1st Issue September 2009

1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009

- Views Inside News Feature

VOLUME II NO. 6

Palawan now on list of high -end adventure travel destinations

Lifestyle and Leisure

Travel and Tourism

Special Feature

Global Connect

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Mountain Travel Sobek and Wilderness Travel, two of the leading global international tour operators, have included Palawan in their list of high-end adventure travel destinations. With this inclusion, Palawan is now among the destination offerings of leading tour companies in the world alongside the Mt. Everest and Machu Picchu treks, the Kilimanjaro and Alps climbs, and other highly specialized tours. ―Being on the list of these tour operators means that the industry can meet the expectations of more discerning travellers,‖ Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Joseph H. Durano said. ―This proves that the Philippines has what it takes to be on the map of top-quality adventure destinations,‖ he added. Wildlife at Palawan, Philippines Mountain Travel Sobek and Wilderness Travel are considered pioneers in adventure travel packages, which range from hiking and camping expeditions to photography sessions in wildlife areas. Foreign travellers are now being lured to try kayaking and snorkelling in the Calamian archipelago and in equally stunning islands in Palawan. Mountain Travel and Trekking Philippines On its web page on the Calamian kayaking trip, Mountain Travel Sobek invites adventurers to ―discover spectacular tropical wilderness scenery, wild primary rainforest, secluded sandy coves, and golden, empty beaches, all while experiencing perfect paddling conditions in crystal-clear turquoise waters and unparalleled snorkelling in coral gardens.‖ The package takes 11 days and costs around US$4,500 per person. Wilderness Travel includes snorkelling in Palawan under its WT New Exploratory Expeditions for 2008. Destinations under this offering are considered the

favourite places of WT’s tour experts who designed the trips with adventurers in mind. According to Secretary Durano, the islands of Palawan have always been a favourite of diving enthusiasts and those looking for the perfect island getaway with its balanced ecological system and well-preserved natural resources. The Calamian Group of Islands Extending southwesterly toward the direction of Palawan Island from Mindoro Island is the Calamian Group of Islands or Calamianes. It is said to be a concentrated version of the rest of Palawan where you can find all the attractions of the islandprovince packed into a much smaller space: white-sand beaches, great adventure activity sites, private islands, dense rainforest and comfortable resorts. In addition, the islands boast of several attractions that cannot be found in the rest of Calamianes Philippines Palawan, including the crystal-clear lakes of Coron Island and some of the best wreck diving sites in the world. The Calamianes is an adventure-sports paradise where one can go snorkelling and diving in the shipwrecks littering the bottom of the pristine Coron Bay, mingle with the local Tagbanua people— who gather swallows’ nests from the islands’ limestone

caves, and go kayaking around towering limestone cliffs and saltwater lakes where one may even chance across an endangered Philippine dugong, a close relative of the manatee. The island group is also a birdwatchers’ paradise as its vast Dipterocarp forests are home to a number of endangered and endemic birds including the Tabon bird, talking Mynahs, Palawan Peacock pheasant, Philippine cockatoo, Palawan Hornbill, the Palawan Flowerpecker, the Yellow Throated Leafbird, the White Vented Shama and the Blue Paradise-Flycatcher. Calamianes Island Palawan Philippines The Calamianes consists of 98 islands spread out in an area totalling 1,750 sq km (680 sq mi). Of volcanic origin, it is largely mountainous and forested, but has fertile areas yielding rice, sugarcane, tobacco, and tropical fruits. Important industries in the islands are cattle raising and fishing. The archipelago is recognized as one of the last unspoiled marine Calamines Palawan environments and animal habitats in the world. Fortunately, the area has begun to benefit from public and private environmental preservation efforts. Continued to page 2…

2 NEWS FEATURE

From page 1… Easily accessible from Manila, flights from Manila to Busuanga, the main island in the Calamianes, take just 65 minutes. Island Hopping The Calamian Island group is among the most beautiful regions in the country and ringing with tiny islands. The major islands in the Calamian group are Busuanga, Coron and Culion. Busuanga Island The biggest of the island group, serves as the jumping point to all different activities and links to the other island. Included in its places of interest are: "Asia’s biggest Cattle Ranch," the YKR or the

