It's always an enriching experience whenever I join Familiarization Tours. Not only do I get the chance to meet like-minded individuals, I also get to learn more about the locale, its culture, traditions and significant sites. And having been invited to explore Bataan for two days made me appreciate my country more.
{Feb-March 2009} My first trip for the year was spent in Tagaytay. It wasn’t my first-time there, as I’ve been in this part of Cavite a couple of times while growing-up. My frequent trips then were mostly spent with my family. Although on some occasions, I would get to spend a few days in Tagaytay when I would go out with friends from school.
Anyhow, this trip, which I went on with my boyfriend was made out of impulse. We both wanted to just get away for the weekend, and thought of Tagaytay as the nearest place to visit. After his Saturday duty, we left Manila for some fresh air and for some sumptuous bulalo! It took us about 2 hours to get there since we left at a rush hour. Traffic was horrendous, particularly in the Cavite boundary.
{Trip last April 2010} On the fifth leg of our trip, we decided to visit Stanley Beach. The bus trip from Central to Stanley Bay was about an hour’s worth. And since we were scheduled to go back to MNL that night, the little time we had left in HKG was really scheduled.
It was raining that morning so the breeze was extra chilly. Nonetheless, it was the perfect weather, and we were in a perfect place to have brunch, on our last day in HKG. Not only was Stanley Bay a beautiful place, but it also exuded a relaxing mood. And despite the expensive bill that was tabbed for our Italian meals, we truly thought that Pizza and Lasagna was worth our money.
#THROWBACKTRAVEL | I've been a travel freak for most of my life. I eat and breathe travel. My love for the Philippines, my home country, can prove my desire for wandering and exploring different places. I am completely in love with my country's remarkable and rich ecological treasures. And if I were, to sum up, all of my favorite spots in a list, South Cotabato would be included. The culture-rich background of this province, and its beautiful lakes and majestic waterfalls deserve your attention and more.
There are only a few things that make me remarkably excited, and one of those include out-of-town trips and hotel stays. I just love a nice getaway that provides a delightful bed and breakfast setup. To have the opportunity to dwell in a cozy and quality accommodation truly helps restore one's mind and body. So imagine yourself savoring all these and more at a redeveloped hotel that's resting on a hilltop, amidst a very tranquil and green setting. Want to know where to find such a place? Visit the Oriental Bataan in Mariveles, and discover why it's a destination of its own.
Explore dozens of temples and ruins in Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples. Discover what the Angkor Archaeological Park has to offer by getting on an adventure-packed day by trying the Small Tour Circuit and.or the Grand Tour Circuit (recommended to do both when traveling to this side of Cambodia). TIP: Try to get on the Grand Tour Circuit first as it offers the longest route.
I have to admit. I've never really bought anything expensive for myself. So if you were to ask me, most of my pricey stuff were given as gifts by my family and friends. So if it's not food, all of my savings goes directly to my travel fund. Believe it or not, I've graduated from obtaining and/or keeping 'material things' as investing on trips and journeying off to different places has given me more fulfillment in life than the former.
So what have I graduated from since I started traveling extensively? I've marked off...
My Inhibitions
“Cities were always like people, showing their varying personalities to the traveler. Depending on the city and on the traveler, there might begin a mutual love, or dislike, friendship, or enmity. Where one city will rise a certain individual to glory, it will destroy another who is not suited to its personality. Only through travel can we know where we belong or not, where we are loved and where we are rejected.”
― Roman Payne
I am an introvert. Well, I still am. But I've managed to control it through the years. I mostly travel with my family and close friends. So meeting new people on the road wasn't an option to me from the very beginning (due to personal reasons). But all that's changed when I finally broke free from my shell. That's when I gradually pushed myself to meet and talk to new individuals, which lead me to experience bigger opportunities and new found friendships. I enjoyed being in the company of like-minded people when I started to leave behind my inhibitions. Since then, my network has expanded.
In the heart of Hanoi's old quarters, our senses were awakened by the tantalizing aroma of beef pho, welcoming us to a city that would soon become our culinary playground. Our decision to embark on this 3-day adventure last month was serendipitous, fueled by the allure of inexpensive roundtrip flights that promised a year-end escape.
A food trip around Manila was my first, all out adventure after my foot injury. I almost didn't make the DIY Walking Tour since both my feet hurt days before. I could barely walk. But I really wanted to join so I got myself some gel insoles and a pair of comfy socks that same week. I just told myself that I would brave the streets of Manila, and just go with the pain. I guess, that's what travelers go through when they really want to journey off real bad.
