Taiwan Granting Visa-Entry To Tourist From Southeast Asia

The small island nation which was once called Formosa and known today as Taiwan, is attracting tourists from Southeast Asia. 

Starting on 1st August, citizens of Thailand and Brunei will be given a free visa- entry to Taiwan for 30 days.

Meanwhile, nationals of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar will be given an e-visa entry to Taiwan starting on September 1. 

"The visa regulations are part of the government's New Soutbound Policy, a comprehensive startegy to strengthen the nation's ties across the board with South and Southeast Asia. Taiwan already grants visa-free entry to passport holders from Malaysia and Singapore, and e-visa priveleges to citzens of Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and India," Taiwan Today reported.

So, yes. This is just the beginning. I have a feeling each country in ASEAN will soon enjoy the free-visa entry to Taiwan.

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"Phuket among world’s top 10 islands," says the world's largest travel website

Thailand's largest island, Phuket, seems to be getting more international limelight this year.

The mecca for beach-goers was ranked No. 8 in the Traveller's Choice Awards by TripAdvisor as the world's top 10 islands.

"Blue lagoons and salmon sunsets make for a dream-like atmosphere, and indeed, a vacation here can feel a bit surreal. Watersports are the most popular activities, though once you've had enough sun there's still plenty to explore at the island's aquariums, gardens, and Buddhist temples," said TripAdvisor on its website.

Apart from securing the top 8 spot of the world's best island award, Phuket's Kata Noi beach was voted one of the world's best beaches by the same travel website.

In Asia, Phuket was ranked the second best island in Asia after Bali. Kho Samui and Koh Tao were tanked third and fourth respectively.

I can't help but be proud of Bali and Thailand. They are indeed ASEAN's pride.

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ASEAN has the "World's Best Airport"

Asian airports dominated this year's list of Skytrax's "Worlds Best Airport," taking six out of the top ten spots.

Singapore's Changi Airport. Photo: www.carbonated.tv

That said, we, ASEANERs, have another reason to be proud as Singapore's Changi Airport is once again  regarded as the "king" for the fourth year in a row, the 2016 World Airports Awards revealed on Thursday.

"Changi Airport continues to innovate in both product and service for its customers and focus on making customer experience at the airport as enjoyable and relaxing as possible," said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Photo: flightsnation.com

Kuala Lumpur International Airport which came out 24th in the world is ASEAN's number 2. 

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on the other hand, which ranked 36th in the world, is 3rd in our region. 

Suvarnabhumi Airport. Photo by: Lurson leket Nateepitak

The survey was conducted from June last year to February this year and the results were based on 13.25 million questionnaires from travelers using 550 airports worldwide.

Source: CNBC, Bangkok Post

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Asean last surviving 'Founding Father' dies at the age of 101

The last surviving "Founding Father" of ASEAN, Thanat Khoman, has died at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok. He was 101 years old.

From left, Philippine foreign secretary Narcio Ramos, Indonesian foreign minister Adam Malik, Thai foreign minister Thanat Khoman, Malaysian deputy premier Abdul Razak and Singapore foreign minister S Rajaratnam stand before their national flags at the Foreign Ministry on Aug 8, 1967. (Bangkok Post file photo) 

According to Sirilaksana Khoman, his daughter-in-law, Thanat passed away on Thursday at 3:49 pm, just two months short of his 102nd birthday.

Thanat earned his doctorate in law in France and was Thailand's foreign minister from 1959-1971.

During the conflict between Indonesia and Malaysia in the 60's, Thanat played a pivotal role as mediator.

As a respect for his active role in the ASEAN formation, Bangkok was chosen as the founding place on August 8, 1967.

That same day, five leaders coming from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, signed the ASEAN Declaration in the main hall of the Department of Foreign Affairs building.

The five ministers — Adam Malik of Indonesia, Narciso R Ramos of the Philippines, Tun Abdul Razak of Malaysia, S Rajaratnam of Singapore, and Thanat — were hailed as the Founding Fathers of Asean.

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Snowfall pounds Myanmar's Kachin State

With the cold spell from China moving down and covering Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Burma, people are experiencing a very chilling winter indeed.

Kachin State

In Vietnam half of the mountainous areas in the north are covered in snow. Residents of the areas affected revealed that "this is the lowest for many years and the biggest snowfall." 

Read: SNOW COVERS NORTHERN MOUNTAINS IN VIETNAM 

Apart from Vietnam our Burmese friends particularly those residing in Kachin, the northernmost state of Myanmar that is absolutely not a stranger to snow, is being pounded by heavy snowfall too.

Kachin State, Myanmar

"It's getting colder these days. Most people stay indoors without going out," Hing Wawn, head of the Kachin Independence Organization's IDPs and Refugees Relief Committee (IRRC) told The Irrawaddy.