1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009

Yulo-King Ranch; the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, established as a private refuge ground for imported animal species from Africa like giraffes and zebras, and other indigenous animals like the Palawan bearcat and the Calamian mousedeer are kept and bred; Busuanga River, a great place to paddle a kayak to experience an ecosystem which is said to be reminiscent of the Amazon; Maquinit Hotspring; and Coron Town, located at the southern part of Busuanga island and haven for wreck divers, because of its "Japanese Wrecks" sunk during WWII.

length of about 20 km. It is the ancestral land of the indigenous people of the TAGBANUA tribe, who generally subsists on fishing and edible birds nest gathering. Coron Island’s topography is highlighted by dramatic limestone crags, which rise from the water edge and valley floors to sheer vertical heights to 625 meters above sea level. These "karst" were formed 260 million years ago as coral reefs in a shallow sea running the length of Southeast Asia, and uplifted by tectonic plates movements 30 million years from Guilin, China to Sarawak, Borneo.

Two kilometers southeast of Coron Town, is CORON ISLAND. It covers an area of approximately 75 km with a

Culion Island Philippines Used to be an old Spanish colony before it was declared a leper colony. The main island and

STAFF BOX RODEL T. RABARA Managing Director/Editor MA. FRANCIA C. ROSERO Associate Editor GEORGE STANLEY T. SERRANO Creative and Research Staff

around 13 islands consisted what used to be a reservation, but it is now an emerging municipality. Worth visiting in Culion town is the Museum and the Catholic Church built on top of an old Spanish fort, along the east coast. On the southeastern part of the island lies the Dicabaito Channel which is the location of white sand beaches and coral reefs whose crystal clear water is best for all kinds of water activities. On the western part of the island is the well known Halsey Harbor named after "Admiral "Bull" Halsey" where one can find the most diverse or the most number of varieties of healthy mangrove forests in the entire Calamianes— an awesome channel that link the sea to the fresh water river.

CIRCULATION ULYSSES O. MANUEL DR. RAQUEL T. RABARA Public Relations Officers OLIVER L. OLIVEROS NIGEL TOLENTINO MA. SHEEN D. OANIA Writers/Contributors

BOYET GUEVARRA EMMANUEL ARIOLA Photographers JOHN REY B. GARCIA RONEL T. MERCADO ROMA T. FEROLINO Advertising Representatives

REINALYN R. TORADO Toronto, Canada Bureau ALEXANDER O. MANUEL Chicago, USA Bureau ISRAEL SAVELLANO Honolulu, Hawaii Bureau

TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE

1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009

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A WHOLE NEW WORLD: By Francia C. Rosero

A New Brand of Leaders Business and politics seem to have two different dimensions. At one end of the paradigm is a heart for risk taking whereas the other thrives in serving the people. Can this two paradigm mix? Others might argue that there will always be a conflict of interest or the other might take advantage but what can be seen as two different ideas can actually work not only for one person but for a bigger community. The risk taking involved in business is the same heart that is needed in politics and the service for the people is the same driving force that propels a business. The politician needs to have a business side so that he can conduct his dealings in a professional manner and the businessman needs to have a political side so he can serve his employees and his customers. Such is the dynamics of the two professions that you cannot help but respect these two professions. Indeed business is also politics in its own right and vice versa. When we met Matilde ―Maja‖ Sales, Vice Mayor of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte this adage seems to have found it embodiment. A businesswoman who is also a politician is a rare find. She says that it is just about time management. Finding the time to do the things that you are passionate about, like helping people, and the time to do things which you find most fulfilling, like managing the family business. Maja grew up in a political family in Tarlac, that’s why she has a soft heart for it. Her constituents find her approachable and kind, the person they turn to when they need help. She was a reluctant politician but her husband, Teteng Sales, encouraged her to pursue it and she never looked back, thankful that she can affect change through serving her

