Thursday, November 15, 2012

Metro Manila named among 'destinations on the rise'




Pinoys don't have to look too far for places to explore, as an international travel website named Metro Manila as one of the destinations in Asia that are getting more and more fun.

Trip Advisor ranked the Philippines' capital region fourth in the list of the top 10 Asian "destinations on the rise."

It followed Jakarta, Indonesia; Kathmandu, Nepal; and Calcutta, India.

Rounding out the list of 10 are Bangalore, India; Luang Prabang, Laos; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Chiang Mai, Thailand; and the Japanese cities of Kobe and Osaka.

"Located on Manila Bay in the South China Sea, and bisected by the Pasig River, the capital of the Philippines is historic and modern, rich and poor," the website said.

It highlighted the walled city of Intramuros as one of Metro Manila's popular sights.

"The capital during Spanish colonization, Intramuros has retained old dungeons and gunpowder rooms but added art galleries and theaters," the website said.

"The city is filled with museums, shops, parks and churches, plus enough nightlife to last until dawn," it added.

This recent accolade for Manila comes as the Department of Tourism on Wednesday launched a new international television campaign promoting entertainment and lifestyle offerings in Metro Manila.

The video dubbed "Sleepless Nights," shows travel, shopping, food options; Manila's clubs and bars at night; as well as other fun events to watch out for.

Trip Advisor meanwhile noted that Manila acts as the gateway to other destinations in the country.

Among the nearby must-see sites it recommended is Corregidor.

"It is called 'The Rock' because it served as the major bastion of Philippine's Allies during World War II," the website said.

In March, Trip Advisor also ranked Boracay Island at the top beach destination in Asia and the sixth in the world.

Globally, Boracay was rated higher than a number of well-known beach destinations in Hawaii, Miami and Mexico.-Yahoo News Philippines (November 15, 2012 5:00PM)

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