Cebu Pacific and my Malaysian adventure
When Cebu Pacific Air started operations on March 8, 1996, it declared and promised, to the ever-increasing number of travelers, both for business and leisure, to have attractive low fares and an unbeatable great value for “every Juan who wanted to fly.”
Since then the carrier is said to feature more destinations and carries on its wings more passengers than any other domestically–based airline.
Recently, Cebu Pacific, in partnership with Tourism Malaysia, ably represented by the efficient, ever-smiling Zuhairah Adullah Abas and Siti Hadijah Arifin, together with JG Summit’s competent, always-on-the-go corporate manager Viveca Singson, the well-organized corporate communications specialist Michelle de Guzman and airline affairs consultant Charles Lim, invited members of the press from Mindanao and several islands of the Visayas to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city, to join the Mega Fam Program that was held in conjunction with the popular Mega Sale Carnival 2010.
Malaysia is known for many things to different people, say, scenic sights and endearing landmarks, rich historical and cultural uniqueness, fantastic beaches, national parks and mountains to be discovered, food, glorious food and shop, shop, shop not to mention its varied tribes of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia to the fascinating blend of sophisticates from Peninsular Malays and the commercially minded Chinese, I believe Malaysia is truly underrated as a holiday destination.
Here are my reasons why it is so Malaysia.
Petronas Twin Towers is located at the heart of KL and stands the 88 stories high. Petronas Twin Towers is currently one of the world’s tallest buildings. Inspired by the Five Pillars of Islamic principles of unity, within unity, harmony, stability and rationality, the buildings are where Petronas, the national oil company of Malaysia, is located. It also houses both the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Petronas Performing Arts Group. Without a doubt the Twin Towers are a national landmark and a symbol of Malaysia’s socio-economic progress and achievements. The Aquaria is adjacent to the Petronas Twin Towers is the underwater park called Aquaria KLCC. It features a 90-meter underwater tunnel and showcases land-bound animals and various types of colorful marine life species from Malaysia and rest of the world. It is highly interactive with a focus on conservation and education as well as eco-tourism supported by the latest technology. The Central market dates back to 1888 when the wet market area was selling fish, meat and vegetables. It continued to expand and a permanent structure was built to house all the vendors. The edifice was further improved to have the current Art Deco façade that is in existence today. A definite stopover. Chinatown holds a captivating charm and a hard- to-forget experience. Chinatown on Jalan Petaling from Jalan Sultan all the way to Jalan Bandar is filled with stalls and little shops selling all kinds of stuff on both sides of the street. Weave through the human traffic for perfect bargains on a selection of textiles, to ready-to-wear clothes, one-of- a-kind funky accessories, practical and useful household goods, fresh produce and of course every imaginable food. Galeria Sri Perdana was the official residence of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1983 till 1999. It showcases the many gifts and awards that belong to the Prime Minister and his wife Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. Much of the original structure and interior decorations have been maintained and renovations were confined to making it into a public gallery. A picturesque landscape is artistically drawn around its surroundings. It was handed over to the National Archives and converted into a gallery in appreciation of Mahathir’s valuable contributions to the nation during his 22-year tenure as Prime Minister. The Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation is a government agency that is a one-stop shop for visiting tourists and resident locals searching for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. The center specializes in ceramic products, terracotta and glazed potteries, potpourri, vases, lamp bases, wood carvings, brass and silverware and wall decorations. While preserving traditional crafts, it encourages the younger generation to pursue age-old skills handed down by their forefathers and help craftsmen become self-reliant entrepreneurs. Beryl’s Chocolate Kingdom is the most popular desserts, snacks and flavors for kids and adults alike. It offers more than 100 varieties to suit every mood and taste. KLIA Express is a nonstop airport rail link connecting KLIA and KL Sentral, the city’s transport hub. Departing at l5-minute intervals, the Express is by far the fastest and most effective way to get from the airport to the city and vice versa, charting a journey time of 28 minutes.