constituents. Her business skills are best exercised through the family business, Saud Beach Resort in Pagudpud. Saud Beach Resort boasts of the finest amenities with breath taking view of the beach and the sunset. They also promise customers a great experience of the town with the only resort to offer tour packages. Customers can also relax without stressing about the usual needs of modern daily existence. Their rooms are prepared with cable television, refrigerators and even a mini bar. Saud Beach Resort can be better remembered for its wonderful sights, who can forget the white sand and tranquility of the beach with the voice of Armida Siguion Reyna echoing in the background in that poignant television series, Aawitan Kita. Through the family business she has

provided employment to her constituents consistent to her advocacy of improving the lives of her people. Maja also boasts of putting her family first. She may have the passion and drive for politics and business but her heart is always with the family. She also adores travelling and loves to do it on her spare time. Sometimes the most opposite thing can be the most effective, a businesswoman can also be an effective politician. We just have to be open to the possibilities and not confine the roles, for all we know in their complexities we can find a synergy that is beneficial to everybody.

BRGY. SAUD, PAGUDPUD , ILOCOS NORTE

FOR RESERVATION :

94 Katipunan Rd White Plains QC • 63 (918) 920.8826 / 63 (920) 270.6075 / 63(2).921.2856 / 63(2).928.9853 inquiries@saudbeach resort.com • reservations@saud beachresort.com • www.saudbeachresort .com

5.2x7.91

Welcome to Saud Beach Resort!

4 TRAVEL AND TOURISM

1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009

The Philippines' Press Release by Philippines Department of Tourism

Saud Beach is Among the Top Beaches in Asia The little–known northwest Philippine beach Saud Beach at Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte was recently named as one of the ten best beaches in Asia by Australia’s Melbourne Sunday Herald Sun newspaper. Through

its veteran travel writer and photographer John Borthwick, the widely circulated publication listed the top beach destinations in Asia. Saud Beach was chosen on the basis of its pristine condition, rustic appeal, relative isolation

We are pleased to welcome you to our beautiful town of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte province, northwest tip of Luzon Island, Philippines. Contact us at: Burayoc Point, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (077) 676-0183, (0921) 484-7746, (0929)847-9236 , (0919) 640-5630 and (0920) 574-0136 [email protected]

from the usual tourist crowd, its ―untouched by commercialism‖ quality, and the variety of water sports activities it offers. Aside from Saud Beach, the other beaches that made the list are Ko Adang and Mae Nam of Thailand

, Bentota of Sri Lanka, Yalong Bay of China, China Beach of Vietnam, Calangute of India, Dungun of Malaysia, Occheutel of Cambodia, and Kenting of Taiwan. Located at the northwest coast of Luzon, Saud Beach is a 2-kilometer arc of pure sand bordered by the blue of the South China Sea. It is an uncluttered beach devoid of all commercialism and crowds that usually spoil the appeal of a quiet beach destination. It is a haven for swimmers, snorkelling enthusiasts and wind surfers, and it is fast becoming another surfers’ paradise in the Philippines. Roughly an hour away by land travel from Laoag International Airport, this picturesque beach is renowned for its crystal clear waters, fine white-cream sand and underwater sceneries of multi-colored corals and iridescent fish. Saud Beach is definitely one of Philippine tourism’s bestkept secrets.

BURAYOC POINT, PAGUDPUD ILOCOS NORTE

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL:

0920-2205089/ 09097697734

Welcome to Northridge Resorts Inn

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email address: thessromero @yahoo.com

A view from Jun and Carol Beach Cottages

TRAVEL AND TOURISM

1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009

Boracay of

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Maira-ira Beach

By Philippines Department of Tourism

Northern Philippines... Pagudpud, dubbed as the Boracay of Northern Philippines, is a coastal resort town on the northernmost tip of Luzon in the Philippines. It is bounded to the south by the town of Bangui and to the east by the Cordillera Mountain Ranges. It has white sand beaches, scenic views, creeks, lagoons, falls, caves and other attractions. Aside from the magnificent shores of Saud Beach, Pagudpud has other tourist destinations, places of interest and historical landmarks.

