The burnay (clay pots, jugs, jars) is one of the most important cultural heritage of the region. They even claim that it is stronger than the terracotta of China. In the Western Part of Vigan, good quality clay can be found.…Read More

The burnay (clay pots, jugs, jars) is one of the most important cultural heritage of the region. They even claim that it is stronger than the terracotta of China. In the Western Part of Vigan, good quality clay can be found. The production of burnay was inspired by the trading that happened in the region with the Chinese.

Historically, the burnay was used for various household items like water container, both for drinking and bathing. It is also used for various cooking depending on the size of the pot. Right now, people often buy burnay as decorative items for their homes.

In Vigan, there is a small village called Pagburnayan or "place where burnay is made." Here there are a couple of burnay factories which are open to the public. When we got to one factory, there were actually several calesas stationed there, probably waiting for their clients to finish with the viewing of the pottery making.

It was quite late when we got there, so I was uncertain if we would catch any pottery-making. We were lucky. There was a big group of people and the potter was cleaning his kiln for a demonstration. The potter sprinkled some sand to add some friction to the kiln, then he put some clay and started molding a pot. The procedure was quite fast, probably just lasting over a minute. The potter just spun his kiln and skilfully used his hands to form the burnay jug.

If it were earlier in the day, usually potters would let some tourists have a go at the pottery. I was able to try the last time I was there. The potter spun the kiln while I tried to mold the pot. I was terrible at it, with the mouth of the pot quite messed up in my hands. LOL.

When the potter finished, he removed the jar he made and placed it along with the rest of items that needed to be baked. He then scraped some of the extra mud and threw it back in clay pool.

Outside the factory, there were several vendors selling various items including burnay products. Scattered outside are also deformed burnay jugs and broken burnay. With some good light, photographers would also enjoy taking photos of the place. Best to go there around 8 to 10 AM or 3 to 5PM.Close

The Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes is quite a popular spot for movie locations, often made to look like a desert or a desserted island. Most famous among the Hollywood movies shot here was Platoon, starring Tom Cruise. In the local scene, there have…Read More

The Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes is quite a popular spot for movie locations, often made to look like a desert or a desserted island. Most famous among the Hollywood movies shot here was Platoon, starring Tom Cruise. In the local scene, there have been a lot of classic Filipino movies that were shot in the place. Among these were Panday ("Blacksmith," a folk fantasy flick), Himala ("Miracles," a religious commentary film) and the original and remake of Temptation Island (a campy unintentional comedy about five beauty pageant finalist stuck in a desert island).

Having these films in its roster, it was definitely a must-visit. It was 4.30 PM when we left Paoay to proceed to the Ilocos Sand Dunes. Our problem was we were not sure how to get there. We knew the general direction but had no idea where exactly it was, thus we were hoping there were indicative signs similar to other known locations in Ilocos Norte.

After a while, we came across a spot which had a sign saying "Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes" 2.5KM ahead. The spot was by the Paoay Lake where several travel companies were offering 4X4 rides to the sand dunes as well as sand boarding. This would cost us P2,500 (around $50) which we did not have a budget for the moment.

Since we saw the sign, we knew we were on the right track. However, as we cruised along, we did not see anything that could tell us we were there, so my husband cruised on. After a while I told my husband that we have gone beyond 2.5KM and should start asking people.

This is when the tricky part began. We asked local vendors by the road where the La Paz sand dunes were. They had this confused look on their faces... "sandon? sandyun?" I was a bit alarmed with that reaction. They told us to try and go to Fort Ilocandia, one of the more famous hotels in the area. We decided to go that general direction since we knew that the place was near the sand dunes as well.

As we were reaching Fort Ilocandia, we decided to ask a tricycle driver again. He gave us that blank look again until my husband had the brilliant idea of telling the guy, "that place where they had the Panday shoot?" And there it was, recognition on his face! He said we already passed it and needed to backtrack. He also told us we could proceed to Fort Ilocandia to have a quick view of the place.

Since we were only a short distance away from Fort Ilocandia, we decided to go ahead there. When we reached the place, we saw a small beach resort but not the sand dunes. We asked a security guard about it, and not only did he know where the place was, he told us exactly what to look for. When we backtrack, we had to look for a sign that says "MJG Beach Resort" since it was located by the sand dunes. He told us we can go to the beach and from there we could see some of the dunes.

