MANILAS TRUE RULER: JEEPNEYS AT THE WHEEL

While in the Philippines, Jeepneys are the most common form of public transport, particularly in Manila City. They are the kings of the road, fast and cheap, making them the most relevant mode of transportation to move in and around the city. 

Although they don't have air-conditioning, they do have open windows, and the routes they take are usually written on the side of the body. During peak hours, they can become quite packed inside.

Jeepneys are actually of American origin, derived from old American Jeeps. During World War II, the American military used Jeep to fight against the Japanese, and when they left the country at the end of the war, hundreds of Jeeps were sold or given to the Filipinos. This is one of the remnants left in the Philippines by the Americans. Since then, Jeepneys have been used by the locals as small buses to transport people or carry goods, and they have two long seats running from front to back.

Exploring the Philippines and discovering its unique heritage and culture is an incredibly fun experience, and riding a Jeepney is a must-do while traveling in the country.

Try Jeepney while traveling in the Philippines. 

HOW SAFE YOUR CHAT APPS?

Users of chat messaging services such as WhatsApp and WeChat should be concerned about the security of data shared through their mobile applications. There are many more chat apps being used, such as KakaoTalk and LINE, but few people consider the data being stored by the service provider and whether it is encrypted.

Encryption is a simple concept: you send a message to a friend using a code you have created, such as A becoming D and B becoming E. You and your friend have already agreed that the code will be 'shifted by 3', so either you or your friend can decode it. Other people who receive the message cannot read anything out of it. The same method is used in computers, but with more complex keys for encryption. Unfortunately, this does not apply by default to anything you share through chat services, including text, images, music, or videos.

When it comes to online safety, it is not only about chat messaging services, but also the usage of many online storage providers (cloud storage) such as Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, OneDrive, and many more. The data stored by these providers is not encrypted, leaving you vulnerable.

It may be time to switch to an alternative storage provider such as SpiderOak, which encrypts data and respects your privacy. While their amount of free storage is not as generous as other providers, you can be sure that your data is secure, unlike with Dropbox and others.

Start using chat apps that provide end-to-end encryption between devices. Explore Telegram or RedPhone Messenger. Telegram has a secret chat feature that self-destructs messages after the conversation. No data is stored on Telegram servers during secret chats. Additionally, Telegram is offering a $200,000 prize to the first person who can crack its encryption.

VISITING THESSALONIKI, GREECE IN 2012

Nestled in the Thermaikos Gulf, Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and is located approximately 520km north of Athens. I had the chance to visit this charming city during the autumn of 2012 while traveling for WOMEX, the World Music Expo. 

Thessaloniki is full of historical sites, from Byzantine monuments to Ottoman-era hammams, giving it a unique beauty and character. During my visit, I explored the city's traditional market, visited the famous Aristotelous Square, and watched the stunning sunset from the waterfront in the city centre. 

The culture of the Greek people in Thessaloniki is beautiful and elegant. The locals are incredibly friendly and helpful, and the city is incredibly safe. On one night, three teenage students helped us find the only Indian restaurant in the city, and refused to take a dollar note from a friend of mine who wanted to gift them. 

Thessaloniki is a great destination for those seeking adventure, with easy access to both Athens and Istanbul by road. I would suggest at least three nights stay, and for the best updates, check out the Visit Thessaloniki Facebook page. The person handling the page is incredibly friendly and helpful.

MOBILE INTERNET IN GREECE

Vodafone SIM card bought for 10 euro

After a long and tiring flight with multiple layovers, all I wanted was a hot shower and an internet connection. Fortunately, I was able to find a convenient solution for my internet needs while abroad. 

Upon arriving at The Met Hotel in Thessaloniki, I stopped by a nearby grocery store where I was able to purchase a prepaid SIM card for only 10 euros. The shop owner spoke good English with a strong Greek accent, and he had all the SIM cards I needed. When I asked if the card came with an internet connection, he replied with a chuckle, "Internet on the phone? I don't know, but you can make a call!"

Other than phone cards, the kiosk also selling this.

I had assumed that all prepaid SIM cards nowadays come with internet access, but when I inserted the SIM card, I was met with a popup notice saying it was not provisioned. When I told the shop owner, he asked me what a Blackberry was. I explained that it was a phone that could access the internet, similar to an iPhone. He then said that if I couldn't make a call, it wasn't a good phone. 

Back at the hotel, the helpful receptionist informed me that the issue wasn't technical, but rather a political decision for security reasons. She explained that the only way to get a prepaid mobile internet subscription in Greece was to sign up for a monthly contract, which was a postpaid plan. She also mentioned that it was difficult to get a postpaid mobile internet subscription and not really worth it for tourists staying in Greece for a short period.

