...the most beautiful island countries in the world

7 Most Beautiful Island Countries in the World

Diana White
Womanitely.com

 

 

There are a few gorgeous island countries in the world that are definitely worth vising. Summer is fast approaching and that means it’s time to start planning your vacation. While there are many fascinating countries in the world to visit, I think there is something more adventurous, exotic and romantic about visiting an island country. Take a look at the list of 7 breathtakingly beautiful island countries in the world, which everyone should certainly visit at least once in lifetime.

1. Malta

 

 

Malta is a beautiful southern European country in the Mediterranean Sea, which has a rich history and culture. There are amazing sky-high cliffs to climb, fabulous temples to explore, mysterious hidden coves, and lots of wonderful places to go scuba diving. In fact, there are plenty of interesting things to see and to do in Malta and this island country has something for everyone. The historic part of Malta has incredible architecture, great walled cities, and many underground tunnels to explore.

2. The Philippines

 

 

One of the most beautiful and best island countries in the world is the Philippines. It’s actually a geographically gorgeous place worth vising any time of the year. The Philippines contain over 7,000 islands, and all of them are beautiful and unique in their own way. There are many wonderful tourist attractions including the Tubbataha Reef, Mayon Volcano, Banaue Rice Terraces, Puerto Galera, Donsol, the Chocolate Hills and many more. The country also offers plenty of interesting activities for you to experience, such as diving, climbing, camping, hiking, bird watching and many others.

3. Australia

Australia is an amazing island country, which everyone should visit at least once in life. It’s often identified as mega diverse country as it boasts a rich culture, fantastic wildlife, nice people, and a plethora of fun and interesting things to see and to do. Australia has literally everything, from the spectacular beaches, canyons, to breathtaking green forests to explore.

4. The Maldives

Not only is the Maldives one of the most beautiful island countries, it is also one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is made up of an entire series of incredible ancient coral reefs that grew up along the sides of ancient volcanoes. There is a magnificent ocean, with fascinating beaches and luxury resorts. If you are looking for the best honeymoon destination, the Maldives will be perfect for you.

5. Cuba

Unfortunately, many people don’t even think of visiting Cuba these days. However, Cuba is a charming island country that boasts the clear blue waters, the white sandy beaches, the best coral reefs in the world, the small shops and numerous attractions. This country has a rich culture and history to explore. And if you like to scuba dive or snorkel, Cuba should be number one on your travel bucket list. Cuba is the closest island to North America, so why not visit it this year?

6. Fiji

Fiji is a fabulous island that has plenty of surprises for any adventurous traveler. There is one of the world’s best surf scenes, and many surfing enthusiasts travel to Fiji yearly to ride the great waves. Well, if surfing is not for you and you love sitting on the beach and relaxing or hiking, seeing breathtaking waterfalls, Fiji is certainly the best island country to visit.

7. Japan

I’m sure there’s no other place on the planet like Japan. It’s an island country where East meets West, the cultures do not clash, and where you will never feel bored. You will fill up on ramen, sushi, experience different culture, go hiking in the spectacular hills, and don’t forget to visit Tokyo.

Tokyo’s bars, restaurants, pubs, and clubs are busy each night of the week. If you are a true
shopaholic, Japan is a must visit place for you.

These island countries are not to be missed, and we can’t just describe them. You really do have to visit them in person. I know these countries seem to be luxury, but I strongly believe that every person can visit at least one of these beautiful island countries. The difference is that some people can afford to do it now while others have to save money the whole year or two. Do you want to visit any of the countries mentioned above?

 

...the Azkal's FIFA ranking

FIFA Rankings: Azkals move up to 147 in the world, 21st in Asia

 

October 3, 2012

GMA News

 

 

The Philippine Azkals moved up to 147 in the world with 178 points, in the latest FIFA rankings released Wednesday, October 3, buoyed by a month where they won four matches.

Thanks to a win in a friendly against Singapore, and a sweep of the Peace Cup, versus Guam, Macau and Chinese-Taipei, the Azkals moved up three places from last month, and are now 21st in Asia.

Globally, the Philippines is tied with Kazakhstan, which tumbled down five places, with both countries a point shy of Cuba, ranked 146th, with 179 points.

