Far East

Renowned as the queen of the South, Cebu is the port capital and the oldest city in Cebu province. Located in the Central Visayas, it’s the country’s most developed area, touted as the next tourism and business destination. It is also known as the Arnis capital of the world! Cebu [...]

The sacred Wudang Shan is home to clusters of ancient palaces, temples, and monasteries; the first one was constructed under the rule of Emperor Tang Taizong back in 627-649 AD. These buildings are the birthplace of Daoism, the indigenous Chinese religion. The scenic mysticism of the Wudang Mountain attracts around [...]

Santichon village is a spectacular tourist destination in Pai, Thailand. It is inhabited by Yunnanese people who fled Yunnan, China, through the China-Thai border and settled in Santichon during the communist revolution led by Mao Tse Tung. These Yunnanese brought their cultural heritage with them; the handicrafts, traditional dresses, shops [...]

Sikong Mountain, also known as Sikongyuan, is one of the most authentic religious sites in Chinese Buddhism. It’s a sacred place, and holy center for the believers of the Chan (Zen) sect of Buddhism, and its history dates back to 1500 years. Located on the southwest of Anhui, Sikong mountain [...]

Shwedagon Pagoda is a massive 99-meter high pagoda with a diamond-studded spire in the famous city of Yangon, Myanmar. The pagoda is said to be 2,500 years old. It enshrines sacred relics of Buddha and his previous incarnations, making it the most prestigious, pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. The city [...]

Is dubbed as the cultural capital of Japan. In the face of rapid modernization in the country, Kyoto clings to its roots and traditions with Fushimi Inari and its 10,000 Torii gates at the heart of the city's serene gardens, customary tea houses, and traditional dojos. Built by the Hata [...]

Practicing Taekwondo at the foot of Big Buddha is a humbling experience. The iconic Tian Tan Big Buddha statue oversees the stunning landscape of Lantau island on the western side of the Hong Kong peninsula. Complete with its unspoiled beaches, magnificent ocean views, picturesque villages, and serene hiking trails — [...]

The region of Shandong province in north-eastern China is dominated by rugged coastline, jagged cliffs, and stony beaches. Much like the scenery, the people of Shandong are known throughout China for their rough-around-edges, straight-talking style. Their typical stocky build is said to be the result of a particularly rich diet [...]

Manny Pacquiao (Senator Manny Pacquiao, actually) is obviously the face of Filipino boxing to the world. However, it is truly impossible to understand how Pacquiao came to be the superstar he is without understanding where he came from. The elite Filipino boxing gym I attended gave me a unique insight [...]

The first time I met my Shifu, he greeted me with kind eyes and a warm smile. I was given a senior student to learn the horse stance and straight punch. Then, I was left to my own devices and practically ignored for almost a week. The Work Began to [...]