Thessaloniki Stunning Sunset

  Thessaloniki Waterfront 

                                                

RAMADHAN FULL OF BLESSINGS

Ramadhan is the month in which the Muslims will fast from dawn to dusk. Everyday in Ramadhan is full with blessings. 

10 FOLD REWARD: The time of iftar (breaking of the fast) is a blessed moment for acceptance of prayers. Further, if a person invites another person to iftar he earns the reward of another Saum. Subsequently if you invite ten persons to iftar (even with a date or curd) you get reward of ten Saum in one day.

70 TIMES REWARD: Voluntary prayers (sunat) is considered as obligatory (fardhu), and obligatory prayer is rewarded seventy times more in Ramadhan. The reward is increased to 100,000 times when prayers performed in the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

TARAWEEH, THE GIFT OF RAMADAN: Generally one part of the Holy Qur'an is recited daily in Taraweeh thus according to Hadith, when the full recitation of Qur'an is completed, 70,000 angels pray for the people attending it.

NIGHT OF POWER: Lailatul Qadr is one of the greatest gifts of Allah during Ramadan. This night is more virtuous than a thousand months. You get the reward of worship for more than 30,000 nights if you worship in this night, which is equivalent to 83 years and 4 months. This night lies within the last 10 days of Ramadan every year. Most people offer prayers on these nights.

SALAATUL-LAIL: The last 10-nights of Ramadan are the most rewarding. People offer Tahajjud during these nights. This prayer is offered during the last 10-tights in the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah attended by over a million people.

REWARD OF HAJ: An Umrah performed during Ramadan is equal to a Haj, according to Hadith. In another version of the Hadith, it is equal to a Haj performed with the Holy Prophet s.a.w.

SPENDING ON THE FAMILY: Everyone wish to spends on their family to increase the joy of thier wife and children during Eidul Fitr. According to Hadith whatever a person spends modestly on their family is considered Sadaqa or a monetary worship.

FASTING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: If a person observes fasting for 6-more days after Eid (or in the month of Shawwal) he/she gets the reward of fasting the whole year - according to Hadith. However it is not obligatory.

WINNERS AND LOSERS: The people who observe Ramadan with full devotion and care have been promised great rewards by Almighty Allah. Those who do not care for Ramadan or spoil their fasting by bad habits, a painful punishment awaits them. Ramadan is the best chance to win Allah's pleasure and His forgiveness. Allah says that, "The Fasting is for me and I shall grant (enormous) reward for it".   

Ref:  Abu Tariq Hijazi compilation

ETHNIC GROUP IN SARAWAK

Classified as among the lowest population growth in Malaysia, Sarawak's population according to census in 2010 was only 2,399,839. As the largest state in Malaysia, the population density is approximately 22 people in one square km.

The Iban from Batang Lemanak near Batang Ai.

Here are the Classification of Ethnic Group in Sarawak :

MALAY
Beliun | Narum | Beluru

MELANAU
Bintulu | Kenowit | Matu | Rejang | Seduan | Segalang | Tanjong

IBAN
Balau | Batang Ai | Batu Blah | Maloh | Milikin | Sebuyau | Undup

BIDAYUH
Buker/Sadong | Biatah | Bau/Jagoi | Singgie | Selakau | Lara

BISAYA
Belait | Tutong

KEDAYAN

KAYAN

KENYAH
Badang | Berawan | Kiput | Lelak | Lirong | Murik | Nyamok | Sebob | Sipeng

KELABIT
Saban | Tabun

MURUT
Tagal

PENAN
Punan | Tatau

OTHERS
Bukitan | Kejaman | Lahanan | Sekapan | Lugat | Lisum | Sian | Ukit/Bukit

CHINESE
Cantonese | Foochow | Hakka | Henghua | Hokkien | Hailam [Hainanese] |Teochew


Ref:

"Mapping the People of Sarawak", Professor Michael Leigh,  Inaugural Director of the Institute of East Asian Studies, UNIMAS, 2002.

[edit]

RWMF 2012 LINE-UP REVEALED

This July 13-15, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will be celebrating its 15th anniversary in Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak in Borneo. With 12 international line-ups and 4 Malaysian bands, including two from Sarawak, the festival promises to be an unforgettable experience. 

On the first night, the Sarawakian-born internationally renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist, Zee Avi, will be performing with a band from the USA. Zee Avi, who recently became the Tourism Ambassador for Sarawak, is sure to bring a unique and exciting energy to the festival.