Up next for the Azkals is a trio of friendlies against Bahrain (115 globally, 15th in Asia), Kuwait (112 globally, 13th in Asia) and Singapore (168 globally, 28th in Asia) once more, in preparation for November's Suzuki Cup.

Tops in Asia are Japan (23 globally), South Korea (25 globally), and Australia (34 globally). - AMD, GMA News

...the oldest Chinatown

Soup No. 5 in Manila cited in CNN's most scenic Chinatowns

 

September 17, 2012

GMA News

Binondo in Manila, established in 1594, is said to be the world's oldest Chinatown. Sophia Cuevas

Sneer at it all you want, but the "infamous" Soup No. 5 has been cited by an international travel guide as among the notable features of Manila's Chinatown.

 

 

Manila's Chinatown district was tagged by Cable News Network's CNNGo as one of the nine most scenic Chinatowns in the world.

 

 

It recommended the "infamous Soup No. 5, made from a bulls' testicles," as its Dish to Order.

 

 

Because of the main ingredient, the dish is believed to be an aphrodisiac.

 

 

BlurtIt.com lists it as among the world's weirdest aphrodisiacs, while OverseasPinoyCooking.net has instructions on how to prepare it.
 

On the other hand, CNNGo also recommended that visitors dine at Café Mezzanine above the Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli across Binondo Church.

 

 

While Eng Bee Tin is famous for its hopia ube and other flavored hopias, CNNGo noted part of the restaurant’s income goes to Binondo’s fire volunteers.

 

 

The Ube Engine, the fire volunteers' iconic machine, is parked beside the Binondo Church.

 

 

Other features of Manila's Chinatown that CNNGo cited included the dragon decor in the area.

 

 

It also recommended that the best place to start a tour is on Carvajal Street, also known as "Umbrella Alley" due to the umbrellas at the small street stalls.

 

 

CNNGo also cited the Big Binondo Food Wok tour run by Old Manila Walks, co-owned by tour guide Ivan Man Dy.

 

 

"Each participant on the guided walk is given a souvenir Big Binondo Food Wok Map, which lists restaurant and shops, as well as coupons for businesses in the area," it said.

 

 

The Binondo Church itself was cited as another feature by CNNGo, which described it as the home of the Santo Cristo de Longos (Crucified Christ).

 

 

"In the 16th century, a deaf-mute Chinese supposedly regained the power of speech after finding the image," it said.

 

 

Other scenic Chinatowns cited by CNNGo were in:

• Havana, Cuba
• Kolkata, India
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Johannesburg, South Africa
• Melbourne, Australia
• Vancouver, Canada
• San Francisco, US
• London, UK

...the Certamen International de Juvenile grand winner

PHL children's choir wins grand prize in Spain tilt

May 6, 2012

GMA News

 

 

A Filipino children's choir brought honor to the country by winning the grand prize at the 18th Certamen Internacional de Juvenil de Habaneras 2012 in Spain.

 

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday said the Baao Children's Choir bested seven other finalists at the contest from April 27 to 29 in Torrevieja, Spain.

"Baao Children´s Choir is the first Asian choir to join the said competition. For 2012 alone, more than 40 choirs from around the world auditioned but only eight made it to the finals," it said.

During the competition, the choir, directed by Virgilio Briones, received a standing ovation for singing several songs, including:

- El Negro (obligatory Habanera competition song interpretation)
- Qué bonita es Cuba
- Dicen que se muere el mar (arranged by J. Madurga Oteiza)
- Scenes from the North (arranged by Fidel Calalang Jr.).

The Baao Children's Choir, established in 2003, is a community and church-based choir composed of children aged 11 to 18.

It holds annual auditions and training programs in different public and private schools in Baao town in Camarines Sur province. — LBG, GMA News

...the Asian boxers

Asian boxers dominate world championship

Rey Saludar of the Philippines reaches third round

Agence France-Presse

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

BAKU—Asian Games flyweight champion Rey Saludar of the Philippines reached the third round of the world championships on Sunday with a confident 28-12 win over Tajik Yusufi Safevidin.