2 Brothers Rock

Bantay Abot Caves. It is a natural mountain by the sea where one could remain undisturbed by the busy atmosphere of city life. Here, everyone truly enjoys a relaxing experience that can only

Bantay Abot Cave be found in a paradise like Pagudpud. Maira-Ira Beach Also known as the Blue Lagoon, (still another of the many

Kabigan Falls endowments richly bestowed upon Pagudpud) is the pristine crystal-like white sand beach at Maira-Ira. Here, nature lovers can have a lavish and refreshing encounter with the cool waters.

HANNAH'S BEACH RESORT

Sitio Malingay, Brgy. Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte For inquiries, call 0920-9834659/ 0920-9075731/ 0928-5206255/ 0920-6057121 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hannahsbeachresort.com

Kabigan Falls The newest and definitely the favorite destination in Pagudpud is Kabigan Falls, where cool fresh water falls 120 feet into a natural basin where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim. Protected throughout the day by tall trees abundantly growing in one of the few remaining virgin rainforests in the Philippines, one can freely enjoy a whole day's treat with Mother Nature's best. Dos Hermanos Island Also in the heart of Barangay Balaoi are two identical mountains called the Dos Hermanos Island. Old folks say that in olden times, there were two brothers who were close to each other they vowed to remain together until death. One day, they went fishing and were still at sea when they were caught by a typhoon and drowned. Because of their loyalty to each other, and to serve as an inspiration to others, they were transformed into the two mountains prominently seen in the place.

Sitio Malingay, Brgy. Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Bantay Abot Caves

mobile number : 0920-2431832

Along the pristine waters of Balaoi lies the panoramic

email address: [email protected]

Contact us at:

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1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009

Concepcion Islands by Concepcion Tourism Office Agho Island with the mountains of Concepcion in the distance

16 Hidden Gems... The town of Concepcion is blessed with one of the most scenic seascapes in the whole province. Forming a safe natural harbor for Concepcion Bay are 16 islands connected by azure waters and rich marine life. The islands of Concepcion are highland masses except Baliguian. They appear as half-drowned mountains jutting out from the sea and manifested by sedimentary rocks. The mountains and hill systems are so close to the sea that only very narrow strips of level land are available for farming. It is in these narrow strips of land bordering shores where the islanders build their clustered homes.

Most of the island in Concepcion are bordered by scenic white sand beaches

Most of the island in Concepcion are bordered by scenic white sand beaches. Nearest to the mainland is Tago Island whose southern promontory is not more than 200 meters away from the mainland. Northeast of Tago Island is Pan de Azucar, the biggest and most popular among them because of the enchantingly tall and steep mountain, called Mt. Manaphag, standing like a sentinel in its lands. It is in Pan de Azucar Island where the annual Tampisaw Festival is held every third week of April. PMt. Pan de Azucar, also called as Mt. Manaphag, is one of the tallest peaks in Panay and the steepest mountains in the Country.

Mt. Pan de Azucar, also called as Mt. Manaphag, is one of the tallest peaks in Panay and the steepest mountains in the Country.

Northeast Pan de Azucar is Bag-o Isi Island, which has a shifting snake-like sandbar that points towards Pan de Azucar. During hightide, it seems that you can cross from island to island because of the newly formed sand bridge. The smallest (not considering the islets, some of which are submerged during high tide) is Bocot Island located northeast of Bag-o Isi. The northernmost frontier of Concepcion is Colebra or Bago-alas Island at 10.7 nautical miles from the Poblacion (mainland). Snake-like sandbars in Bag-o Isi Island seemingly forming bridges during high tide. Meanwhile, Southeast of Pan de Azucar is Sombrero Island, which appears like a natural citadel of high rise, rocky, protective outreach of Pan de Azucar. Further east from here are 2 uninhabited islands namely: Bag-o Sipol or Chico Island, measuring 4 hectares and Agho Island, a 8 hectare island with extensive white sand beach area, a sprawling coral garden, and a magnificent view of the sunrise and sunset. Nearby is the Malangabang Island, the most poulated island in Concepcion and Igbon Island, known for the beautiful diving sites in its vicinity.