Raiz De Cafezal of Brazil for RWMF 2012

The international performers include Raiz De Cafezal, a group of Brazilian Amazonian Indians with a lady dancer, Oreka TX from Spain, La Zikabilo of France, String Sisters, a group of fiddlers from Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavian countries and the USA, Kanda Bongo Man of Congo, Cankisou from the Czech Republic, Daniel Waro from the Reunion Island, Hata-The One, a group of musicians from Malaysia, Korea, Turkey and Taiwan, Khusugtun from Mongolia, Mamadou Diabate from Burkina Faso, and Le Trio Joubran from Israel/Palestine. 

This year's RWMF is sure to be an unforgettable experience, so don't miss out on the chance to rock in the rainforest!

HUMPBACK DOLPHIN NEAR KUCHING SARAWAK

Have you ever wanted to watch dolphins without having to travel abroad? Well, now you have the chance to explore this majestic marine life right here in Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia! On my fifth dolphin trip last week, I was lucky enough to have a truly unforgettable experience. 

For those who are interested, I would highly recommend booking a tour with a registered tour agent in Kuching or an experienced boatman in Santubong. As these are wild animals, there is no guarantee that they will make an appearance during your trip, but your boatman can ensure that you have a fascinating wildlife experience.

We set off from the fishing village of Santubong, located at the foot of the majestic Santubong Mountain, and headed towards Bako National Park. Here, we were lucky enough to spot the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin. These dolphins change colour as they get older, and when they are young they have a speckled appearance, becoming pinker as they age. This species is found in shallow tropical waters and feeds on fish, octopus, and squid.

PENANG WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL IS COMING BACK !

18 international World Music performer lined-up, Penang World Music Festival (PWMF) is coming back this year after about three years being suspended.

Penang Tourism Development and Culture is hoping the return of PWMF this year will be better and to put it back among the major music event within the region. 2012 considered the third organising year and the success of the Sarawak's Rainforest World Music Festival has always been seen by many as the boundary to rate its success measure.

Among the Malaysian act to heat-up the night stage will be the Penang Dhol Blasters (Penang), Kumpulan Minah Moh (Negeri Sembilan), Aseana Percussion Unit (Kuala Lumpur), Geng Wak Long (Kelantan) and representing East Malaysia is Didit Dinai from Sarawak. Other international performer are Gus Teja World Music (Bali), Tori Ensemble (South Korea), Wild Marmalade (Australia) Maite Hontele (Columbia) Kalja Ridim Klan (Vanuatu) and Beoga (Ireland).  

Penang World Music Festival will take place at the Botanical Garden for three nights from March 30 to April 1. The event organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, while the management consultant of the event is UCSI Communications. More updates at www.penangworldmusic.com/ .

ROTI JOHN, A TASTE OF MIRI

I had never been a fan of Roti John until I first travelled to Miri, Sarawak, a few years ago. I had tried it in other places in Kuala Lumpur, but I found it to be quite unappetizing. I also couldn't understand why the burger stalls near Mega Hotel in Miri were always so busy at night, especially on weekends. It didn't look much different from other types of burgers, but Roti John is physically longer than a normal burger, usually cut into pieces.

On my recent visit to Miri after a long journey to Brunei, my friend Emy from a Legal Aid Organization recommended that I go there to satisfy my late-night hunger. I initially said I didn't even want to eat Roti John, but she insisted that it was a must-go place in Miri. I have to admit that there is no other Roti John in Malaysia that is as good as the one in Miri.

We drove to the place that night and near Mega Hotel, there were several burger stalls selling the best Roti John in town. It was truly a delight to have it again after almost two years. It had a variety of flavors with a delicious combination of mayonnaise and battered egg, and you could choose between beef or chicken.

If you ever find yourself in Miri, Sarawak, I highly recommend that you try this local fast food. I personally rate it as one of the best in Malaysia.

/original article through Emy in 2011.

CREATING BEST TWITTER BIO

Maybe one of the most important for twitter users to understand when creating the new account is to have their best Twitter Profile Bio. This is the most potential followers will check when they view our page. One shouldn't leave this part blank because people might think that you are spammers or else. 

Your profile bio must say what you do and what you like. The best is to add in URL that link followers to your real site. Create your profile bio with personal touch and informative with personality as this will help potential followers to understand well what is all about you. Some might listed only an easy 'Search Keywords' but it best to make it readable in sentence. Example of mine:

Twitting Travel Info & News Event. Media Relations, Communications & Tourism. Chat about Borneo Jazz & Rainforest World Music Festival in Borneo. Twitter Celebrity at http://www.blog.gustinotravel.com/   

Hopefully these tips might helps!.