Since it was sunset, we decided to have a quick go. The sunset was absolutely beautiful! From the beach, we could actually see the dunes. We thought of walking all the way there but figured it might not be a good idea since it was already dusk. We decided to follow the guard's directions.

Finally, we saw the MJG Resort sign and turned right. The road was paved but steep and curving. My husband was a bit worried since there were no lights so we knew we really could not stay long. After 15 minutes, we finally saw a couple of 4x4's parked by the side of a sandy road. We were there!

My husband talked to one of the drivers and informed me that our Toyota Vios can make it up to half kilometer. So we took the car. However, my husband for some reason decided to take the left side of the road but I told him that the right side looks easier to go through. So he steered to the right which became trouble. Our car would not move and the tires were getting buried in the sand! Uh-oh!

It was already more dark than light so he did get worried. I told him to go back to the driver he talked to and see if he could help. I stayed by the car. A few minutes later, a pick up with a bunch of middle aged men came from the dunes and saw our car stuck by the sand. They stopped and asked what the matter was and I explained it to them. They said they will just push the car. With six guys lifting and pushing the car and one of them by the wheel, they were able to get the car out. It was at this time that my husband also came with the 4x4 driver. The one driving drove our car around and brought it back to the waiting area.

Whew! If not for those men, I would have not known what we could have done! It turned out that the one driving was the village captain. I could not be happier seeing a local official than I was that night!

We hardly saw the sand dunes, but boy, did it give us an adventure not to be easily forgotten! Thanks to the kindness of strangers, we made it out safe and sound. Close

The activities in Boracay doesn't end after the sun calls it a day. The island is beaming with life even at night with bars, KTVs, live bands, discos and fire dancers providing the festive atmosphere. Begin a fantastic evening by watching the romantic sunset. The…Read More

The activities in Boracay doesn't end after the sun calls it a day. The island is beaming with life even at night with bars, KTVs, live bands, discos and fire dancers providing the festive atmosphere.

Begin a fantastic evening by watching the romantic sunset. The reflection of the sun's golden rays against the placid sea as it bids adieu to the day is an image to behold, like a photo from a post card.

I love how the paraws sailing like paper boats add life to the picturesque view.

For booze worshipers, Happy Hour in Boracay is always extended until as late as 10pm. Those staying near or along the beach path may find it hard to settle in their beds due to the merry-making at almost every corner of the the long road from Station 1 to 3.

Fire poi dancers take center stage in a lot of hubs; we walked from Station 2 to Station 3 and back and along the way encountered at least 8 bars with fire dancers as their main attraction. Note: all fire dancers we saw that night were men (real men and x-men, if you know what I mean).

Some find it romantic to walk by the beach but there were not enough lights so although it's relatively safe, it may not be the best idea. Same goes for swimming.

The Hubby and I walked by the shore, briefly playing with the soft waves as we trudge towards the other end of the island, but festivities parallel to where we are were too inviting to ignore. Besides, The Hubby was on a food trip so he wanted to stay close to the lane of food carts and stalls. Both of us are also not into alcohol (The Hubby is what most refer to as a social drinker) so the walk, shawarma, gelato and venti latte were good enough to cap the night.

Oh, before I forget, since I mentioned latte.. there is a Starbucks in Boracay, a small 2-storey cafe filled with people of all ages and colors. I find it quite amusing that there are a lot of Manila peeps having their photos taken by or near the Starbucks logo like how people pose with Mickey Mouse in Disneyland. Why? What's so different with the logo in Boracay?

Useful tips before you hit the bars in Boracay:

1. Most hip bars are in Station 2 while less expensive ones are near or in Station 3.

2. Bring a small flashlight if you want to walk by the beach.

3. Wear comfortable footwear if you intend to cover Station 1 to 3. A shawl may be useful since it can get breezy and cool at night.

4. There is no dresscode in most bars but please don't come in you pajamas.

5. For late night dining, some restaurants close at 11pm. Starbucks closes at 12am. Bars and disco houses call it a day usually at 3am.
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One will never go hungry in Boracay, especially at White Beach where there are hundreds of restaurants, cafes, food stalls and food carts all within reach.For those who traveled to Boracay and yet doesn't want to get out of their food comfort zone, dine at…Read More

One will never go hungry in Boracay, especially at White Beach where there are hundreds of restaurants, cafes, food stalls and food carts all within reach.

