Thursday, November 09, 2006

Cultural Centre Of Philippines


Within the immense park-like grounds of this seaside complex rise the many establishments dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Philippine culture and heritage. The Cultural Centre of Philippine, (CCP) gathers together permanent displays of Philippine ethnological treasures along with recent works by modern artists. Its theaters, as well as the Folk Arts Theater nearby, host many an evening of ballet, concerts, plays, and other cultural performances. Next door is Coconut Palace, a Philippine ancestral mansion inspired and crafted mainly out of parts from the coconut tree. It is the only structure of its kini in the world. Guided tour conducted in English ar schduled every half hou from 9 to 11 am and from to 4 pm every day excep Monday. Group booking should be made at least week in advance. Th buildings of the Philippic Centre for Internations Trade Expositions (Ph Cite), as well as the adjacent Internation; Trade Centre Comple: showcase Filipino artisti and craftsmanship in the fields of weaving, basket! woodcarving, shellcral jewellry-making a metalworks, and are al venues for the exchange trade technology amoi friendly nations.


FORBES PARK

Such a cluster of opulent mansions as you see in Forbes Park and its neighbouring Dasmarinaa Village is almost unique. There is even a special police unit to guard this luxury neighbourhood. Forbes Park is in the southern part of Maka Buses marked ‘Ayala (Ave)’ go from Taft Ave or M H del Pilar St in Ermita to the Makati Commercial Centre. One can cover up 1 remaining km by taxi as Admission: to the island is S$7 adults and S$2.50 children. There are separate admission charges for the attractions.

Kusu ISLANDS

Kusu, a small island, sacred to both Muslims and Taoists, has stunning views of the Singapore mainland and has a good swimming lagoon. Legend recounts that Kusu was a giant sea turtle which transformed itself into a large rock to save the shipwrecked sailors. Taoists make an annual pilgrimage to the Tua Pekong Temple on Kusu during the ninth lunar month. Ferries ply between the Singapore Cruise Centre at the WTC and the island, Monday to Saturday. For enquiries call 2707888 or 270 7889.

ST JOHN'S ISLAND

St John's Island is a large, hilly island with shaded walking paths, swimming lagoons and grassy clearings that are perfect for informal soccer. It is a popular site for weekend get aways and camping trips.

PULAU UBIN

This island is a delightful retreat from the bustle of Singapore, with a rural lifestyle that has changed little in 30 years. Traditional fishing huts called kelongs are built on stilts over the sea, while orchard trees, shrubs and flowers abound. Visitors can see a duck farm, a prawn farm. One can go camping and enjoy good hiking areas. There is a lake in a disused quarry here. There is also plenty of wildlife, including the Purple jungle fowl, a wild bird from which all the world's domestic chickens are descended. A seafood restaurant here offers delicious fresh seafood. The island is accessible via the bumboats leaving Changi Point Jetty.

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