Pan de Azucar is the largest island in Concepcion and has plains for farming

In the waters between Igbon and Pan de Azucar is Botlog Island, which has the whimsical shape of an egg sliced in half, or an ―eggnog‖. Southwest of Igbon Island is a 2.8 hectare islet perfect for people who love the underwater world called Bag-o Abo Island. The islands of Bulubadiangan and Danao-Danao also located south of Igbon Island are frequently visited by tourist. Bulubadiangan, is known for its shifting white sandbar while Danao-danao is known for its interesting natural stone formations like tables and other figures. At the mainland’s southeastern coast crossing the Apitong Pass is Tagubanhan Island, which shares the border with the adjacent town of Ajuy and is the most populous island. The farthest island, with a distance of 25 kilometers from the poblacion is Baliguian Island – the only coral atol in Concepcion. From a distance, the islands of Concepcion appear as gigantic natural protective outreach of the mainland with the tallest Mt. Manaphag (Pan de Azucar) commanding the view rising 573 feet above sea level making it the landmark of the municipality.

Snake-like sandbars in Bag-o Isi Island seemingly forming bridges during high tide

Concepcion Tourism Office Contact Person: Mario Lazarito, Tourism Officer Contact No.: (+63)(033)3920309 Contact No.: (+63)9183119523

Transport and Accessibility to the Island of Concepcion: From the Tagbak Terminal in Jaro District, Iloilo City, ride a bus bound for Concepcion (2.5 to 3 hours). Embark at the Public Plaza of Concepcion and look for the tourism office found near the gym. There, you can make inquiries and arrangements for your tour around the islands. When planning to go to Concepcion, make sure to contact the toursim office of Concepcion first through the following contact details:

SPECIAL FEATURE

1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009

7

Burgos Ilocos Norte: By The Travel Expert, Rodel T. Rabara

Surprise at Every Turn One thing I like about travelling is that it poses so many discoveries of people and places. A mass at 7 AM could be a gateway to discover the hidden treasures of a place. We woke up at 6AM to attend an early mass at the town proper only to find out that the mass is at 7AM so we decided to get breakfast first, and as a rule of thumb for travelers do it like the natives do, so you can experience the best from that place. We went to the market and settled in a ―carinderia.‖ Intrigued by our tourist look, the store owner started asking questions and so our small talk began. The owner of the carinderia happened to be the driver of the Mayor of Burgos, Mayor Crescente. He gave us his number and few minutes later we were given a private tour by the Mayor himself, that’s what I call a nice surprise. His brother Russel, who also works as the private secretary of Mayor and his son Chris Jay also went with us. We first visited Graciano’s Rest House. The name is perfect, for it

Graciano’s Resthouse

Apatot Beach

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

BRGY. BAYOG, BURGOS ILOCOS NORTE

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL:

0920-5577008 0927-2694080

Seaweed Candy provides tourist with the perfect place to rest. The rest house boasts of a view like no other, overlooking the shore and unique rock formation just below it. Don’t feel guilty if you suddenly fell asleep while enjoying the view, the soft wind would sing you to sleep, like a little baby on a cradle. The place is already on its way to becoming a tourist destination, the Garcia’s are keen on sharing the beauty of the place with tourist and natives alike. Do not be deceived by the name but Apatot Beach is actually one of the jewels of Burgos specifically Brgy. Bayog. It has fine sand and provides tourist with adventure travel akin to Bali Beach in Indonesia. Of course the private tour of the town wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Cape Bojeador Light House, the only place that has seaweed candy. And what’s travel without food, thanks to Mayor Crescente our taste buds were indulged with Maritangtang, as they are called in Ilocos, and different array of sea foods. I’m sure

that Burgos has still has a long way to go in terms of tourism specially with Mayor Crescente at the helm, can’t wait for what else is in store for this wonderful place. THE SALTY DELIGHT: SEAWEED CANDY AT BURGOS ILOCOS NORTE Have you ever wondered what would seaweeds taste like if it were turned into a candy? Well guess no more, the Local Government of Burgos Ilocos Norte has started producing seaweed candies through the help of the Department of Labor and Employment. Who would have thought that this saltyseaweed-wonder can be a delicious delight, not only is it tasty, it also helps cure goiter because of its rich iodine content, now that’s what I call wonder candy. You can get this wonder candy at Cape Bojeador Light House in Burgos Ilocos Norte, kudos to the LGU of Burgos for thinking of this wonderful idea.

