The Chocolate Hills in Bohol province.

Running for the Hills - Located on the island of Bohol, in the Philippines, lies  The Chocolate Hills. It consists of aproximately 1268 cone-like hills spread over 50 square kilometers. In the dry season they turn Chocolate brown, hence the name.



Legend says The Chocolate Hills are the rocks thrown by two giants that competed in a rock throwing chalenge to prove which one was stronger.

Ten Quick Tips for Philippines Travelers

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL - Before you rush out that door to enjoy your vacation in the Philippines, I have ten quick tips you should know. The Philippines is a great place to vacation, but plan poorly and your dream can quickly turn into a nightmare. Preparation is the key to any successful vacation.

Ten Quick Tips:
1. The temperature of the Philippines stays warm year-round. The range is from 78F to 90F. 
2. If you have any questions about your visit, contact the Department of Tourism.

Metro Manila, Philippines - World Economic Forum on East Asia

Metro Manila, Philippines, 21 - 23 May 2014 - As one of the economically fastest-growing regions in the world, ASEAN is one year away from launching the ASEAN Economic Community, a common market which will comprise 600 million people and have a combined GDP of nearly US$ 2 trillion.



Fresh demand in Europe and the United States, along with recently concluded trade agreements, are expected to boost production and consumption in East Asia. Almost all of the 10 ASEAN economies are expecting growth above 5% in 2014.

In this context, the 23rd World Economic Forum on East Asia will be held in Metro Manila, Philippines. Writing one of the greatest economic comeback stories in recent years, the Philippines is poised to be the strongest performing South-East Asian economy in 2014, with GDP growth projected to surpass 6.5%. The meeting will serve as an ideal platform for participants to deliberate the opportunities of the ASEAN Economic Community to promote greater inclusion across East Asia and to instil more resilient decision-making in the face of unpredictable economic and natural disruptions.

More info: Metro Manila, Philippines, 21 - 23 May 2014

My birthplace: Haarlem

HAARLEM, THE NETHERLANDS - Haarlem is one of the most beautiful old cities in the Netherlands. It is a delightful, safe city with ca. 150,000 inhabitants. One of the city’s tallest landmarks, the striking tower of Grote of Sint Bavokerk (St Bavo’s Church), is visible for miles around.

Haarlem lies on the river Spaarne and has a beautiful historic city centre with many attractions including the Frans Hals Museum and Teylers Museum.

There is a wide range of cafés and restaurants in the cosy city centre. And you will find a surprising number of specialist and trendy shops in the side streets of the main shopping streets.

Haarlem is sometimes called the most Flemish city of the North. The monuments created by city master builder Lieven de Key and the large number of places to eat and drink give the city a southern feel.

See more about Haarlem.nl

Where to Eat in the Philippines - Know How

The Philippines is one of the most beautiful countries in Asia. It is comprised of 7,107 islands. Being an archipelago, the Philippines has numerous beaches. One of the most famous beaches in the world – the Island of Boracay – can be found here. A popular site for surfing competitions – Siargao Island – is also located here.

But the country is not only famous for its beaches and beautiful waves. It is also known for the wide variety of food it serves which is a reflection of its rich and colorful history. Every region in the island has it own brand of cuisine. Surely, every tourist will find Philippine cuisine a gastronomic delight.

Investing real estate Philippines

REAL ESTATE PHILIPPINES - Business is equated with money. Real estate is a business. Therefore real estate is money. This is simple logic but this statement holds true. It can even be considered true at all times.

Most the world's richest like Warren Buffet and Donald Trump pour out millions of investments in real estate. As with the other parts of the world, in the Philippines it is a thriving business amidst the global economic crisis. A lot of Filipinos, especially the young professionals, the ones working abroad would want to have their very own living spaces to enjoy the good life.

Things to do in Manila: Manila Ocean Park

 The park is a really well maintained, modern complex next to the US Embassy in waterfront Manila -Ermita.

The only way to buy tickets to Manila Ocean Park is to choose from one of their entry packages. Prearranged bundles of access to this and that which you can add to if you change your mind half way around. We went for the PHP550, that’s about  €10, package which includes the Birds of Prey, Oceanarium, Jellyfish and Sea Lion show.