Tags: Bang, Bang Pain  | Leave a Comment