WHO'S ON STAGE THIS YEAR - RWMF 2011

Rainforest World Music Festival 2011?. Every year must certainly be something new and all 22 bands this year will make their debut appearance on the stage. They are coming from across the globe from a host of genres making for a truly unique world music experience.

Among them are the Pacific Curls of New Zealand,  Mamak Khadem  (Iran), Startijenn (France),   The Blue Canyon Boys (USA), Lisa Haley & The Zydekats (USA), The Shin (Georgia), Iskwew (Canada), Frigg (Finland), Malick Pathe Sow (Senegal), Agungbeat (Sabah, Malaysia), Victor Valdez Trio (Mexico/Australia), Ilgi (Latvia), Leweton Women's Water Music (Vanuatu), Kamerunga (Australia), Kissmet (India/UK), Paddy Keenan Trio (Ireland), DuOud (Tunisia/Algeria), Joaquin Diaz (Dominican Republic), Kamafei (Italy), Kenge Kenge (Kenya) and Warsaw Village band (Poland).

Representing Sarawak is a very own Masters of the Sape' from Ulu Baram, at the northern part of Sarawak.

Check it out ! Rainforest World Music Festival on the second weekend of July this year.

BLUESMAN JOHN HAMMOND TO HIT THE BORNEO JAZZ 2011

Another Grammy award winner to heat up this year's jazz festival in Sarawak, Borneo. The Bluesman John Hammond from USA schedule to hit the second night stage at Borneo Jazz in Miri city. 

With seven times Grammy nominations, John Hammond has so many stories to tell, including putting the band together for the young Jimi Hendrix that launched his international career. Hammond has also repeatedly been voted as one of the world's top ten blues artist. Over two dozen album over the four decade career it is no more surprise therefore that he will be the main highlights among the Borneo Jazz line-up this year.

The jazz festival which recently re-branded as "Borneo Jazz" is stepping into its 6th edition this year. Discount tickets offers online whilst it is also possible to purchase at the festival entrance.

Read more about Miri, Sarawak www.sarawaktourism.com or Borneo Jazz at www.jazzborneo.com/

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KUTA ALLEYWAYS & BALI EXPERIENCE

I had decided to take a vacation in Bali when Shiddiely, Cindy, and I found an incredibly affordable offer for flight tickets about a year prior to our departure. We chose to stay in Kuta while we were there, a vibrant and bustling city known for its stunning beaches and unique culture.

   

This area of town is known for its grungy atmosphere and narrow alleyways, which are lined with budget-friendly eateries and shops. Accommodations that cater to this demographic are plentiful and can be found throughout the maze of alleyways between Jl Kuta Beach and Jl Legian. Although we had already made reservations for a hotel in Bali, we discovered many more affordable options while exploring the area. Most budget hotels come with a complimentary breakfast.

I was not particularly interested in exploring the food options in the Kuta area, as the majority of Balinese cuisine is not halal and my friend Shiddiely would not be able to partake. However, Cindy was intrigued by the prospect of trying Babi Giling, though she never got the chance. It is worth putting in the effort to find places that offer a variety of menu options and frequenting those that have a good turnout, as this is a good indication of the quality and freshness of the food. Unfortunately, cleanliness may not be a priority for these establishments due to time constraints.

Though most people do not enjoy the presence of beggars, I did not encounter any during my first two days in Kuta. However, on our way to Legian, we noticed a mother and her child sleeping in the shadows of an alleyway. Compared to other parts of Indonesia, Kuta appears to have fewer beggars and the situation is not as dire as one might expect in a tourist destination. We also encountered a group of young girls selling pens and pencils as souvenirs, rather than begging from European tourists. It was heartening to see that they were making an honest effort to make a living.

Another common experience in Kuta is the service offered to braid hair, or Kepang Rambut in the local dialect. On their first day, Cindy and Fiza were also offered the service. A group of ladies offered their services for a very low price, much cheaper than the services at a hair salon. As they walked along the deserted beach, the ladies kept begging them to let them tie their hair into cute little pleads for a minimal price. Despite the tempting offer, Cindy and Fiza refused and quickly walked away. The farther they went, the lower the price dropped!
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TRAVEL WITH BLACKBERRY IN 2011 - BALI EXPERIENCE

Cindy & Fiza - First thing to do at the Arrival in Bali

When I first arrived in Bali, I had little hope of getting my Blackberry connected to a local carrier, as I had experienced in Kalimantan. 