For those who traveled to Boracay and yet doesn't want to get out of their food comfort zone, dine at familiar restaurants at D'Mall such as Pancake House, Mang Inasal, Cyma, Gerry's Grill. Otherwise, try eating at one of the several restaurants along the beach path (parallel of white beach) offering buffet dinners from Php250 per head up to as much as Php400. Those that charge higher are the ones that serve grilled oysters, prawns and crabs.

We had dinner buffet on our first night (can't remember the restaurant's name). Price per person is at Php350 inclusive of 1 bottle of Pepsi. My mom and The Nanny who doesn't want to do eat-all-you-can were charged only Php150 each for one trip to the buffet station (see what negotiating powers can do, hehe) while the kids ate for free.

The dishes are not superb - some tastes okay, some are good and some are close to mediocre. But the seafood, oh the seafood, makes up for everything.

If you're not into buffet but craves for the 'catch of the day', you can order ala carte and choose from the fresh seafoods on display. Lobsters, grouper, mud crabs, giant squid, and prawns are being sold by grams (minimum of 100g). They are pricey, like ordering from Claw Daddy (even more expensive, ex. Php150/100g for mud crab).

Travellers on a budget can also enjoy a decent lunch at Andok's (D'Mall at Station 2, and another in Station 3) and food stalls like shawarma, sandwiches, dim sums, hotdogs, fruit shakes among many other chows.

As for our experience, we needed to plan our meals and dining venue due to my kids being picky with food. Finding child-friendly restaurants has always been a challenge we face whenever we go out with our children because as much as we like to indulge in gastronomic adventures, we have to consider the kids first and foremost.

So forget about budget meals and exploring Boracay's culinary feast. We had lunch at Pancake House on our second day and on our last day we went to the lone authentic Japanese restaurant - Hama.

My little girl insisted on ordering Prawn Tempura, the ONLY food she wants to eat from the menu. The moment I saw the price on the menu, I wanted to run to the wet market just a few meters away and buy fresh prawns. My golly, Php670 for 5 pieces! That's already about 2 kilos of fresh prawns.

The consolation for me was she and her baby brother ate a lot. The food is also good and for that price tag, they better be.

Useful tips on dining and enjoying good food in Boracay:

1. Eating at the beach/shore is prohibited so if you buy take out food, you have to find a place to sit and eat them (might as well bring the food in your room).

2. If you're staying in an accommodation with kitchen, try cooking at least one meal a day instead of dining out. Head to D' Talipapa (wet market) which is just a few minutes walk from Station 2 and buy seafoods, meat and other fresh ingredients. Remember to haggle :D

3. Don't want the hassle of dealing with knifes and pans? Avail of the paluto services at restaurants (Dampa style) around D'Talipapa.

4. Some food stalls and joints are open 24 hours. Walk along the beach path and I bet you'll find something interesting to munch on every 5 minutes.

Happy Eating!
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I never imagined I will be able to swim with whale sharks (or locally known as butanding) in my lifetime. For one, I can't swim and second to that, I am scared of the open water. But when I was planning for our family trip…Read More

I never imagined I will be able to swim with whale sharks (or locally known as butanding) in my lifetime. For one, I can't swim and second to that, I am scared of the open water. But when I was planning for our family trip to Bicol, I know The Hubby would love the adventure and he deserves the little reward for the 10-hour or more drive so I inserted the Donsol leg into our itinerary despite my hesitation.

It turned out I was the one who loved it more after I realized that not everyone in this planet will have the rare chance to swim with whale sharks I used to just watch in Discovery channel.

We arrived in Donsol a little before 7am, only after less than an hour drive from Legazpi City where we were staying with the kids and my mom. We thought we came early and can get a boat assigned to us immediately. We were wrong. It was Black Saturday and the peak of the peak season. We were number 93 on the boat queue and was advised we may be able to take the tour at 11am, fingers crossed.

The good side with having so many tourists on a peak season is that the likelihood of having other people join you in the boat (and split the cost) is almost certain. The boat fee of Php3500 (with maximum of 6 swimmers per boat) can be quite hefty. Since we'll be looking for the butanding in their natural habitat and considering the vastness of the ocean, there is no guarantee our quest will be successful so better keep the expenses to a minimum, if possible.

We waited for 4 hours before we finally were able to get a boat assignment. The rule is to have only 30 boats at a time out at sea, but due to the influx of tourists during the holiday, they have already sent 45 boats off that morning.

