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ONE placard read: "Reduce. Reuse. Recycle". Another one said: "Save water, save the trees." Dressed in orange and green, one group in last weekend's Panagbenga, or Baguio's annual Flower Festival, "accessorized" their costumes with these messages. Panagbenga is the best and the worst time to be in Baguio--the city already overcrowded as it is with college students from all over, call centers that lure job-seekers from nearby provinces (which gave rise to nightspots like Nevada Square) and yes, Korean tourists. During the parade, I chatted with Jen Gapasin of the Green City Baguio Coalition, who said her group took advantage of the festival in getting their message across--about their plea to make Baguio "green" again. Many years ago, a former mentor (from a previous job) once told me about this place called Sagada that he described this way: it was how Baguio looked like before it became a bustling city. And so I went to Sagada and saw how it pristine and green it was then--though it became less and less so during succeeding visits after seeing many parked SUVs. So what now Baguio? I have fond childhood memories of spending summer vacations there with cousins who lived along Loakan Airport. After spending covering the parade tucked inside a sea of people, I was dying to get out of the downtown area. So I took my family to John Hay, the one place I could think of then to get away from the crowd. But as I was driving on Loakan Road, I noticed that there are less pine trees now and that they looked a lot "green" before. How about being more specific and come up with a slogan like: "Save the pine trees?"

WHO says skydiving and acrophobia--the medical term for fear of heights--cannot mix? We had a chance encounter with Master Sergeant Alex Busto (of the Philippine Army Parachute Team) while he was folding his parachute moments after landing. He was among a number of skydivers who joined the recent Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark Field. So back to my question: If I have fear of heights, will I be able try skydiving? Or maybe muster enough courage and not puke just thinking about it? Well, he told me a story about a colleague of his in the Army who was able to conquer his fear of heights and skydive. So how long should someone like me train before I can actually jump off a plane? He said maybe a week or maybe even less. Really, now. The guy’s been jumping off planes for more than decade now, so I have no choice but to take his word for it. Not that I’m planning to jump off a plane anytime soon. Check out this video showing our interview with Msg. Busto, wherein he explains how a skydiver should land properly.

Our search for the giant lanterns of Pampanga led us to Tatang Erning (real name Ernesto Quiwa), one of the most respected lantern makers in the province. We found him in his home in Barangay Sta. Lucia, a few minutes away from San Fernando city proper. His home also serves as the base for his lantern-making business. Tatang Erning, however, is more famous for his giant lanterns. He has been making them in time for the city’s annual Giant Lantern festival since the 1960s. He is a fourth-generation descendant of the Estanislaos, one of the pioneering families who have been making lanterns ever since the “Ligligan Parul” began taking place in the 1930s. Nowadays, though, Tatang Erning lets his sons do most of the dirty work but continues to be actively involved in designing these lanterns. These lanterns can reach as high as 18 to 20 feet and lit up by as many 6,000 light bulbs. That many bulbs require the use of mechanical rotors to light up the lanterns. Tatang Erning’s business, meanwhile, thrives on his fame, having showcased his giant lanterns in both local and international events. The green structure (see photo) forms half of several giant lanterns he was commissioned to build, earning him and his family millions of pesos. These lanterns should be shining brightly at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by now.

By Lawrence Casiraya INQUIRER.net On a recent trip to Hong Kong, I visited a good friend of mine who lives with his family in Lamma Island, about 20 minutes by ferry from the mainland. It was my first time there and I had this wild guess that Lamma (not Llama as I earlier thought) is filled with somewhat luxurious beach houses for vacationing Hong Kong residents. As pictured above when I boarded down the ferry, it looks more like a quiet and peaceful fishing village, away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Hong Kong. Walking along the narrow and somewhat crowded streets, it reminded me of Sabang Beach in Puerto Galera. I learned that Lamma is famous for its restaurants. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo paid Sampan restaurant a visit during a recent trip to Hong Kong. Lamma Island is third largest island in Hong Kong, and is haven to artists and the rest of the bohemian crowd, hence its reputation as an enclave for hippies, which have attracted a lot of expatriates in Hong Kong who want to live somewhere tranquil. Residents aren’t allowed to own cars or other motorized vehicles, except for this one which is owned by the local government and obviously a utility vehicle. My friend and his family live in housing communities like the photo below, which reminded me of UP Bliss. The buildings don’t look much different from each other. I learned that a lot of Filipino architects have settled in Lamma after finding work in Hong Kong. But the main attraction on Lamma is the beach. I went there on a Saturday and there was a huge crowd. I was there for only a few hours so I didn’t go for a swim. Hopefully, next time I’m there for much longer I can. Also go trekking or ride a junk boat and take a tour of around Lamma and other nearby islands. Lamma should be worth your while if you ever find yourself bored with all the shopping in the mainland.