The 23-year-old Saludar, who won bronze at this year’s Asian championships, will now face Rau Shee Warren of the United States, who outclassed Ukraine’s Georgiy Chygayev 22-15.

Mongolia’s Tugstogt Nyambayar, the 2009 world championship silver medalist, battled into the third round with a tough 17-14 win over India’s Suranjoy Singh Mayengbam, the Asian Games bronze medalist.

Top-seeded Misha Aloian of Russia, who won bronze at the 2009 world championship, was in complete command against Botswana’s Oteng Oteng, winning confidently 18-5.

Asian Games light welterweight champion Daniyar Eleussinov of Kazakhstan defeated Japan’s Masatsugu Kawachi 14-4 and next meets Hungary’s Gyula Kate, the third seed, who beat Canada’s Yves Ulysse 27-17.

Asian champion Munkh-Erdene Uranchimeg of Mongolia also advanced with a 20-6 win over Lyndel Marcellin of Saint Lucia.

Kazakhstan’s two-time welterweight world champion, and Asian Games winner, Serik Sapiyev outclassed Apichet Seansit of Thailand 16-7 forcing the referee to stop the bout in the second round.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Taras Shelestyuk upset 2008 Beijing Olympics silver medalist Carlos Banteur Suarez of Cuba, 17-15.

In the light heavyweight category Cuba team skipper Julio De La Cruz Peraza experienced few troubles against Caner Sayak of Turkey, winning 17-7 in his second-round bout.

Kazakhstan’s Adilbek Niyazimbetov produced another upset battling into the next round in a tough bout with Asian champion Hyengkyu Kim of South Korea, winning 14-9.

In the super heavyweights, reigning champion Roberto Cammarelle of Italy, who enjoyed an opening round bye, saw off Venezuela’s Jose Payares 17-8.

China’s Zhilei Zhang, the Asian Games gold medalist, also breezed into the third round beating Joseph Parker of New Zealand 15-7.

...the UNHRC council member

PHL assumes UN rights council membership

GMANews – Wed, Jun 29, 2011

The Philippines formally assumed last week its membership in the prestigious United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the Department of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday.

Philippine Permanent Representative Ambassador Evan Garcia said it was an honor for the Philippines to serve as a member of the UN body.

A news release on the DFA website quoted Garcia as saying the Philippines "looked forward to working closely with all members and relevant stakeholders of the Council."

The Philippines had received 183 votes in elections held in the UN General Assembly in May 2011 to re-enter the UN human rights body.

It previously served as a founding member of the UNHRC from 2006 to 2010.

Garcia reported on Philippine initiatives at the recently concluded 17th session of the Human Rights Council. Among the items reported are:1. The HRC adopted by consensus the Philippines and Germany's resolution on combating trafficking in persons, especially women and children, which strengthens the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons.At least 87 countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Japan co-sponsored the resolution.2. The Philippines teamed up with Bangladesh to issue a landmark joint statement on the negative impacts of climate change on human rights, particularly on peoples living in developing countries and small island states.The statement called on the HRC and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to give more attention to the implications of climate change on human rights.

Over 100 countries co-sponsored the joint statement, including all the members of the African Group and Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), as well as Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, Cuba, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Singapore.

Philippine Mission Second Secretary Hendrik Garcia led negotiations on the RP-Germany resolution on combating trafficking in persons and the joint statement on climate change and human rights.3. University of the Philippines Professor Virginia Bonoan-Dandan was appointed by the Human Rights Council as Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity. Dandan previously served as the Chairperson of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

4. Garcia chaired a consultation organized by the OHCHR on draft guiding principles on extreme poverty and human rights.In her opening remarks, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay stressed extreme poverty was both a cause and consequence of human rights deprivation.

For her part, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Magdalena Sepulveda played a leading role in the development of the draft guiding principles.

She received inputs from states and relevant stakeholders, including persons living in extreme poverty.
"She emphasized that empowering persons living in extreme poverty through human rights could help eradicate extreme poverty," the DFA said.

Meanwhile, Garcia said the Philippine government under President Benigno Aquino III attaches highest priority to poverty alleviation.

