A 2013 Philippine Statistic Authority study says that around 9.4 million Filipinos aging fifteen and up traveled within the country for leisure in 2012. That number sounds like a lot of people. But in fact, that is just barely 15% of that age group, and not even 10% of the country’s total population. Roughly 85% of Filipinos stay within their home and work vicinities all year long. For Filipinos, traveling usually means visiting relatives. Leisurely vacations are something we rarely give priority to.
Ever since the "no plastic" rule was implemented in several parts of Metro Manila, I've already made it a point to bring an eco bag whenever I leave the house. But even before the rule was put into effect, I would already place a foldable mesh bag inside my purse. And it would always come in handy whenever I'd buy stuff from the mall or from the grocery store. But I enjoyed carrying all sorts of stuff even more when I received my very own Baggu Shopping Bag.
There are plenty of public schools in the Philippines that still lack the necessary educational tools and resources. That's why I truly commend those independent entities and personalities who really goes out of their way to help young students in reaching their dreams.
When Rubel and I reached our 70th month last October, we decided to do something special for that date. And since I was craving for a nice dinner setup, we chose to meet at Harbor Square right after work. But as soon as we reached the port, the stench from the bay reeked that we ended up eating at Army Navy (2nd floor). It was actually a good decision to move upstairs since a panoramic view of Manila bay looked more spectacular from where we sat (Manila's famous sunset and skyline are best seen from the top).
I love Manila Bay despite its polluted air, scattered trash and spoiled black waters. And I'll always be caught in awe with its many other wonders.
13 years ago, I found myself taking part in a week-long immersion in Calawis, Antipolo – a social initiative that was organized by my college org (UPSCA). It was in that immersion that I was able to experience how it was to live in a barrio, and how to live together with a family other than my own. My “barriowork”, which focused on the rural poor, was an eye opener. Living without my usual comforts was challenging yet humbling at the same time. And remembering all of these memories brought me back to why I fell in love with Calawis. I was so happy to be back, and this time, to meet another gracious host: The Malvar Family. Mount Purro Nature Reserve is more than just an ecotourism destination with fully-equipped facilities and eco-friendly accommodations. They are the future.
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.
It's rare for me to write about restaurants here in the Metro, as I often blog about the ones that I dine at when I'm traveling out of the city. But when I was invited and introduced to this restaurant in Mandaluyong, something in me had to say, "YES! GO RSVP!" And so I did, and I sincerely loved the experience thereafter.
For a Budget Biyahera like me, it pays to know where money is going, especially if I'm saving up for a trip. So affordable yet quality-made meals in the city will definitely help me with not spending too much. And let me just say that St. Nicholas was certainly a great find!
Places with stories have always fascinated me. At Al Fanar Restaurant Seafood Market-Al Barsha, you will learn about the history of their design inspirations and feel the narrative behind it. Their Jazirat Al Hamra themed space, which shows a defined coral-stone architecture all around, gives you a peek into the origins of seafood culture in the United Arab Emirates.
When it comes to annual summer vacations, I would usually be one of my family's go-to persons when it comes to:
*Doing research on prospective vacation spots
*Coordinating with the resort representatives
*Coordinating the schedules of each family members vacation leaves
*Making accommodation bookings
*Making a feasible itinerary
*Finalizing and managing of our budget
*Paying lodging and transportation costs
*Huddling the whole group when the next adventure awaits
Me at the Zestair check-in counter -- Double checking everyone's ticket!
These are my usual tasks when my BIG FAMILY goes out of town. It has never been an easy job but I've always found a sense of fulfillment when I get to lead this "big group". And since I've always considered myself to be a really organized and OC person, I've always managed to get things (and people) going on schedule. So if there was an epic trip that I would like to share, it would have to be our Boracay escapade(s).
I've previously posted my first batch of Starbucks Global Icon Series Mugs, from which the following mugs are already sitting pretty on my display shelf: Korea, Seoul, China and Macau.
But as of May, more mini-mugs (and one big mug) have been added to my collection! Here's my latest additions:
So happy with my new mugs especially with my MANILA addition! Thank you also to my GF Clarice for bringing home Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, to Juneee for my Thailand and Bangkok, Rick and Robin for my New York Mug, and to my honey for bringing me my Cebu and Philippines mini-mugs! :)
I haven't been to both Malaysia and New York, but I requested for these anyway. Here's to hoping that I get to visit both destinations soon, especially NYC! :)
I'm probably one of those people who doesn't fancy swimming in the beach, but just love hanging out by the shoreline. I tend to just lounge by the seashore, get that much needed tan, and have my feet burrowed underneath the sand.