Upon arriving at the hotel near Jl Poppies 1, myself, Deli, Cindy, and Fiza went to a nearby shop to purchase a new local SIM card. We were fortunate to find Eddy, the helpful owner of the kiosk, who sold us a starter-pack of AXIS for Rp50,000, which included Rp2000. Although it was easy to get a SIM card in Bali, I have to admit that the reliability was not as good as I had hoped. The 3G connection was also quite slow, and it would often disconnect every few minutes.

Deli 'Checked-in' at Kuta Beach

Overall, getting a SIM card in Bali was a pleasant experience, despite the expensive phone plans and potential for being cheated. The service was average and the rates were cheap. Even though the network was not very reliable, we were still glad to get our phones hooked up with a local carrier. This enabled us to tweet, Facebook, email, and access information about almost everything regarding the island, which was invaluable to us.

RWMF TOP 5 MUSIC FESTIVAL IN ASIA

Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) was listed amongst the Top Five festivals in Asia by ContentCreatorZ, an international website. This augurs well for the festival which is making a name for itself in the international music scene and thus also putting Sarawak on the world tourism map.

Leweton Women's Water Music from Vanuatu
among the group perform at RWMF 2011

ContentCreatorZ’s website lists key events and festivals from around the globe. Rainforest World Music Festival was rated in the Top Five amongst other acclaimed music festivals in Asia. Amongst the festivals lauded are Seoul World DJ Festival in South Korea, Beijing Pop Festival, Jaffna Music Festival and Madras Music Season which is held in India.

RWMF which features world famous World-Music artist from all over the world will be held in Santubong near Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak in the island of Borneo. The days of festival are filled with jamming session in each ethnic houses within the Sarawak Cultural Village which also involved close interaction audience with the performers. Evenings fill the air with music on the stage with the rainforest jungle as the backdrop.  

More info about RWMF at http://www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com/
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RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL 2011 LAUNCHED

Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2011 was officially launched today by the Sarawak Tourism Minister. The festival will be held on July 8 to 10 in Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

The organiser has confirmed participation from by Startijenn of France, Pacific Curls of New Zealand, Mamak Khadem of Iran, The Blue Canyon Boys from USA, Lisa Haley & The Zydekats also USA, The Shin of Georgia in Eastern Europe, Ikswew of Canada, Frigg from Finland, Malick Pathe Sow of Senegal, Agungbeat, the only Malaysian represents, Victor Valdez Trio of Mexico/Australia, Ilgi from Latvia, Hanggai of China, Kissmet of India/UK, Paddy Keenan Trio from Ireland, Duoud from Tunisia/Algeria, Joaquin Diaz from Dominican Republic, Kamafei from Italy, Kenge Kenge from Kenya and Warsaw Village band from Poland.

The festival venue capacity is the matter but the festival organizers hope to attract a crowd of at least 21,000 for the whole 3 nights event. 70% from outside the state of Sarawak are the target which will thus augur well for the local business people as well as contributing to the tourist arrival numbers into Sarawak which was the main role of their Tourism Board. The organizer has also promised to make an efforts to move towards making this year's Music Festival a greener festival.

Festival’s official website www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com.

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MIRI JAZZ FESTIVAL IS NOW ‘BORNEO JAZZ’

Borneo Jazz new Image

Miri International Jazz Festival (MIJF) is now renamed Borneo Jazz.  The rationale behind this change is to bring the event at par with other international festivals. This renaming is also to capitalize on the destination Borneo, a name which conjurs images of a magical destination. With this change, comes a reimaging to reflect the vibrancy of this festival and the destination. The event will be held at the Parkcity Everly Hotel, Miri, Sarawak in the island of Borneo from May 13-14, 2011.

The organization of the festival for 2011, will be undertaken by STB Leisure & Properties, a subsidiary of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB). STB however will continue to focus on the marketing and promotion of the event itself.

The organiser is in the midst of designing the packages to attract visitors, so visitors would be able to attend the festival at night and visiting places of interest during the day.

SINGAPORE GRASS ROOT LEADERS’ RETREAT IN SARAWAK

Ms Irene Ng meet Datu Ik Pahon at Seafood Dinner

A group of 69 key grass root leaders from Singapore recently visited Kuching for a retreat in the state.



Led by Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong (Members of Parliament, Singapore), the group had been touring surrounding of Kuching including a visit to local a village’s Gahat Mawang in Serian on December 3. Here they have been intermingling with the villagers and local grass root leaders where they also have a dinner in the village involve the local community.

GREAT ORANG UTAN PROJECT AWARDED IN LONDON

Great Orangutan Project, a project run by Way Out Experiences, has been highly commended in the Best volunteering organisation category at this year's Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards. This award which was launched in 2004 are run in association with partners World Travel Market, Metro Newspaper and Geographical Magazine industry.