Garcia also underscored the continuing need to enhance international cooperation and assistance to developing countries to fulfill the Millennium Development Goals and build capacities. — LBG, GMA News

...the Pinoy world music

Human + Folk = Pinoy World Music

By Tony Maghirang | Coke Music Studio

Fri, May 20, 2011

• 

  Humanfolk (NPPA Images)

Humanfolk is a collaborative project anchored on the musical bond between acclaimed jazz guitarist and record producer Johnny Alegre, and avant-garde musician Susie Ibarra.

Johnny Alegre has done seminal work on Pinoy rock and jazz starting from the '70s and his more recent releases with his super-band Affinity have caught the attention of jazz aficionados as far as London and Los Angeles. Fil-Am artist Susie Ibarra, named best percussionist in the 2010 Downbeat Magazine international readers' poll, has worked with such new music leading lights as Matthew Shipp, David S. Ware, Mark Dresser and the late Derek Bailey.

Alegre and Ibarra met while Susie was engaged in research on indigenous Philippine music. Their initial work on a suite composed by Johnny Alegre and news that Johnny was jamming with rising star Susie Ibarra attracted like-minded musicians to their fold including renowned bassist Cynthia Alexander, sound designer Malek Lopez, keyboardist Abby Clutario and Susie's husband, Cuba-born drummer Roberto Juan Rodriquez whose musical chops were honed in the orchestra of the great composer Israel "Cachao" Lopez.

Expansion of repertoire

The cross-pollination of individual talents inevitably expanded the collective's repertoire to new music that incorporates native elements in internationally recognized folk-jazz genres. The nascent Humanfolk naturally leaned towards world music.

Johnny Alegre remembers with pride, "We recorded half the album in one afternoon, 5½ songs actually—five real songs and two ethnic jams. The music had gongs from the Muslims and bamboo instruments from the Igorots. We practically fused elements of our Northern and Southern musical traditions---North meets South!"

The Humanfolk project was a daunting enterprise even for a thirty-year veteran in the Pinoy rock and jazz scene. It also took a while for the project to complete mainly due to conflict in schedules of the multi-national group members. The gaps between sessions would stretch for a year or so on end.

Johnny remembers, "There would be a flurry of activity for a few months. Then Susie would go home to America and go on tour, and the rest of us would all go back to our regular gigs.

"In the end, the project was worth it. I was in good company so I had a feeling we were up to something special. We were actually just exchanging knowledge and the whole thing just fell together."

Natural and graceful mesh

On record, the meshing of traditional Filipino and Western instruments sounds natural and graceful even. While Johnny's electric guitar wizardry has potential to overwhelm, the simple yet tight production gives space for the other players (and their tools—kulintang, keyboards, samples, bongos, etc.) to shine. It's probable that the long wait between studio takes also allowed for fresh inspirations culled from numerous sources to seep into the final proceedings.

Only the opening track "Para Sa Tao" has lyrics and its clincher echoes the Filipino alphabet as in .. pa ra sa ta u wa ya!. The other cuts with titles like "Humanfolk-1", "HF-3", and "Bon Talk" are wordless compositions devoted evidently to display the instrumental dexterity of the musicians involved.

Fortunately, each of the instrumentals has its own hook such as the "Ventura Highway" acoustic guitar strum of "Humanfolk-1" giving way an expansive samba tune. "Humanfolk-4" resounds with the chance meeting of Eumir Deodato and a humming-bird Flora Purim while "Ethnic-HF3" has Seventies jazz fusion written all over its genetic code. Final track, a radio edit of "Para Sa Tao", has a little 3-minute surprise beyond the 7-minute playing time.

Performance

Performed live during the press briefing of the album's release, selected songs drawn from Humanfolk came out alive and kicking, with Alegre and a guest drummer rocking the venue. The overall kinetic interplay of the ensemble headed towards progressive jazz/rock, cool enough to transport most heads to another world.

When asked about the commercial prospects of the album, Alegre said, "I requested my record label MCA to let me do a world music album instead of a new Affinity recording. I argued, 'Let's bring our (Pinoy) music to the rest of the world. Para sa bayan na 'to!'"

MCA Music Phils. managing director Ricky Ilacad could only concur: "I've personally seen how hard these guys have worked for their music. I believe the Humanfok project is as much our way of giving back as theirs."