Hong Kong Art Attack

When the name Hong Kong comes, the first thing that comes to mind is its arts and crafts. For centuries, Chinese arts and craft have formed a significant part of China's total exports. In Hong Kong, ancient Chinese arts and craft are widely available in several department stores and retailers in Wan Chai, Kowloon, and in Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong's close proximity to China enables these artefacts to be brought in for sale. Furthermore, the cost of manufacturing in Hong Kong is much too high. Hong Kong is a city that has the mixture of both Eastern and Western flavour. Various ancient artefacts of Chinese tradition still exist in the city. Porcelain, embroidery, brocade, carpets, jade products, carvings and paper decorations called 'scissor-cuts' are considered traditional Chinese arts and craft.

Cultural Kaleidoscope of Hong Kong

Hong Kong has gone through over 150 years of colonialism, making it like no other place on earth. Despite the strong Chinese and British influences on the island, it has a distinct identity. They are more inclined towards Eastern culture and do adhere to Chinese traditions, significance is given to eastern values like family solidarity, respect for elders, courtesy and saving face. Hong Kong has an extraordinary past which matches its extraordinary present. It is a unique experience shaped by a distinctive past and dreams of the future, an age-old synthesis of cultures and traditions that opens a window into what will be, while embracing what has passed. Tea Tasting and appreciation, Tai Chi, Chinese medicines, Cantonese Opera, Kung Fu, Feng Shui are all very much a part of the Hong Kong culture.

Sights and Sounds of Hong Kong

For the compact island it is, Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions. Hong Kong can be divided into 3 main sections. Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories. Apart from these places one can discover, there are pretty islands dotted around its coast. Hong Kong island is the heart and soul of the city. Hong Kong itself is subdivided into districts like Central, Wanchai, Admirality and Causeway Bay. What you can cover in this part is The Peak, Man Mo temple, Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Convention Centre. You can take the Star ferry to Kowloon, extremely popular with travellers. Again is divided into districts. Tsim Sha Tsui with Nathan Road is one of the busiest places in Hong Kong. The Waterfront and Mong Kok are the other areas. The New Territories include a lot of beaches, and actually is residence to a lot of people who have moved there. You cannot stay here if you are a visitor, because its too far and there isn’t much to see apart from its beautiful beaches. The Outlying Islands include Lamma Island and Lantau Island, home to Hong Kong Disneyworld and Giant Buddha.

Fragrant Harbour Hong Kong

Hong Kong can overwhelm you. The busy streets, the traffic, the densely populated city, the packed pavements, bustling lifestyle, the aromas of food on almost every street – all these attack your senses. But once the initial wave is over, you find that Hong Kong is an absolutely delightful place, safe and extremely well organised. Hong Kong’s personality is mostly Chinese bearing strong British influences due to the long term British Colonization. It is one of the major tourist destinations in South East Asia. Along with Macau, it is the Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China, though the economic and political system differs from the one governing China. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world and is one of the leading international financial centres. The Hong Kong Dollar is in the top 10 most traded currencies in the world. Hong Kong sits at the mouth of Pearl River and means Fragrant Harbour.

Malling in Manila

All tourists love a bit of shopping. Nowadays, malls are the venues for you to shop, dine, catch a movie, or even do a little bit of grocery shopping for the home. You want to go to the mall that not only caters your needs, but also your heart’s desires. Something that catches the eye or something ethnic, perhaps a souvenir. People who feel Bangkok and Hongkong are the destinations in Asia will be pleasantly surprised. Manila has some of the biggest malls in Asia and crowds throng the place. The people call going to the malls, malling. Air conditioning is a relief from the heat in Manila. Shopping, especially at malls, is a passion with many Filipinos. There are huge malls all over the greater Manila area. Although often very crowded and noisy, they are clean, air conditioned and generally safe. For many, who may not find mall shopping quite as interesting, there are some wonderful book stores, handicraft stores, antique shops, and true "specialty" stores", for custom made items, like shoes, furniture etc. A day in a mall offers a selection of restaurants, theatres, all types of stores, beauty salons, spas, clinics, play areas and wonderful rides for children, furniture shops, etc. under one roof.

Filipino Food

The food in Philippines is often labelled as a unique mix of eastern and western cuisine. With 400 years of outside influence, the food is a fascinating blend of Malay, Spanish and Chinese cultures. Filipino food is often labelled as mild and bland. Rice is their staple food and served with almost every meal. Coconuts are used liberally. The waters surrounding Philippines provide over 2,000 species of fish, which is why fish is eaten very regularly. For a country comprising of over 7,000 islands, there are just a handful of 'national' dishes found in the Philippines' common menu. These 'national' dishes include adobo, lumpia, sinigang, bistek and lechon among others.

Art Zone in Manila

Unlike most other countries in the region, the Philippines culture was almost completely transformed by the Spanish and American influences it was subjected to for centuries. Under American occupation, the Philippines rose to become one of the most westernized nations in Southeast Asia. Yet, especially among Muslim and upland tribal groups, certain old Malay traditions related to dance, sculpture and music still remain. Under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Church, architecture drew on religious icons for expression.

Culture and Customs in Manila

The culture of Philippines is reflected in the blending of many diverse heritages. It is Asia’s only predominantly Christian country. Spanish, American and other Asian cultures merging to make the Filipino customs and traditions. Spanish colonization lasted 300 years, and most of the time, the islands were governed by Mexico, and later Spain. So there is a significant amount of Spanish and Mexican influence on the Philippine culture, music, customs, traditions. After that Philippines was an American territory for 50 years and the American influences are evident in their pop culture such as fast food, music and basket ball. Japanese and Chinese too have been settling since colonial period and their influences too reflect in lifestyle, food and games. Muslim Filipinos celebrate their own customs and traditions. The unique mix of culture is reflected in the monuments that dot the city.

Sightseeing in Manila

The capital follows the curve of Manila Bay approximately from north to south. It is the largest city in Southeast Asia with approximately 10 million people. Manila today is a vibrant metropolitan area and consists of 17 cities within it. Initially Manila grew from a Muslim settlement on the banks of River Pasig to a Spanish colony for three centuries. This was the time one sees much of the culture getting intertwined and it is reflected in the architecture, dress, food, religion, music and dance and many others.

Manila

Manila is the heart, soul and capital of the archipelago called Philippines. Philippines is made up of more than 7000 islands, and Manila is its pulse and its very core. Manila is the gateway and the seat of education, political, commercial activity. It used to be called the Pearl of the Orient at one time. After massive destruction of the city during WWII and being the second most devasted city in the world, after Warsaw, the city has been re built. The hardships have made its inhabitants resilient and resourceful. Manila as a whole may put you off, but when you enjoy Manila is parts, its individual areas, like Ermita, Intramuros, Malate, you will find the city grows on you.