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Snow Covers Northern Mountains in Vietnam

Lao Cai, Vietnam - Many areas in the mountainous region is covered with snow after strong cold spell hit the country since yesterday.

Buffaloes battling the cold spell. Photo: Viet Nam News

The temperature in the mountainous province of Lao Cai particularly in Sa Pa, plummeted to -5 degrees yesterday as snow enveloped the area. This morning, the measured temperature was at 0 degree.

"This is the lowest for many years and the biggest snowfall," local elderly people said.

Other areas were also reported to have freezing temperatures. Tam Dao in Phu Tho province recorded -0.4 degrees Celsius, -0.2 degree Celsius in Dong Van in Ha Giang province, and -4 degrees Celsius in Mau Son of Lang Son province.

If snow in some places happens regularly, that's not the case in other areas such as Nam Bung and Tu Le communes, as well as in the province of Yen Bai. Residents were surprised to see snow for the first time in their respective places.

The capital Hanoi, however, is forecast from 7-10 degree Celsius today.

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ASEAN Socio Cultural Community and its benefit to ASEAN

Overview

It all started 48 years ago on August 1967 with the founding fathers, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Seventeen years later on 7 January 1984, the state of Brunei joined. Vietnam became part on 28 July 1995. Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999, making up what is today the ten Member States of ASEAN.

A journey which started 48 years ago in Bangkok, Thailand is now less than 24 hours away! Ten countries in the ASEAN region is going to welcome 2016 with a bang!

ASEAN Community

The aim of Socio Cultural Community is to build a community that is people centered and socially responsible. To get to know more on how the ASEAN Community will benefit the ten member states in their everyday lives, here's a video of ASEAN Secretariat about ASEAN Socio Cultural Community.

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ASEAN Beauty from the Philippines is 2015 Miss Universe winner!

ASEAN has another reason to celebrate before welcoming Christmas and New Year with a bang, after Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach won the 2015 Miss Universe title yesterday. 

Everyone knows about the controversy when host Steve Harvey made a mistake announcing Miss Colombia as the winner. Miss Colombia made her first walk, waved her hand to the people whilst in tears - feeling the moment of being Miss Universe.

Former Miss Universe Paulina Vega removes the crown from Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez before giving it to Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Picture: APSource:AP

Five minutes later though, Harvey stepped back on stage and apologized to the two ladies as well to the world, and later announced that Miss Philippines is the winner and not Miss Colombia.

Steve got it wrong. Picture: AP Photo/John LocherSource:AP

Everyon was in shocked. What happened during the announcement of winners will go down in history and will certainly be remembered forever.

Miss Thailand winning the Best in Costume award (AP file photo)

However despite what happened, it was a glorious moment to know that another ASEAN beauty was crowned Miss Universe. For the Philippines, it took 42 years for them have the crown back. Also, another name not to be missed and should be given special mention is Miss Thailand Aniporn "Nat" Chalermburanawong, who won the Best National costume award wearing the tuk tuk costume.

Congratulations, ladies! You made ASEAN proud.

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Asean celebrates Asean Day today with the living founding father

Did you know that today is a very important day for Asean?

Fourty eight years ago today the Asean Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) paved the way for the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Bangkok Declaration is the founding document of Asean, signed in Bangkok on 8 August 1967 by five Asean founding members - Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

From five members, Asean has now 10 members including the countries of Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Brunei and Laos.

And to give you a little more trivia: Did you know that there is still a living founding father of Asean?

His name is Dr. Thanat Khoman of Thailand. He was born in Bangkok on 9 February 1914. He was the Thai Ambassador to the US in 1957 and became the Minster of Foreign Affairs of Thailand from 1959-1971.

Dr. Khoman who is now 101 years old and the only living founding father of Asean retired in politics in 1982.

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Thailand and Myanmar to go visa-free for their citizens

Thai tourists visiting Myanmar will soon be free from paying 810 to 1,744 baht Myanmar tourist visa.

The two governments are expected to sign an agreement, exempting their citizens for visa fees. The Visa exception covers up to 14 days of travel and will be effective on August 11 for air arrivals, while exception at border crossing will go into effect early next year, Coconuts Bangkok reported.

It seems Thailand and Myanmar will finally seal it, since the supposed signing of visa exemption agreement in November 2013 with Yingluck Shinawatra didn't happen.

The former premiere had to cancel her Yangon visit due to the anti government protest. 

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New PHL e-passport showcases distinctly Filipino images

Before the Philippine President leave his office next year, he left a legacy that will make him remembered by his people.

Filipino and ASEAN friends, please welcome the Philippines' new e-passport!