Another couple and 2 oldies from a group of 8 who can't fit into one boat joined us. The 2 oldies are not swimming which means only 4 of us will have to be guided by the BIO (Butanding Interaction Officer). All good.

The boat crew consists of a captain (to drive the boat), 2 spotters (with amazing eyes they can see the whale sharks beneath the water surface and meters away from the boat!) and a BIO (to guide us especially the weak swimmers toward the butanding).

These BIOs and boat crew used to be fishermen who hunted the butandings to sell their fins to Chinese restaurants. In 1998, catching, killing, and selling of whale sharks in the Philippines were officially banned. As an alternative source of income for the fishermen and to deter them from killing the whale sharks, the local government started using the butanding as part of their eco-tourism. It's a win - win situation for both the fishermen and the whale sharks.

When the BIO tells you to get off the boat, you have to do it fast as if your life depends on it. I had to scramble many times to drop myself into the water regardless if the boat is still moving or in slow mo (they wont stop completely, just slow down enough for you to get your butt off the boat without spilling blood into the sea).

I was glad I did jump off the boat. It's not everyday that an opportunity to marvel and swim with the world's largest fish comes my way. It was a rare, amazing and almost magical experience.

These gentle giants of the sea can grow up to 12 meters. Their massive size makes them slow swimmers and reported speed is only at around 3 kph. Despite their size, they only feed on plankton and generally are harmless to humans.

I don't have any formal 'bucket list', but had I made one before I went to this adventure, I would have crossed it off now.

Cost for swimming with the whale sharks:

Boat hire: Php3500 (6 persons max)
Registration: Php100 for locals, Php300 for foreigners
Rental of gears: Php300 per set

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When I watched the episode of Fear Factor where contestants were made to eat Balut, I laughed like a loony. It was hilarious seeing the horror and disgust on those poor people's faces upon seeing the egg that is considered a delicacy in the Philippines.…Read More

When I watched the episode of Fear Factor where contestants were made to eat Balut, I laughed like a loony. It was hilarious seeing the horror and disgust on those poor people's faces upon seeing the egg that is considered a delicacy in the Philippines. I told The Hubby if one of the contestants was Filipino, he would probably ask for more!

Balut is boiled unhatched duck egg that has been allowed to develop for about 15 to 17 days. The nearly developed embryo is what most people, especially foreigners, abhor as it does seem cruel to cook and eat them. Okay, it's abortion, if you really want to be blunt. But if it offers some consolation, balut is mass produced artificially by an incubator so we can stop imaging eggs were forcefully taken from the mother ducks while they were sitting on them.

Foreigner friends who visit are oftentimes challenged into eating this notoriously popular Filipino delicacy, much to their dismay (and our delight). We often say "You've never really been to Philippines unless you eat balut'. How mischievous!

Before we invite any Tom, Dick or Harry to try Balut, I think it's only but proper to orient them on how to eat it. Do you agree?

HOW TO EAT BALUT (Don't continue if you were a duck in your past life):

1. Crack a small opening on one end of the egg. Take a peek. Oops, no duck yet! Are you excited?

2. Sip the small pool of broth inside and savor the delicious taste of duck's amniotic fluid.

3. Remove more shells around the crack to reveal more of the egg's contents. Some prefer to start eating whatever is exposed from the shell, be it the yolk or the duckling. Don't forget to sprinkle with salt (or pour a little vinegar).

4. Others prefer to remove all the shells and expose the entire egg. This way, the eater can see all the 'components' and probably avoid the duck (why don't you just eat hard boiled egg?).

Without the shell , the entire balut is naked and exposed. The duck fetus is almost always noticeable, and depending on its size, all the usual body parts are visible. Sometimes you can trace the runny texture of the feathers in your tongue or feel the crunch of the beak between your teeth.

5. For the adventurous but wise balut-munchers, the only way to eat it is cover their eyes and pop the entire thing into their mouth (minus the white hard part or bato). Yum!

Trivia: Balut is rich in protein but also high in cholesterol. It is believed to be an aphrodisiac and is sold at night.

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Our group reunited when we reached the vehicle stop. It was time for us to trek together. Being always the hungry one, I took my pack of Nagaraya cracker nuts to eat as we started walking. No one seemed to share my…Read More

Our group reunited when we reached the vehicle stop. It was time for us to trek together.