In places that you visit, there are things that you remember. And there are things you discover when you come back. I have been to Khao San Road at least three times, but this is my first time to have actually stayed there. I first knew about it after watching “The Beach” movie, where a character played by Leonardo DiCaprio travels to Thailand and eventually discovers a yet unexplored beach. He stays in a rickety hostel in Khao San. I'm guessing it's Khao San Palace, which I discovered early on, carries quite a negative reputation. I almost ended up there when I arrived without a booking. Khao San is widely-renowned as a backpackers' haven, and I'm pretty sure I was the only Filipino staying there during that time. That it attracts backpackers is not so surprising. From here, you can hop on a bus to Kho Samui, Kho Pangan, Kho Tao, and all these islands South of Thailand (also Kho Phi Phi, where I remember The Beach was filmed). I thought you can only go there by plane. In a way, that makes me feel glad to know it's more affordable to go there. I hope I can someday. And then there are things I remember about Khao San that never changed since the last time I was there. The scene is still jumpy, rowdy, and very much alive and almost feels like the strip is a world of its own, while the rest of Bangkok is quiet in slumber. The pad thai was still terrific, and at 25 baht (40 baht if you add chicken), it still is a lot better than anything I've ever had in Manila. Eventually, I spent my last few bahts on another round, this time with spring rolls (hey, it's my last night so let me splurge and pig out) and a tall Heineken, bought from 7-11. Yes, you can buy beer from there if you want to go cheap. Just don't bring it inside a restaurant or bar. But don't worry, you can go sit on the sidewalk and drink like the rest. You, and a hundred more souls from all over the world, are all part of this magical place. And one more tip: If you should be getting a Thai massage (which undoubtedly is in a Bangkok first-timer's checklist), try not getting one at night, unless it's fine for you to have your muscles kneaded to the tune of Axl Rose's Sweet Child of Mine.

By Lawrence Casiraya INQUIRER.net ARRIVING in Bangkok past midnight without a hotel booking, I took my chances on Khao San Road tagging along with two French women I met at the airport. I figured it was a lot easier to find a place to stay there. Turns out I had to cherry pick hotels in the wee hours of the morning. Khao San greeted me with its bright lights, thumping music (Blur’s “Girls Against Boys” mixed with this shalala-la ditty), streetwalkers and all the revelry -- exactly like that scene in ”The Beach” as I remember it. After scouring through every available signboard I laid my eyes on, I spotted one leading to an alley -- Sawasdee Bangkok Inn, the familiar purple giving me some sort of comfort after flying Thai Airways thrice in the last two days. Patience is indeed a virtue, it was the most decent-looking room I found -- the rest were either too big or too ratty, depending on your tolerance. D&D Inn (where the two French women were staying -- WITH RESERVATION) looked really nice but it was full, apparently a traveler’s favorite. Stay away from Khao San Palace, shitty rooms. O My room was cozy enough in size, the TV small but an essential antidote to loneliness. Hot shower, check. With breakfast, check. 1,375 baht for a three-day promo, not bad. Nevermind the not-so-picturesque window view, the al-fresco restaurant downstairs makes up for it. A Continental breakfast and watching the NBA Finals on their big screen TV while I was writing this was a huge plus -- and they have wifi.

UPDATE: Editor's note: Added video. By Lawrence Casiraya INQUIRER.net THE HUANG Pu River cuts through Shanghai, dividing it between ultra-modern Pudong and culture-rich Puxi. After a hurried lunch, I took a quick break from the first-day sessions at the Intel Developer Forum, which was at the Shanghai Convention Center in Pudong, located near the river. Being the lone Filipino journalist, I bumped into a fellow journalist named Kema (editor of CNET Turkey) while grabbing a smoke outside. A first-timer like myself, I tagged along when he said he was crossing to the other side via this tunnel right (Editor's note: The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel) in front of SCC. What the heck, I thought, I've got a few minutes to kill and a bit of a walk would be a welcome treat because I was feeling the springtime chill. Not much walking, however, because it was actually a train ride to the other side of the river. The ride cost 40 yuans (or RMB as they call it here). Anyway, so much for sightseeing, I did expect to see the bottom of the river! It was more like a light show that reminded me a lot of Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey." "Lightseeing" tunnel then, huh? Here's a video I took.

By Lawrence Casiraya INQUIRER.net UPDATE: Editor's note: Corrected blog post. SHANGHAI, China--Shanghai is full of skyscrapers it’s a pain in the neck -- literally. Which isn’t surprising since it’s touted as China’s modern metropolis. The Orient Pearl Tower sticks out from among the rest because of how it looks. Yes, it’s that one next to Chairman Mao (Editor's note: Thanks to our readers who noticed the error and pointed out that this is a statue of Chen Yi.) the statue of Chen Yi, who was Shanghai's first mayor when the People's Republic of China was founded . It reminded me a lot of Malaysia’s Petronas Towers because everywhere you go, it’s just a head turn away. It’s actually a TV tower (third largest in Asia) but it stands out from among many skyscrapers because of its rocket-ship look. The Orient Pearl is just right beside the convention center in Pudong where I'm covering the Intel Developer Forum, so each time I go out I couldn’t help but crane my neck up. And speaking of heights, I stayed at the 26th floor of Sofitel here, which means I have a decent view of Shanghai’s skyscrapers while I’m writing this post.

By Lawrence Casiraya INQUIRER.net CEBU, Philippines--I have never been to an SM mall this spacious. Not even that overly hyped Mall of Asia sitting near (no, on top of) Manila Bay. While covering a Smart event held at SM Cebu, I got to kill some time in the recently opened North Wing. The picture above was taken from the second floor. Also this one below but from the other side -- and on a different day, spot the difference yet? Or maybe because the place is still brand-spanking new (a guard told me it opened only last December), which explains the gleaming floors and the brightly-lit ceilings. But take a look at the wide, wide walking space. Wider than Mall of Asia, I think. To illustrate further, I took a 360-degree video while standing inside that smaller circle in the lobby. And then it hit me (after getting a bit woozy from turning), it looks a lot similar to malls I’ve been to in Singapore.
Online Videos by Veoh.com Should you get hungry walking around, here’s one restaurant I can recommend -- Chikahan, located on the second floor. Try their crispy pata – crispy all right but soft and chewy on the inside.

CHECK out this video taken by INQUIRER.net reporter Lawrence Casiraya, who interviewed Mang Eddie and Mang Nestor near the Guadalupe Bridge along Edsa in Makati City as they tried to catch some fish to eat or sell.
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