December 28, 2010

TOP 7 PLACES TO SEE IN MACAU

BY: Ysabel Villaflor

The first time I went to Macau was last November with a friend of mine, Cres. While we were planning the trip, we decided to go all adventurous and explore the city on our own. It was fun and dangerous in a sort of “not-knowing-what’s-going-to-happen-but-I-don’t-care-this-is-fun” kind of way. We ate on the street where people don’t speak a word of English, we walked endlessly from one spot to the other, we had time to ourselves, and most importantly, we went where we want to.

20 days after that trip, I was back in Macau with 15 people with a very different experience. We had a tour manager, we shared a bus with a couple of strangers, and we had to watch the time. Yes, that was what I don’t miss about half-day tours. But what we did have were: convenience of transfers, getting in and out of sites with no glitch and someone who can actually explain to us what the heck was going on. Yes, we covered a lot of sites more than we did by going around by ourselves the first time. I guess it would be easier to get a tour guide if you go with a big group.

But one thing the two experiences have in common: the experience of going around Macau’s sites:

A1. Ma Temple – the one thing that can get you here is the jumping water. It’s rubbing the side handles of a metal bowl in front of the incense and if you make the water “jump” you can have a wish granted. It’s baffling, it’s interesting, and it’s indescribable. Try it so you know what I mean. And if you go around Christmas, you can also share a firecracker or two.

2. Macau Tower – You can forget about the other sites, except for this one! It’s an adrenaline junkie’s dream come true. The Macau Tower is the 10^th tallest building in the world and you can bungee jump off the 60^th floor. Yes, it’s not everyone, but for those who would like to play it safe (well, still not) a walk on the observatory deck on the 58^th floor would do. My older brother gave out a small girly scream when he realized the floor was made out of glass with a view all the way down! Mind you, jumping off the tower doesn’t come cheap – MOP 2,900 (around Php15,000+ or US$300+) and would have to conform to certain height and weight requirements. The entrance fee is MOP100 (around Php700 or US$12), and it’s all worth it!

1.

3. Fisherman’s Wharf – Who would’ve thought that paper could be great? From paper-mache-ing the Roman Coliseum in Italy, to Egyptian mummies, to the Great Wall of China, Fisherman’s Wharf is like jumping through continents in one go. Great for pictures. Great for kids. Thank you Stanley Ho!

4. Ruinas Do Sau Paulo – the image that impresses on our minds is the shape of this once glorious church. Though the façade is the only thing left, it still draws quite a crowd. Don’t forget to see this.

5. Senado Square – the cobble stone streets, and the mosaics will transport you instantly to Europe. Try taking a picture during rush hour, it will be difficult NOT to have another person in the same shot! This is also a tourist trap for shoppers, foodies and art collectors who will be happy to know that there are a lot of worthwhile shops in the area (think Mango, Tough Jeans, The Body Shop, Bossini, Milan Station, Sasa, G200, Nike, Taiwanese Fried Chicken, Café Eskimo, Koi Kei Bakery, MC Creations just to name a few).

6. Rua Felicidade – one of the oldest streets in Macau and definitely one of the most charming. With red shutters and tiled street signs, this will remind you of Calle Crisologo in Ilocos or small side streets in Italy. Grab a meal here at the celebrated Fat Siu Lao, Iris Desserts, Julius Drinks, Koi Kei Egg Tarts and local hole-in-a-wall noodle shops.

7. The Venetian – is not only a hotel, but a tour spot by itself. With more than 300 retail shops and restaurants. (the size of which is equal to 56 American Football fields) I recommend spending a day here to fully comprehend its size, do some major shopping and do some gambling. (Macau is the only part of China where gambling is legal) Other activities to note: gondola rides, watching the Cirque Du Soleil or live performances at Di Mark’s Square.

Whether you decide to go on your own or get a tour guide in any land, be sure to stay safe – but have fun! J

MACAU at NIGHT

By: Ysabs Villaflor

European Charm on Chinese Soil

Last November 26, 2010, my friend Cres and I took the 7PM Cebu Pacific flight to Macau. After checking in our hotel, we found ourselves in the middle of Senado Square looking for a place to eat - At 11PM. At this point, we had ZERO patacas since we weren’t able to exchange $ to MOPs (Macau Patacas) and so we had to find a place that was still open AND accepts credit cards. Since most of the stores were already closed and we really didn't have much of a choice, we ended up eating at Starbucks Senado Square. We didn't care at that point- we were starving!

We settled ourselves at a table on the outside, me cupping my hot Portugese Sausage Puff and Cres with her own little dinner. Finally, FOOD! We watched Senado Square close that night. It was quiet, cool and breezy. Our first night started on the right note- even though on a very light stomach. We went back to the hotel on a much happier skippy beat.

The next morning, we decided to do the tour route and visit the historic sites which, were all conveniently near Senado Square. Lo, and behold, we didn’t expect that the spacious square that night to be so densely populated in the morning! All throughout the day, there wasn’t a time that neither Cres nor I didn’t say sorry for being in the way of someone’s camera shot or excusing ourselves from passing by between people. Yes, it was like braving through rush hour on the LRT with matching BOX-OUT movements.

Battling it out for a shot in front of the Ruinas de Sao Paolo

Our attempt to get a shot with the Ruinas: FAIL!!

exhausted after walking through the crowd going to the Ruinas

At the end of the day, it was like we battled for more than we bargained for. Cres was beat and immediately slept soundly in our room. While I was obliviously tinkered with the remote control, I remembered the night before when we were looking for a place to eat, and Senado was deserted. After a few minutes of rest and contemplating if I were crazy or not, I quickly made up my mind and decided to go out AGAIN that night just to see it for myself at 9:30pm.

True enough, it was better at night than during the day. Unlike most places where the historical sites are locked up after closing or are enclosed within a walled gate, Macau’s historical sites have no such thing. In fact, most of the sites are lit up with lights for most of the duration of the night and can be enjoyed even if there were some enclosures. If I stayed that night in my hotel room, I would probably miss out on something great. There were no busy people knocking any part of your body, I didn’t have to mind people behind me if I was getting in their shot, I was able to buy a couple of local desserts without waiting in line, and I can take my sweet time actually enjoying the view without someone reminding me that there are OTHER people around also wanting the same feeling.

Yes, Macau was definitely A LOT different at night than in the morning! I would definitely recommend this activity to anyone who will visit this country.

the start of my night tour

graffiti on Rua Felicidade on the way to Senado Square

wondering what people at the end are doing? Filming a movie. Yup, Senado Square turned into a movie set at night.

Sto. Domingo Church, all lit up at night

The hall in Sto. Domingo Church.

What a difference! Just this morning, this area in front of the Rua de Sao Paolo was teeming with tourists fighting it out to get a shot of the famous facade.

Me and the Ruinas. My shot with no one else :)

Just me and the Ruins.. this time! Thanks to the guy who took this !

the road going back from the Ruinas

A doggy play date in front of the Ruinas.

dogs dogs dogs and more dogs coming!

cobbled stones

Just this morning, I would've lined up for more than 20 minutes just to get one of these!

Rua Felicidade, all mine just for the night. :)

Photos by: Ysabs Villaflor

If you're ever in Warwickshire, UK (best known for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare - thanks Wikipedia) drop by Smack Nightclub's LED room. Check out the video above. You can thank me later!