It's been three weeks since our 5-day trip around Ilocos, and still I miss the places that we visited and the people that we've met a long the way. Truly, Ilocos is an enchanting place -- one filled with lots of surprises! So in memory of our trip, let me share to you what transpired on our first few days there by starting out with Vigan City.
WHAT TO DO IN VIGAN
If you’re strapped on time like we were, try to put aside at least 2-3 hours for a city tour around Vigan. With us, we were able to arrange a tour with a nice tricycle driver named Roy, right after getting off the bus. We asked him to take us around town, wherein we arranged a 3PM pick-up at our lodging that same afternoon.
With Kuya Roy -- our nice tour guide/tricycle driver. :)
It has been a yearly thing for me and Rubel to do our Christmas shopping ahead of time (as early as November), so we could avoid the rush of people scurrying to buy their last minute gifts. I particularly dislike the long lines at the cashier, and the body-bumping moments with the thick crowd. But what I've never really liked during the holiday rush is the commute whenever we visit the mall. We don't have our own car, so we'd usually ride a Jeep or Cab when going home. Then again, it also becomes a tiring thing to do when you have to wait in line just to get a taxi, when you so desperately want to go home and rest. Yes, cab's also have long queues during the holidays. And it's always the same scenario, so don't be surprised when you go around the Philippines in this time of year. But when we heard about this certain Taxi app, we knew we had to try it. So we did come Christmas morning.
It started to get all gloomy when we left Agta Beach Resort. But thanks to Melo's father (who was on his way to Tacloban Airport), we were able to hitch a free ride all the way to Lemon Junction. The skies were getting pretty dark while we were on the road. But it only started pouring when we got dropped off at the intersection. Talk about being lucky! Anyhow, Coreene and I had to wait for 10 more minutes before we finally got on a regular Ormoc-bound bus.
We were standing half of the time on the bus. But I had no complaints. I was thankful that we were able to meet our host a good hour later. We were actually glad when the rain stopped as we were nearing Ormoc's bus terminal.
Around the time when people all over the world were getting ready for the 'end of the world', Rubel and I celebrated the 21st of December in one of Manila's prestigious hotels. He happened to book a Bayview Room for our late anniversary getaway, which made me feel mixed emotions --- like what if the world really ended that day? It would be a quick one for us since we were by the bay. A Tsunami could easily wash us over! But thankfully, our staycation in the metro went on smoothly. When we woke up the next day, Manila greeted us with a warm and sunny 'hello'. It was a new beginning. It was a new day that we were so grateful to have.
Looking back, I realized that this year has been very challenging yet fruitful in a sense. 2012 must have given me the most trips in a 12-month span.
I don't remember being this excited about traveling again, until I received my Yellow CHELSI LEATHERSHOP Debbie Passport Holder. Although my next international travel is still on November, I can't help but fit my brown passport right away. And guess what? It fits perfectly!
THE CHELSI LEATHERSHOP BRAND
Chelsi Leathershop is a wholesale producer of high-quality leather articles that are 100% Made in the Philippines. The core of their business is to re-sell their products to wholesalers and retailers of top brands. They also manufacture from leather material to final product from their in-house tannery, Chelsi Leather & Services. Their products are 100% Made in the Philippines.
I’ve known Aph for several years now, and since our first meeting did I realize we were going to be fast friends and the biggest supporters of each other’s ventures. Fast forward to 2020, Aph launched another social enterprise she named Las Islas Lifestyle - a lifestyle brand of Las Islas Travel and Tours. It was born as a response, through a business pivot, to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying uncertainties.
Aph shared, “because of the pandemic, the global economy has gone down in record-low levels in history. Countries all over the world underwent lockdowns and quarantines, which affected the general demand for goods and services. Unemployment rates likewise increased, making it harder for people to get by. In the Philippines, among the most marginalized sectors in the local communities that were greatly affected are the traditional loom weavers of Antique and Iloilo in Western Visayas.”
At Las Islas Lifestyle, they believe in making a difference and changing the world in baby steps, which is why they thought of helping our immediate communities in Western Visayas at first. They are also looking into expanding their product portfolio and including artisanal items from all over the Philippines and are already in talks with suppliers from other parts of the country.
For Las Islas Lifestyle, they currently have on-hand the following products: Panay Hablon facemasks, shawls, scarves, Patadyong, bags, purses, wallets, polo shirts, cardigans/jackets, and handkerchiefs. They also have products made from Abaca Silk fiber like bags, table runners, and placemats. They already sell handwoven fabrics made from organic materials like cotton, silk, and piña. These materials are all locally sourced from Antique and neighboring provinces in Western Visayas.
Aside from these pre-made products, Las Islas Lifestyle also customize items depending on the client's specifications. "Our goal is to bring handcrafted products from Western Visayas and other Philippine islands straight to your home. Since travel is very limited, for now, allow us to bring Western Visayas closer to you," Aph said.
Being able to help the local community gives them a sense of purpose. And helping the community means they can make a difference in the lives of those around them. Through the products they create with their local partners like the loom weavers and seamstresses, they can help sustain their livelihoods and fuel the local economy. “A business without a sense of purpose has no direction. A business with no heart is not sustainable. At Las Islas, we always strive for purpose-driven and meaningful work. More than the income, it’s about the outcome. My ultimate dream for the Las Islas brand is to have our foundation/charitable institution/non-profit organization that would support our various advocacies in the community.”