Made from higher quality materials the new e-passport has a more durable booklet. This time, people will have a difficulty tampering it since it has a tamper-proof electronic microchip and a hidden encoded image.

The Philippine Eagle

Jose P. Rizal and the Philippine National Anthem

The Banaue Rice Terraces

Makati: The Philippines' Financial District

Not only that, its design has the distinctly Filipino images, such as photos of the Philippine eagle, the country's tourist destinations, and the lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem.

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Taylor Swift's love interest in "Blank Space" chooses Palawan

Sean O'Pry, Taylor Swift's love interest in her music video Blank Space, arrived in Manila yesterday for his stint at the Penshoppe Denimlab Fashion Show at the SMX Convention Center this coming weekend. The Georgia-born model has represented major fashion brands like Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Salvatore Ferragamo to name a few.

O-Pry with Swift 

But before doing business, O'Pry paid the paradise island of Palawan, Philippines a visit. Named as the world's best island, who can't blame him for taking a peak of Palawan?

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Singapore's first prime minister Lee Kwan Yew dies at 91

SINGAPORE - Lee Kuan Yew, one of the most prominent post-colonial Asian politics and Singapore's first prime minister, died Monday in hospital, the government said.

Lee's son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a statement that he is "deeply grieved to announce the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the founding Prime Minister of Singapore".

"Mr Lee passed away peacefully at the Singapore General Hospital today at 3.1 am," (2.18am Thailand time) the statement said. He was 91.

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Bangkok's Gaggan named best restaurant in Asia

If there are restaurants in Asia with great and scrumptious foods that you want to try, I suggest you don't go too far. Our friends in Bangkok will be happy to assist you in getting to know Gaggan, a restaurant on Langsuan Road that took home the No. 1 spot in an annual ranking of Asia's best restaurants. Yeah, the result was revealed last night and everyone agreed. There was no violent reactions from others who weren't chosen :)

Gaggan dethroned last year's winner Nahm, which dropped all the way to No. 7. 

“[Chef] Anand [Gaggan] revels in playing with contemporary techniques and is no stranger to liquid nitrogen or the smoking gun, evidenced in dishes such as lamb chops with smoked whisky and spherified yoghurt with mango chutney,” it says of the restaurant.

Apart from Gaggan and Nahm, two more ASEAN restaurants made it to the top ten. They are Restaurant Andre in Singapore at No. 5,  and Waku Ghin also in Singapore at No. 9.

Below, you can find the top 10: 

1. Gaggan, Bangkok

2. Narisawa, Tokyo

3. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, Shanghai

4. Nihonryori Ryugen, Tokyo 

5. Restaurant Andre, Singapore 

6. Amber, Hong Kong 

7. Nahm, Bangkok 

8. 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong

9. Waku Ghin, Singapore 

10. Jungsik, Seoul

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Myanmar celebrates 67th Union Day

Our friends in Myanmar is celebrating their "Union Day" today, February 12, 2015 as a memorial to The Panglong Agreement which pronounced full independence in internal governance and was the sole reason on why the county achieved its centralized system of government. Union Day commemorates the day in 1974 when Myanmar (formerly "Burma") was unified by Burmese nationalist leader Bogyoke Aung San.

Before Britain came to the shores of Burma and annexed the entire country in 1886, it wasn't unified yet. Central Burma was inhabited by Burmese people, while the outlying areas were inhabited by ethnic minorities.

History of Myanmar’s Union Day

The Panglong Agreement was signed and passed on February 12, 1947 after which on January 4, 1948, Myanmar achieved its full independence under the British colony for more than a century. One of its aims was to promote equality between the Burmese plain people and the non-Burmese hills tribes in Burma.

The passing of the Panglong Agreement depicted unity from its people and made them whole as a nation despite the racial abuse and discrimination that they underwent from the British colony.

The Panglong Agreement was signed by the most powerful officials of the government who pioneered the law to make the country a democratic government which was led by the leader of the nation, General Bogyoke Aung San and his followers. However, shortly after the signing of the agreement, General Aung San was shot and killed leaving the country grieving for the loss of the father of the nation.

Myanmar’s Union Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

To date, the Panglong Agreement is being honored by Myanmar as Union Day each 12th of February to make the people especially the officials of the government realize that the true meaning of the celebration is by recognizing and imposing the principles of the Panglong Agreement. The remembrance includes the yearly participation in the actions and movements of more than 7000 people representing the different tribes that the country claims.

Source: aglobalworld

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ASEAN's Top 5 Mightiest Armies

Everyone knows the U.S., China, Russia, Japan, the U.K, and India as countries with mightiest armies in the world, ready to give their lives in order to defend their respective countries from any kind of threat to its national security. But which countries in ASEAN posses both the strongest attackers and defenders?

