Top 3 places you want to see before you kick the bucket

By: Cheche V. Moral, Pam Pastor
Philippine Daily Inquirer

We asked people of the Top 3 places they wish to visit before they kick the bucket, and we rounded up an interesting list—some already on our own lists (Machu Picchu! Angkor Wat!), others we’ve been to and swear by as must visits in one’s lifetime (Russia’s bitter, frigid winter; the idyllic, sunshiny landscape of Tuscany), still others we haven’t even considered but have now piqued our curiosity (the cliffside temples of Bhutan, Alaska’s northern lights, the Tibetan alps).

How about you—what’s on your bucket list?

Bhutan to do some soul searching. The Galapagos to see the penguins. Cape Town, South Africa for its magnificent vistas.—Rhett Eala, fashion designer

1. Angel Falls in Bolívar, Venezuela. I’ve always been fascinated by waterfalls because being in the presence of one humbles me and reminds me of the fact that there’s a greater being in this universe that creates wonderful things such as waterfalls.

2. Machu Picchu in Peru. I’m a world history buff and I’ve read a lot about the Lost City of the Incas, so I’ve always wanted to see the actual place. I think I’ll cry the moment I step into the city.

3. Alaska. It has been a childhood dream of mine to see the aurora borealis/northern lights, and my ultimate wish is to finally be able to visit Alaska to see one during my honeymoon (though first things first, I need to find a husband!).—Miles Montecillo, group director, Ogilvy PR

I’d like to go to Paris with my husband, Andy, because, like they say, it’s the most romantic city in the world. Another place I’d like to visit is Prague—my dad says it’s a spectacular place for sightseeing. Lastly, I’d really love to go to Turkey and do some serious shopping in the Grand Bazaar.—Agoo Bengzon, beauty director, Summit Media

1. The Taj Mahal. I’ve always wanted to see a grand monument made because of love, and not ego or desire to show power.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru. Culture and old civilizations amaze me. We were in Angkor Wat two years ago and I was just blown away at how intelligent and creative we human beings are, even hundred of years ago.

3. Kyoto, Japan. Simply for its beauty, grace and authenticity.—Liza Hernandez-Morales, culinary educator/former hotelier

1. Edinburgh, Scotland. One of the oldest, most historic, most romantic and creepiest cities in the world. I’ve always been partial to castles and centuries-old churches; their facades alone tell stories.

2. Savannah, Georgia/New Orleans, the Deep South of the US. Again, more history, especially in New Orleans at the time when the French and African races mixed and created their own story to tell. Their food alone is centuries’ worth of history.

3. Auschwitz, Poland. I’m deeply interested in the history of the Holocaust and I’d like to see the concentration camps, the place where Holocaust survivor and author Elie Weisel took Oprah years ago.—Vicky Tensuan, editor in chief, Blush magazine

1. Egypt. I always had this fascination for Egypt. I want to see the Pyramids of Giza, see the famous tombs and temples, take a boat ride down the Nile, and, yes, see a Sphinx with my own eyes!

2. Greece. My love for Greek mythology has made Greece part of my bucket list. I want to see the Parthenon, the temple of Athena. I want to go to Delphi, Knossos, the Acropolis of Athens and Olympia.

3. Paris, France. I’m a designer so Paris should be on the list. My partner Bobby stayed in Paris for a while when he studied makeup, and I always enjoy his stories of his visits to the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries and Marie Antoinette’s home, Château de Versailles. And, yes, like every tourist, I want to go up the Eiffel Tower.—Louis Claparols, fashion designer

1. Russia. I’ve always loved the story of Anastasia as a little girl. Seeing the palaces and old churches would be amazing.

2. Spain. I would love to spend a week by the Mediterranean and participate in their siesta culture.

3. China. I’ve never been to the motherland, so visiting it has always been on my travel list.—Cindy Go, beauty editor, Preview magazine

The Holy Land, not just because of my religion, but also for its rich history, both biblical and political. Greece, for its beauty and romance. Brazil, for the fun vibe and the beaches. It’s also now the hub in Latin America for fashion, the social scene, among other things. I also want to go to South Africa, but I’d save that for last, because I’m thinking I could die in the jungle! I have to see the Holy Land first so that, in case I die, I could tell God I have been to his birthplace. When I have done that, I can go see Greece for its beauty and history. Then I can go have fun in Brazil!—Anna Legarda, country brand PR manager, P&G Philippines

1. Egypt, because I would like to see the pyramids and other cultural sights.

2. India, because of its rich culture.

3. Tibet, because I find the place so mystical and mysterious.—Anna Go Chia, Rustan’s ads and PR manager

Paris, France, to see the Jardin des Tuileries and have lunch at the Eiffel Tower. The streets of Barcelona, Spain, where I can buy fresh ham and baguettes. Cuba, Brazil or Greece, to dance naked and see where civilization came from.—Lourd Ramos, hairstylist and creative director of Creations by Lourd Ramos Salon

My dream destinations are Istanbul, Prague and Greece. I can learn and maybe connect with each place’s history, culture and traditions.—Henri Calayag, hairstylist and creative director of H Salon

India. I’ve always been fascinated by its music, food and culture. Andalucia, Spain, because I love flamenco and I would love to trace my roots (I was told my dad’s lineage is from there). And Greece, for their culture and food! I’d like to see Santorini and sing “Mamma Mia” by Abba while looking out at the sea!—Niccolo Cosme, photographer

Alaska, because I want to see the glaciers. New Zealand because I want to see all the locations in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy; I want to cross things off my bucket list and I know New Zealand offers a lot of outdoor activities. Fiji, because I’ve heard how beautiful and serene the place is.—Cat Ilacad, businesswoman/owner, Posh Nails

Egypt, because of the pyramids but I don’t know if it’s a good time to go. Alaska, because I think the landscape is something you can only see there. And Easter Island because of the ruins!—Divine Lee, businesswoman/blogger/TV host

New York. My girlfriend went to New York for one week, inggit ako sobra! I want to watch “Avenue Q” on Broadway! Liverpool, England. I’m a big Beatles fan so Liverpool should be on this list. I want to see Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, the Cavern and all those other “Beatle” places. Japan. They said it’s like going to another planet.—Jugs Jugueta, musician, Itchyworms

Eastern Europe, Egypt and Russia, because I’m a bit of a history nut and those places intrigue me.—Aimee Marcos, musician/writer

Iguazu Falls. I heard from a friend who’s been there that it’s the biggest thing you’d ever see. And you can feel it from miles away. I’ve always wanted to see Argentina, the other Paris. And I’ve always wanted to be in Vermont in the fall to witness the leaves turn.—Marlon Rivera, president, Publicis; director, fashion designer

Sao Paolo, Brazil because of the beach, the nightlife at the colorful Mardi Gras that can inspire me as an artist. Paris, France—it’s not just the fashion capital of the world, it’s rich in culture and glorious views and the museums are spectacular; my favorite is the Louvre. Discovery Shores in Boracay. It’s really important for me to be able to unwind somewhere a little closer. I’ve gone there a lot of times but it’s still a dream. The food, the service and the killer mojito and the spa treatments you can enjoy in your room make you realize that life is good.—Avel Bacudio, designer/artist

Tuscany has always been my dream place to go because of the natural beauty and charm it has. I love the countryside. It looks peaceful there. My second would be Santorini. I love the architecture and I want to experience the “to-die-for” sunset. And lastly, Turtle Island in Samar, my hometown. It’s a 1.5 hectare virgin island 10 minutes away from our home—very peaceful, raw, you can catch fish and, most of all, the island is free.—Puey Quiñones, designer

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