The Rise of the Water Dragon (Year of the Dragon 2012, Binondo Manila)



Dragon art deco on top of the Filipino-Chinese Arch, Binondo, Manila

Dragons have enchanted man throughout history. They have been glorified and also “villainized” in many cultures. The mystical appeal of these creatures has made them a regular resident in everyone’s imagination. As for the shape, size or form, that will depend on where the dragon is coming from and its purpose. 

Dragons adorn the entrance archs of Binondo Manila Chinatown

For the Chinese community, the Dragon is the major symbol of good fortune as based on their in astrology. The Dragon constellation, for example, is given the honor of being the guardian of the Eastern sky. According to tradition the Dragon brings in the Four Blessings of the East: wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity. 

Dragons welcome everyone who passes gateways like these in Binondo, Manila

It’s interesting to note that of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac the Dragon is the most revered, as it is a mystical being rather than an earthly animal. It is also sometimes regarded as a karmic sign. In this context this means we can expect grand things this year. Bigger than life is very much a Dragon thing. There will be spectacular successes as well as crash and burn failures according to experts in

Chinese astrology.

Dragons take center stage in 2012

Not Just Any Dragon

2012 is the year of the Water Dragon. In Chinese element theory, water produces wood, which signifies growth and is the natural element of the dragon. The dragon governs east/southeast and the accumulation of wealth. Associated with thunder, lightning and arousal, the Water Dragon personifies creativity at its best. 

Dragon charms await their future owners in a side street in Ongpin, Binondo

So, does this dragon bite? Pretty much and was the prevailing sign during some of history’s most significant happenings. To get an idea of the magnitude of events that might occur in 2012 it is helpful to go back to 1952, which was the last time the Water Dragon made a fiery appearance.

• In February, Elizabeth II became Queen of the United Kingdom, beginning a reign that still continues today. 
• It is not really cause for celebration, but in 1952 the United States introduced two of the most destructive weapons in history, the hydrogen bomb and the B-52 bomber. 
• In the field of medicine, we celebrated the first successful separation of a Siamese twin at Mt Sinai hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. 
• The concept of the Integrated Circuit (IC), the basis for all modern computers, is first published by Geoffrey W.A. Dummer.
• The toy kingdom introduced to us Mr. Potato Head.
• In publication, Mad Magazine debuts.
• To make the point that significant bad things can also happen in a Dragon year, in December a killer fog descended on London, which eventually resulted to the invention of the word “Smog”.

Dragon figurines are believed to bring "dragon-sized" good luck.

Planning to have a baby this year? You have all the reason to make one (wink). Throughout history parents in China have hoped to have children during the year of the Dragon. The year 1952 gave birth to world leader Vladimir Putin and Craig Newmark, founder of Craig’s List, which has revolutionized the world of advertising.

A Dragon slithers its way in a sea of people in preparation for its famed Dragon Dance

What kind of year will 2012 be? Many expect 2012 to bring about the end of the world, perhaps because they mistakenly think of Mayan or Hindu cosmologies as linear rather than cyclical. From a Feng Shui perspective, the year of the Yang Water Dragon, brings many possibilities for good fortune.

Are you ready to tame your Dragon?


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No VisaTravel and Visa On Arrival for Filipinos (Philippine Passport Holders)

Wat Arun (Thailand), One of the many no-visa countries for Philippine passport holders 

If you are one of the many hard working Filipinos out there who are willing to spend hard earned money to go on travel adventure abroad but don’t like the drama of being denied after a much dreaded and anxiety-filled visa appointment meeting, then you’ve visited the right blog page! Let’s face it. Some countries are too paranoid to issue you the much-prized visa but don’t lose heart because there are a lot of very nice countries to choose from that require no visa prior to arrival.

Name your pick! Countries that do not require Visa for Filipinos or issue Visa on arrival

The list includes the number of days that you are allowed to stay in the country, fees to pay if applicable and options if you wish to extend your stay. 

ASEAN Member Countries

• Brunei Darussalam - 14 days
• Cambodia - 21 days
• Indonesia - 30 days
• Laos - 30 days
• Malaysia - 30 days
• Singapore - 30 days
• Thailand - 30 days
• Vietnam - 21 days

Non-ASEAN Member Countries

• Azerbaijan - 30 days visa is issued upon arrival
• Georgia – 90 days visa is issued upon arrival
• Hong Kong - 14 days
• India - 30 days visa is issued upon arrival
• Iran - 15 days visa is issued upon arrival
• Israel - 90 days
• Macau - 30 days
• Maldives - 30 days visa is issued upon arrival
• Mongolia - 21 days
• Nepal - 15/30/90 days visa is issued upon arrival (USD25/40/100)
• South Korea (if arriving at Jeju Island only) - 30 days
• Sri Lanka - 30 days visa is issued upon arrival
• Timor-Leste - 30 days single entry visa is issued upon arrival for around USD30, with an option to extend stay up to 90 days

Oceania

• Cook Islands - 31 days
• Fiji - 120 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival (with option for extension)
• Marshall Islands - 30 days visa is issued upon arrival (with option for extension) 
• Micronesia - 30 days
• Niue - 30 days
• Palau - 30 days visa is issued upon arrival, additional USD 50 for extension
• Samoa - 60 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival
• Tuvalu - 30 days visa is issued upon arrival
• Vanuatu - 30 days

North American Countries

• Costa Rica - 30 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival
• Dominica - 21 days
• Haiti - 90 days
• Nicaragua - 90 days visa is issued upon arrival
• Saint Lucia – 6 weeks Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 30 days visa is issued upon arrival
• Turks and Caicos Islands - 30 days

South American Countries

• Bolivia - 90 days
• Brazil - 90 days
• Colombia - 90 days
• Ecuador - 90 days
• Peru - 183 days
• Suriname - 90 days

Africa

•  Burundi – 1 month visa is issued upon arrival
• Cape Verde Islands – visa is issued upon arrival around
• Comoros – visa is issued upon arrival
• Djibouti – 1 month visa is issued upon arrival
• Gambia – visa is issued upon arrival
• Kenya - 90 days visa is issued upon arrival for USD50
• Madagascar - 90 days visa is issued upon arrival for MGA140,000
• Morocco - 90 days
• Mozambique - 30 days visa is issued upon arrival. (with option for 30 days extension for USD66)
• Saint Helena - visa is issued upon arrival
• Seychelles – 1 month Visitor’s Permit issued upon arrival if holding return ticket, sufficient funds (minimum USD150 per day of stay, and proof of accommodation)
• Tanzania - visa is issued upon arrival (Approx USD50 - USD200)
• Togo - 7 days visa is issued upon arrival if with return ticket, 3 passport photos, and yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Uganda - visa is issued upon arrival for USD50
• Zambia - 90 days visa is issued upon arrival for USD50/80/160 - single/double/multiple entry

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND 

• The list is for tourist visa only.
• Please review the immigration rules and visa updates of the country you are planning to visit.
• If you are not taking a direct flight, be on standby if you will be required to get a Transit Visa.
• There are countries that will require you to present proof of sufficient funds to justify your stay.
• Lastly, all countries have the authority to deny you entry if you fail to comply with their rules. So learn to behave =).

Now that you have the list, where will your next destination be? Wherever that is, enjoy your next travel abroad! 

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