You can help support our traditional loom weavers and seamstresses in Antique and Iloilo by purchasing their beautifully-made products from Las Islas Lifestyle. You can reach out to them via Instagram or Facebook.
[Trip from November 2007] To give a recap on things, months before my first trip out of the country, I’ve researched extensively the contents of our Hong Kong and Macau itinerary. Through the process, I’ve stumbled upon the following websites that have helped me create our trip activities: Discover Hong Kong, Travel China Guide, Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet, Hong Kong Extras, and HKG Travel, and Expedia.
With the help of a few detailed FREE Hong Kong maps, my Kuya and I were able to go around HKG easily. The MTR and buses were so convenient to find and were very fast, which made the commute a breeze for us after some time. Anyway, let me share what we did during our short stay in Hong Kong and Macau. DAY 1 · Checked-in at our hotel around 2 PM, at the YMCA International House (YMCA Hotel by Waterloo Road, near Yau Ma Tei MTR station). · Headed out for some late lunch at Mcdonald’s (Central area) with my cousin, his wife, and daughter. Mcdo meals in HKG were pricey compared to ours in the Philippines.
#THROWBACKTRAVEL | Known as a Heritage City in the Philippines, Silay in Negros Occidental is home to some of the most beautifully preserved ancestral homes and buildings – all exuding a great fusion of both foreign and local initiatives. The exquisite architecture and fine artistry can be seen and admired in all of these old structures. Truly, these picturesque, deep-rooted structures are worth visiting and more.
I can't remember the last time I visited an army camp in the Philippines. So it was exciting for me to explore the 33-hectare Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, which also happens to be the second biggest military reservation in the country.
You’ve probably already heard a lot about the island of Boracay and
Boracay beach. After all, it has been consistently named as the top tourist
beach destination of 2013 and among the top beach party destinations of 2012,
it is no wonder why a lot of people consider visiting the island and staying at
one of its many Boracay resorts.
However, some people would not consider it as they think they would
need a lot of money in order to afford and enjoy the beach and all the
activities there. The truth is that it is actually possible to holiday in
Boracay even when you have a low budget.
Getting to Boracay
Since Boracay can be reached by air or sea, the trick is to know how
to get the cheapest mode of transportation.
I usually set an expectation for myself when it comes to how often I should go online, especially when I'm traveling overseas. But in reality, setting expectations don’t always go as planned because I'd still find myself checking my Facebook feed, and posting photos on Instagram. This usually happens when I'm waiting for my food to be served or while I’m on transit. Anyway, I was recently in Thailand for my birthday/honeymoon. I wasn’t always glued to my phone, checking stuff online throughout the trip. But it still helped that I had a FLYTPACK router with me, which was a lifesaver during inopportune times on the road.
This is basically what went down on our third day in Jeonju:
To start our day, we had our buffet breakfast again at Core Hotel's Skylounge Resto :) And of course, I got me some sausages and Yakult bottles again! *Yeah!*
I'm very fortunate to know travel enthusiasts (family and friends) who never fails to think of me when they see Starbucks Mugs in sight. And since mylast update, I now have 9 additions to my collection. =)
Boracay, Makati, Baguio, Bacolod, Davao (all from the Philippines), Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Los Angeles and Bali (Tumbler).
Were you able to partake in National Museum's "Museums & Galleries Month" last October 2012? If you did, then you probably enjoyed exploring the grounds since the entry to the official repository of the Philippines was offered for FREE. Yes, we got in for FREE! When I found out about this, it gave me and Rubel the opportunity to revisit the rich history of our country. I know that it's been years since I last stepped foot in this building in Manila. So I gathered all my museum-wandering-self just so I could taste what the 1900's edifice has to offer.
Every now and then, Rubel and I would treat each other to a nice food sesh, a spa date or to a hotel staycation (if time and budget permits) whenever we would feel stressed from work, which he has been experiencing more intensely these days. So we decided to make time to reenergize, and booked a weekend stay at the Exchange Regency Residences Hotel in Ortigas.
If you’re looking for a beach escape that can be accessed by road from Manila, then head to Playa La Caleta -- an emerging beach destination in the town of Morong, Bataan. This eco-tourism resort with a 100-hectare cove is packed with all sorts of activities. You can swim by its white sand beach, trek by its lush forest, bathe in its waterfalls, or take a dip in Miguelito Island’s famous tidal pool.
I had the privilege of meeting some of the people who manage the Cadimahan-Libotong River Project. Other than being recognized as one of the major tourist attractions in Roxas City, this particular undertaking is also known for promoting Eco-cultural tourism and more.
My father has instilled in me his passion for traveling, as he loved exploring on his own. He has been to different places, and has always felt contentment from every travel.
[NOTE: This was a 5-day trip three years ago] As Philippine passport holders who are traveling to Siem Reap for the first time, my partner and I made sure to prepare for our trip by learning about the country, to best be acquainted with their rules and traditions.
Budget Biyahera is about finding fun and distinct food and destinations, accommodations, products/gears and activities that people can enjoy on a ‘regular’ person’s budget and schedule.