Back then I would bring a malong or a printed sarong, and would use either as a blanket. I would place my travel essentials on top, and would lay on it throughout my time at the beach. But soon after unwinding and packing up, I would catch myself dealing with all the sand that didn't come off of the fabric right after shaking it. It's always the same scenario, and always the same dilemma whenever I leave any pebbly shore. That's why I always end up bringing some sand into my stuff. But all that's changed when I started using LAGU.
"Lagu is the first beach-friendly beach blanket. Unlike ordinary towels, Lagu repels sand allowing you to lay with ease while also conserving the beach. It's unique linen blend is allergen-free and has quick-dry properties, keeping it fresh for repeated use."
Get to enjoy a panoramic view of the farm from the VIP room, the BALAY JOSEPHINA, while being served with some of the most delectable, organic dishes in Majayjay, Laguna. Even if you're not vegan, Apong Damian's Organic Resto in Costales Nature Farms offers a great variety of food and drinks that will surely satisfy your appetite. For our 3-day retreat in the farm, we were served with tummy-filling meals that were healthy, tasty and picture-worthy. It was like a feast in every meal.
Meeting the awesome team behind Meet Manila was an enriching and humbling experience. Getting invited to their launch party was to me, by a long shot. I've never considered myself to be well-known in the travel blogging community just yet so I was surprised. But I owe it to my amazing followers who've been supportive of every journey that I've made.
Meet Manila's Launch Party - 'Tertulia Night'
The launch of Meet Manila introduced the 'Tertulia Night'. I actually had no clue as to what a Tertulia meant, all the more what transpired from such an event. And as I've been enlightened of its true meaning later on, I suddenly felt real excitement for this 'upcoming social gathering'. Now, it wasn't your typical 'party'. The 'Tertulia' itself meant more like an evening affair or a soiree of sorts. So you can just imagine a festive occasion where some of the most inspiring Filipino individuals come together to share their personal views and to meet for the same causes.
While most of us know of June 12, 1898 as the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, it was on January 23, 1899 when the First Philippine Republic was formally established. It was also this revolutionary act that helped place our country on the map as the First Constitutional Republic in Asia.
[April 2008] I’m very particular when it comes to budgeting, especially if it's a long-term trip. That's why I always check if there would be enough time to save up for a potential outing. I would also make sure that everybody’s schedules were made as cohesive as possible. Of course, who wants last-minute problems when you're already booked and paid, right?
#THROWBACKTRAVEL | Bacolod is one of the cities in the Philippines that you should see. Not only is the “City of Smiles” a culinary haven (famous for its sweet treats and Chicken Inasal), it is also home to some of the most interesting spots and attractions. The best way to see this local destination is to make SM City Bacolod your jump-off point, as it's close to several tourist sites in the city.
I was recently invited to the VIP Media Launch of Lakbay Museo, an exclusive preview of a local museum that offered 14 unique experiences from 11 Philippine destinations. Excited as I was to attend, I couldn't since I'm based abroad. Fortunately, a blogger friend agreed to represent my blog for the event. Here's Franco's recount of his fun exploration in Lakbay Museo.
I feel immensely fortunate to live in an age where freedom is now every Filipino's right to embrace. It makes me feel more grateful of the men and women who fought and sacrificed their lives, so that future generations will continue to experience a better life. I owe my present to those who've went to battle in the past, especially to the honorable war soldiers of Bataan.
Three weeks ago, I was invited to this awesome travel website launch party (the country’s newest and most comprehensive travel portal wherein #ThoughtfulTourism is promoted) via Twitter. I honestly didn't know anything about Meet Manila nor the meaning of the word 'Tertulia' then. But I felt truly overwhelmed to be invited as a traveler blogger. Being recognized just that tiny bit made feel so honored! :) So I RSVP'd and got really excited thereafter.
Cebu Island is full of adventures for those who are just willing to go out and explore. Some of the destinations below are suitable for a day trip, and some are perfect for a weekend. It just really depends on how much time you have. But rest assured, you will find the adventure that you're looking for in Cebu. In this post, I will provide you with a north to south guide of Cebu Island, for you to know which spots can be paired together, especially if you're planning a longer vacation.
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.