Being always the hungry one, I took my pack of Nagaraya cracker nuts to eat as we started walking. No one seemed to share my enthusiasm for the crackers so I enjoyed it by myself.

Our tour guide also served as our paparazzi as she kept taking pictures of our group with her pink camera. We were informed that the trek could take one hour to one hour and thirty minutes, depending on our pacing. With the way we kept taking pictures at every stop, I figured we would be taking much longer than anticipated.

The trek started a bit easy with a wide road ahead of us. As we progressed, the path became more difficult. While it was still wide, some of the lahar have been chiseled away by the waterflow caused by the rains.

Eventually, the path became smaller and more rocky. There were also more undergrowth. We were already following a silvery stream cascading gently through the lahar and rocks. I did not have much of a problem with the water since I was wearing hiking sandals, but for the others who were wearing boots, much maneuvering was necessary to keep their footwear dry.

We eventually came to a stop with a water closet and a waiting shed for people to rest. It was probably around 30 minutes after we began. After the shed, the path got a little tighter and rockier and grassier. The test of hiking endurance was truly about to begin.

At the beginning of the stop was a sign that showed how long people can expect to get there. What was funny was it said "Young: 15 minutes, Adult: 18minutes, Senior: 20 minutes." I honestly think it's a joke that no one should take seriously. The guide told us that she does not know who gauged the time for that because she has not known anyone to have made it according to the sign, even for those expert guides.

Nonetheless, I timed my watch to see which category we belong according to whoever it was that defined the times. We kept on walking and surprisingly in good time. We did take a photo break somewhere, so I stopped my watch for that. When the watch struck 15, I shouted "we are out of your youth and into our adulthood!" And when it struck 18, I had to tell people, "folks, i am sorry to say, we are senior citizens already."

When the guide informed us that we were finally there, my watch struck 25 minutes. Ah well... we can not all be young forever, noh?

It did not matter how long it took us, however. When we saw the crater, we could not helped but be awed by its beauty.Close

The package tour for our trek to Mt. Pinatubo's crater began with a ride of a four-wheel drive. Each vehicle can bring four passengers and a tour guide to the hiking site. My husband and I were with Risa and Nick in our…Read More

The package tour for our trek to Mt. Pinatubo's crater began with a ride of a four-wheel drive. Each vehicle can bring four passengers and a tour guide to the hiking site. My husband and I were with Risa and Nick in our white four by four. The weather was a little unpredictable. While the day started out a bit drizzly, as we made our way through streches of lahar, the sun was already beating down hard.

What we actually call lahar is volcanic ash, remnants from Pinatubo's explosion in 1991. What used to be a rich expanse of agricultural land was covered with sulfuric ash. There is hope yet, with more and more plants growing. People are starting to try and plant crops in the lahar. Many have succeeded but it will take a while before agriculture will flourish once more.

A giant river and several streams snaked its way through the lahar. It was another sign that after the destruction the explosion caused, nature is experiencing a rebirth.

The tour guide had the jeep stop at a fork in the road. We were instructed to try out the stream on the left fork. Lo! It was nice and warm. The water was coming from a hotspring far ahead. I could have stayed a while and just enjoyed the water, but our path was different. We took the right fork and continued on the road that will lead us to the starting path of our trek to the Pinatubo crater.

The terrain was starting to incline and it was also then that we realized it was indeed important to have a four by four vehicle instead of the usual kind. Ash was not exactly the best road condition to drive in, that's why. There were a few bumps and kinks on the road, but nothing that a good driver can not maneuver.

We passed by some children panning gold the old fashioned way. There were farmers and their carabao lugging some sacks of produce. Houses were few and far in between, but as you passed homes, colorful laundry lined their yards. Little children took a quick break from picking rocks from the river to wave at us, the water winking slyly in the sun.

It was a good start of the day. Those of us in the jeep were feeling quite upbeat until we finally reached the starting point of the trek.

There were several other vehicles parked. From where we were, we could see the other groups who have gone ahead to take an hour's hike to the mountain.

We got off. I was excited!Close

It was the small planes' turn to be a star sometime before lunch. There were several colorful single-seater planes that streaked in the air, breaking the light blue sky. Many of the planes come from different countries.The gang and I were a distance…Read More

It was the small planes' turn to be a star sometime before lunch. There were several colorful single-seater planes that streaked in the air, breaking the light blue sky. Many of the planes come from different countries.