BRGY. ABLAN BURGOS ILOCOS NORTE

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Welcome to Palalay Hotel Burgos!

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL:

Rodel T. Rabara (Marketing Manager) (0919) 967-9602 (0916) 230-7980 (0922) 953-0929 marketing88r @yahoo.com.ph

Welcome to 5.2x7.91 Villa Lita Riverside Resort!

8 GLOBAL CONNECT

1ST ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 2009

Replica Travel Destinations By Eduardo Bellando

Better than the Original?

Tiny Replica Arc de Triomphe Paris Hotel Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada "Stroll through Central Park. Ride the kind of rollercoaster that made Coney Island famous. Shop along Park Avenue. And visit the Statue of Liberty. All without leaving Las Vegas." This announcement exemplifies a fast-growing trend -- the Great Places Replica. This recent contribution to a hassle-free life - a basic human need the business world, luckily, is meeting - cancels at one stroke vacation annoyances such as long airplane trips, jet lag, passport and customs headaches, unfamiliar languages and currencies. Now you can travel without traveling thanks to the two world Replica capitals, Orlando, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. Venetian Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas Hotels In Las Vegas, New York is ready for you at its namesake - a recently inaugurated hotel-cum-city featuring, says its Internet ad, "twelve New York-style hotel towers extending 48 stories and 525 feet, featuring replicas of the Empire State, Chrysler, ATT and Century Buildings". The copies - a common characteristic of the Great Places Replicas - look much better than the original. Once you have done New York, you can hail a cab to Venice without leaving downtown Las Vegas. At the Venetian Hotel, (Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas) "the world's most romantic city is now at the heart of the world's best destination location". The hotel is a faithful replica of the Doge's Palace, featuring imposing halls, grand

Address: Brgy. Pias Sur, Currimao, Ilocos Norte Mobile Numbers: 0918-6080938/ 0908-2088289

one-third-sized replicas of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Century Building, AT&T Building, CBS Building, and the New Yorker Hotel. corridors, mosaics and decorations, majestic furniture and thick carpets. Again, it Y is an improvement on the original, since its builders could take advantage of construction techniques unknown in 1309. ou can then go to Paris - the Paris Hotel Casino (3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S) and "stroll down the cobblestone sidewalks of the Rue de la Paix shopping district", with the Eiffel Tower looming in the distance. Luxor, Egypt, [4] is right around the corner, with a 30-story pyramid and "King Tut's Tomb and museum."

But Orlando, Florida, has even more to offer. No need, for instance, to go to Portofino, the romantic fishing village on one of the Italian Riviera's most beautiful bays, long the playground of the likes of Aristotle Onassis, the Dukes of Windsor, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. Now an improved version is available at Portofino Bay Hotel, courtesy of the Loews Hotels corporation. "Escape to a romantic Mediterranean seaside village nestled around a small bay recreated at the Orlando Vacation Destination for the 21st Century" says the Internet ad. Just a five-minute ride from the Universal Studios theme parks, Portofino 2 offers 750 guest rooms -possibly more than those available at Portofino 1 -- not to mention "two Bocce Ball Courts". Again, the immaculate replica looks much better than the worn-out, weatherbattered original. But the densest, most mind-boggling group of Replicas is the one at Disneyworld's World Showcase. There, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the United Kingdom, and "Adventure America" are all gathered in one place. In the last Replica -- as it happens for Las Vegas's New York -- America is made available in America. No need to travel there.