[Trip from September 2008]It was F1 season in Singapore back when me and the boyfriend vacationed in September 2008. We were actually bummed about being a week early from the actual date of the event. But the good part of it was that we got to see firsthand the actual tracks and sidelines. Anyway, it was my first time to visit Singapore, and I must say that being in this country was a sight for sore eyes! Seeing the Merlion was a superb treat for a tourist like me. And to start off, let me show you what we did on our first day in the Merlion City.
DAY 1
ARRIVAL @ SG’S BUDGET TERMINAL Singapore’s Budget terminal was literally just like a receiving area. It seemed like it was smaller than NAIA Terminal 1. Nonetheless, the terminal maintained a good flow and process. And as we got our passport’s stamped, we immediately rolled our trolleys outside the airport.
Bohol Bee Farm never fails. Not only did they serve a mean buffet breakfast (there's ham, fish sticks, vegetable and fruit salad, squash/kamote bread, etc.). They also offered the best seats in the house. Other than that, I was also able to greet my boyfriend a 'happy birthday', while dining by the seaside. And not only were we seated with a really beautiful view in sight, the sun was also rising to greet my beloved a happy 30th. It was priceless!
{Trip from November 2010} Camiguin isn’t just any island. It's a rare jewel. Getting to this destination might take a lot from you (physically and mentally as you will have to endure a long travel by road and sea). But reaching it will all be worth it afterwards. And to top the whole trip off, staying at Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin made our visit in the island an even more enjoyable experience.
Our third day in Camiguin was also our last. But Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin still made our last day one heck of a memorable one! Below was our last itinerary on the island:
Day 3 (White Island hopping)
06:00 Wake-up Call
06:30 Breakfast @ Ocean Side Bar & Grill (inclusive in the package)
07:00 Ready for the tou
07:15 Depart Bahay Bakasyunan and proceed to White Island
07:30 ETA/Agohay (entry point to White Island) take motorized pump boat
07:45 ETA/White Island (swimming snorkeling, sun-bathing, picture-taking)
11:00 Depart White Island and proceed to Resort
12:00 nn Lunch @ Ocean Side Bar & Grill (per pax account)
Our 4-hour road trip to Batangas definitely put a strain on us, to the point that we wanted to stay an extra night in the resort just so we could rest. But of course, we couldn't. Though it was refreshing to know that we were extending our weekend getaway in one of the nice hotels down south. And so three toll ways and three hours later, we arrived at Microtel South Forbes.
Most of the buses in Pagudpud usually leave town in 15-minute intervals. So you won't have a hard time getting a ride to Laoag, if ever you're heading there. Anyway, Kuya Raphie picked us up at Cathy's Homestay and dropped us off at the terminal. He waited until our bus left, which was at 9:50 in the morning.
I haven't experienced a close encounter with any Philippine lake before. But I've seen several from afar. So I couldn't contain my excitement when we were getting ready to visit Lake Danao in Ormoc. Leyte's lagoon is said to be guitar-shaped and is of volcanic origin. What used to be called "Lake Imelda" (now called Lake Danao Natural Park) covers an area of around 148 hectares or 370 acres.
My husband and I haven't gone anywhere together since our Singapore family trip. Luckily, our friend MJ won Aquaventure tickets, to which she invited us to enjoy with her. Good thing our schedules were free, so we were able to enjoy an after dark pool party at Aquaventure Atlantis The Palm.
There are plenty of beautiful and picturesque places where you can bring your loved one/s to. And these aren't just perfect for Valentine's Day! So if you're thinking about taking your relationship up a notch, consider these Philippine towns as a way of saying "I love you dear. You deserve to be treated to a romantic getaway!" Here's to sharing 8 romantic destinations that I've already been to with my 'honey'.
BAGUIO
Baguio's weather never fails. More so, the lush beauty that surrounds it. It may be a 6-7 hour trip from Manila. But the smell of the pine trees, the whiff of the cold breeze and the aroma of a hot cup of chocolate never fails to ignite the souls of two people in-love. Baguio is a destination that you wouldn't want to miss seeing and experiencing!
TIP: Bring your beau to Mines View. Sit by the rocks and enjoy the overlooking view while drinking your hot, Strawberry Taho. It's the perfect combination, just like you!
2015 has been a rollercoaster of emotions: physically, mentally and financially. Nevertheless, I tried for the bad things to never get the best of me. Thankfully, I was still blessed with a few travels this year, some of which have helped rejuvenate my weary soul.
Siem Reap, Cambodia (May 2015)
This year, I am grateful for old and new friends who I've met on the road and who've kept me sane. I am thankful for the people who've been around, especially when things got a little too difficult for me to handle.
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.
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.