The gang and I were a distance away from the air field so I was wondering why the planes were just doing the same thing over and over. From my perspective I can see them following each other traveling the same path. In other words, they seemed to be just flying like a normal single seater plane which I did not think was the reason why some of the audience were cheering.

Curious about why the people seem to be transfixed at the airfield, we came nearer. Finally, I discovered what the fuss was about -- the planes were trying to water bomb a moving Pajero! So that's why. I watched as one plane after another tried to hit the vehicle. The water bomb was all over the place, except the Pajero. The most I was able to witness was a close shave of about a couple of feet from the jeep.

While the planes failed to hit their target, I still commend them for putting on an enjoyable show. I don't think it would be easy to hit a moving target when you are moving yourself. I do suggest, that to add to the excitement, maybe they could start with trying to hit a steady object first. At least that could put to light whether the pilots are really just bad shots or the difficulty is really with the moving object.

Nonetheless, I had a great time watching six to seven planes attempt to be the first one successful in hitting the vehicle. No one may have succeeded but people were still entertained. It was a good addition to the "everything that flies" them of the hot air balloon festival. Close

Clark Airfield is about two hours away from Manila with light traffic, so it is possible to go the festival on a day trip. But it would mean leaving Manila at around three in the morning. The hot air balloons are pumped around…Read More

Clark Airfield is about two hours away from Manila with light traffic, so it is possible to go the festival on a day trip. But it would mean leaving Manila at around three in the morning. The hot air balloons are pumped around 5.30 and released at 6.00. The pumping of the balloons is as exciting as seeing them fly so it is a must-see!

Our group decided to stay overnight in Angeles City so we can enjoy a bit of the the city outside the festival. We did get a chance to eat the sisig it is known for. We were supposed to leave the hotel at five in the morning, but being late risers, we were thirty minutes behind schedule. It was already traffic going to Clark Airfield but at least it was moving. Any later and the traffic would be a crawl.

As we were approaching Clark Airfield, we could already see the balloons from a distance. They were already pumped and ready to go. I saw a turtle, a barn, a sun wearing shades, a beer and a bunch of regular-shaped hot air balloons. As we drew nearer, the balloons were being released into the sky. It was an awesome spectacle. Despite my meager camera lens, I still took photos. They were teeny-tiny dots on my camera. There were also some paragliders going around and around the airfield area.

Parking was quite a task. We paid P50 parking fee. It was probably half a kilometer away from the entrance. Since the balloons were already out, it was fine because some of them flew over our heads.

The lines for the event were quite long but like the traffic was moving quite nicely. It was once you were inside that things get difficult. There was a bottleneck to the venue so it was like a bunch of people sardines being moved by the force behind you that one's own free will that actually got you from one place to another. Thank God it was only a short stretch, so in five (excruciating) minutes we were free of the sardine crowd and was just in the ordinary crowd of people... with breathing space and a view other than heads.

We placed our mat in the middle of the first free space that we saw. It was around 8.30 and the commentator was announcing that the balloons were being brought down to make way for the airplane show.

It was a funny sight seeing a giant beer land in the middle of the field and slowly deflate into a giant brown cloth on the ground. The turtle and the barn also gently landed near the hangar. As the turtle slowly deflated, it's grin seemed to linger like Alice in Wonderland's chershire cat. The cow, the pig and the farmer inside the barn smiles lingered as the barn deflated.

That would not have been the last that we would see of them because they were to make a come back for the night glow.

The night glow began at 5.30 in the afternoon. The trucks carrying the baskets and the balloons started laying their cloths flat on the ground. There was a fan that they used to blow inside the balloons to give it shape. Once there was adequate shape, they heated up the air inside the balloon. The turtle, the barn, the groovy sun and the rest of the balloons were back. The beer was conspicuously missing. With the sky already dark, there was a different effect on the balloons as the fire raged inside their bellies. It was a beautiful, colorful effect as the fire inside illuminated the balloons which provided a beautiful contrast against the darkness. The fires danced to accompanying music, making it an audio-visual delight for its audiences. As the music ended, the festival ended with fireworks from the distance.

There was a crowd when we came in, there was the same crowd when we left. People this time were chattering with excitement from what they have witnessed.

It is definitely a wonderful experience, and one I would recommend for families and groups to share together. :)Close