Thursday, November 13, 2008 One stop Polynesia By Jinggoy I. Salvador
THE drums beat to the "Experience Go Native" island rhythm. It promises a "Polynesian odyssey" for everyone and stimulates us into immersing ourselves in the lifestyles, habitats, entertainment and hospitality of eight Polynesian cultures.
The "go native" activities let you throw Tongan spears, prepare Taihitian coconut bread, train with Samoan fire knife batons, learn exciting exotic dances and many more. There is so much to explore, learn and delight from this visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Experience the wonders of this Pacific island group, the people and the culture. It is experiencing the islands of Samoa, Aoteroa, Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti and Tonga in a single destination. How lucky can one get.
When you find yourself in the Oahu, Hawaii, this is one of the most visited and the must-visit spot that you don't miss out on. And this was what we did when PAL flew us directly to Honolulu from Manila -- took this amazing crash course of Polynesia in a breathtaking outdoor classroom. It's like hopping from one schoolroom to another that gives us a glimpse of the culture of the amazing tribes living in the Pacific.
The complex makes sure they hand you a map and this wil be your guide to a day of endless possibilities. You can get lost in this place, yes, but it is one place you won't mind that you did. The footpaths will eventually lead you from one thrilling discovery to another.
More than a map for directions, the printed guide tells you a brief description of the tribal villages you will chance upon and the time of the presentation each spot will tell you about their island's way of life.
And so, the Davao contigent went off their merry ways after a river tour that was hosted by one amazing and talented guide who stirred us through the river with no single moment of opporunity to learn wasted.
Knowledge when imparted in the most unusual but interesting manner always works and I would give our guide the top medal for this educational tour on water.
Time may have been short for us but during the bright, sunny and cool day, we were able to catch the master of drums in Tonga's heart-pounding Ta Nafa presentation and caught the fire coming alive as natives rub sticks and all too familiar artful way of opening and extracting milk from the coconut. It was still entertaining to watch, especially the marvel in the eyes of the other tourists.
Had we came earlier, the island of Aotearoa would have taken us to a musical journey with the sanctuary of an authentic Maori meeting house, dance with the Fijian natives under the tall graceful roof of the sacred Fijian hut - Bure Kalou, learn to play the Hawaiian ukelele and the hip-shaking Tahitian dance.
Take the Iosepa on a voyage of discovery and discover the secrets of the greatest explorations in history and learn how the Polynesians sailed beyond the horizon on a canoe to discover Hawaii in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean.
A day is never enough in this amazing village; this is why they welcome you back at the center for free if you decide to revisit them within three days.
Then you can get the chance to explore or revisit the sights and activities of this non-profit organization. They are dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Polynesia while providing scholarships to hundreds of Polynesian students attending the adjacent university.
After of which, they can return to their native islands to provide needed services and skills. "By visiting this center, you contribute to their dream".
It may be a case of so much to do in so less a time. The Ko Olina IMAX theater, for example, would show an inspiring coral reef adventure. The Rainbows of Paradise canoe pageant will showcase the native Polynesians traditional costumes, music and dance on twin-hulled canoes parading along the river.
There is shopping, of course, at the Pacific Marketplace if you want some souvenirs of handcrafted artworks, jewelry and apparel. Now, let's go to dining, you can choose the island you want to feast in.
The highlight of this visit is nothing less than spectacular. It's ending the visit and the night with a bang. Think Broadway. This center has the Polynesian equivalent -- the Horizons! night show. It boasts of being the island's largest evening show.
With over a hundred performers with sensational volcanic eruption, fire and waterfalls effects, it is indeed the biggest show around and the perfect and fitting end to our memorable day.
If there are places that you leave feeling light-hearted, this is one of them. With a souvenir, lei of shells and a smile, I say to you Tolafa from Samoa, Kia Ora from Aotearoa, Bula Vinaka from Fiji, Ia Orana from Tahiti, Malo e Leli from Tonga and Aloha from Hawaii.
(Thanks Arnold King! for some of those breathtaking shots!)