Here's the list of the Top 5 ASEAN Armies according to Global Firepower (GFP) in its 2014 survey of Power Index ("PwrIndx") score of each country.

Things to keep in mind: 

Nuclear capability is NOT taken into account

Geographical factors influence every country's ranking

Ranking does not solely rely on total number of weapons available

Natural resource reliance (use/production) is taken into account

Land-locked nations are NOT penalized for lack of a standing navy

Naval powers ARE penalized for limited naval capabilities

Current political/military leadership is NOT taken into account

1. According to Global Firepower (GFP) in its 2014 survey, Indonesia tops the list with 0.8008 PwrIndx.

2. With a PwrIndxof 0.8962, Vietnam is ASEAN's second and the world's 23rd mightiest army.

3. The "Land of Smiles" Thailand ranks 3rd in ASEAN and 24th in the world with a PwrIndx of 0.9287

4. The Philippines, with its PwrIndx of 1.3042, places 4th in our region and 37th in the world. 

5. Malaysia ranks 5th in ASEAN and 38th in the world. Its PwrIndx is 1.3143.

The table you see right after each country shows the "Manpower" only. Keep in mind that there are also tables for land systems such as tanks, armored vehicles, etc; as well as air power like aircraft, naval power like submarines, and other things that could make or break each country's defense. 

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Angkor Wat and Bagan top the list of 12 Beautiful World Heritage Sites

Architecture and Design, a popular website which according to their Facebook Page aims to spread the best of Architecture + Design to architects and all enthusiasts of architecture around the world, released its list of the 12 Beautiful World Heritage Sites.

The largest religious monument in the world, the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, got the first spot.

Built during the 12th century by Suryavarman II but was completed by Jayavarman VII, Angkor Wat is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.

Another World Heritage Site from ASEAN which came in second is Bagan in Myanmar. It is home to more than 2,000 temples tucked away in a vast dusty plains of central Myanmar (Burma). The temples scattered in the area are the country's heritage rich with historical and religious significance. It is the only structure considered by many as an equal attraction to the famous and captivating Angkor Wat of Cambodia.

Rounding up the top ten are: Rock Sites of Cappadocia, Turkey; Hampi, India; Machu Picchu, Peru; Mon-Saint-Michel, France; Petra, Jordan; Pyramids of Giza, Egypt; Acropolis, Greece; Rapa Nui, Chile; and Tulum, Mexico.

Way to go, ASEAN!

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National Carriers of ASEAN Countries

Air travel particularly with plane is one of the most common, fastest, and safest form of travel from one destination to the other.

Did I say safest? Yes, I did. There are several reports why flying remains the safest despite crashes. If you're in doubt, Google it. Won't hurt you a bit.

Use of air travel has greatly increased in recent decades - worldwide it doubled between the mid-1980s and the year 2000. So, let's explore ASEAN by getting to know our region's national carriers.

Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) is the flag carrier airline of the Sultanate of Brunei, it has its hub at Brunei International Airport, at Brunei's capital Bandar Seri Begawan.

Cambodia Angkor Air is the national flag carrier airline of Cambodia, Main Hub: Phnom Penh International Airport, Phnom Penh.

Garuda Indonesia is the flag carrier of Indonesia.It is headquartered at Soekano-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang near Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.

Laos' national carrier is based in Vientiane the capital of Lao PDR. Lao Airlines is operating domestic services and international services to Cambodia, China, Thailand and Vietnam. Its main base is Wattay International Airport, Vientiane.

Malaysia Airlines is the flag carrier of Malaysia it serves over 100 destinations in Asia, Australia, USA and Europe. The airline has its main base at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), near Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur.

Myanmar Airways is Myanmar's flag carrier. Myanma Airways and Region Air formed a joint venture Airline called Myanmar Airways International (MAI). Myanma Airways operates domestic flights only while Myanmar Airways International operates international flights to Bangkok, Guangzhou (China), Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Main Hub is Yangon International Airport (RGN).

Philippine Airlines is the national carrier of the Philippines. PAL has its main hubs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MIA), Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) near Cebu City.

The flag carrier of Singapore (Singapore Airlines) serves over 90 destinations in 40 countries, its main hub is at Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN).The airline's website has information to routes, schedules, inflight dining and online reservations.

Thai Airways International is Thailand's national carrier and largest airline of Thailand. The airline's main hub is at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Bangkok Thai Airways has a fleet of 99 aircraft and operates flights to over 70 destinations world-wide.

Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier of Vietnam. It serves domestic destinations and destinations in Indochina, South East and North Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States. The company operates hubs at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) near Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

There you are. Our national airlines that carry our flags. I hope we get to have our ASEAN Air or something to that effect sometime in the future. Why not?

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