[Trip from April 2010] On our second day, we’ve managed to get ourselves to wake up real early for a Macau Day trip. Macau is actually one of the few places near HKG that is very easy to access (can be accessed by ferry/boat). And since you won’t be needing a visa to enter Macau, it was all the more very hassle-free to get into. And apart from its luxurious hotels and casinos, we were also set on exploring the beautiful make of this place (art-wise). It was my first time to go around Macau since I was only able to experience the Venetian hotel, the last time I visited it.

[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.

Hon, 

Five years have gone by. But it seemed like it was only yesterday when we first laid eyes on each other. Starting out with an impromptu date with a group of people, which eventually lead to just us two -- sharing sentiments and crazy ideas over hot cups of Caramel Macchiato drinks. I will never forget that official first date. It was a mark of a new and blessed beginning. 

After ending my last sem in college and before my birthday, my Kuya EJ (older brother and cousin) and I flew to Hong Kong for a 4-day vacation. It was his Graduation/Birthday gift to me. It was also my first time to go abroad, let alone ride the plane. 

Being a first-time overseas traveler, getting inside the NAIA (Terminal 1) Airport was a new episode for me. I’ve never imagined it to be that small in space. But despite that, there was still a lot of appreciation on my end. And being the first-timer that I was, I had a lot of anxiety in my system. But on the brighter side of things, I was able to learn more by asking further questions from people with authority with regard to my country’s travel procedures and payments. I am Pinay (Filipina) by the way.

If you've been following my love story, then you already know that I've been in a relationship since 2007. And it is through our 6 years of being together and of traveling as a couple, did we come to know the best and the worst parts of each other. And since it's the love month, I'll be sharing how Rubel and I manage some of the joys and woes of wandering together.

I started my Starbucks Mug collection back in 2011 after seeing the same collection from a blogger that I used to follow. I was so amazed by her shot-glass-size souvenirs that I promised to get myself the same collectible after every visit to a new foreign country.

My first set was bought in Jeonju, Korea last year. I was also lucky since Jeonju only had one Starbucks shop, which was just a 10-minute walk from our hotel. Now, the shop wasn't selling an actual Jeonju-printed mug. They only had Korea and Seoul available. I guess I could consider Seoul since I had to pass through it on my way to Incheon. =D

Now, my second pair of Starbucks mini-mugs were purchased in Hong Kong. But the mugs that I have now are of Macau's and China's (been to Shenzhen so this counts). But I've been to both places too. I just need to get the ones that has Hong Kong printed on it. I actually had to ask my friend in Hong Kong to buy me the mugs since I kept forgetting during my two previous trips there. 

I've also been to Singapore (twice now) and Thailand (Bangkok & Pattaya). But I didn't get the chance to visit any Starbucks stores then. Thus my still, incomplete collection. But my friend who is based in Bangkok recently updated me about a possible BKK mug sighting. So here's to hoping that I get my third set soon! =)

Ok, so I just read that there are also local icon mugs here in the Philippines (mugs from Baguio, Batangas, Boracay, CDO, Cebu, Manila, Tagaytay, and more!) I'm just not sure if these are still available. But if these babies are still out in the market, then I can't wait to get my hands on them too!

Anyway, what do you collect from your travels? Care to share your precious finds? =)

Explore & Be Free!

Mai

{July 2010} I went to Cebu to apply for my dream job. But much to my dismay, I didn't get that much-awaited callback. So to help ease my disappointment, my friends and I went out for drinks after our 'interview'. And since Marriott Hotel was just beside Ayala Cebu, we walked all the way there with high heels and all.

My friend, Ruth, and I decided to get something to drink at Seattle's Best while we waited for her friend Edz to arrive. And since Ruth and Edz had no prior engagements, we all decided to have lunch at Crown Regency Hotel & Towers. So when my boyfriend arrived at the mall, we immediately left and hopped on the 14A Jeep.

Philippine retailer, Puregold Price Club Inc., is going full swing and taking its retail marketing from the ground to the skies with the formal launching of its new plane livery.

If you're a Budget Biyahera (or Biyahero) and a certified Filipino citizen just like me, then you should definitely check this list of countries that will allow you entry without getting any visa/s (for tourist visit only). Of course, you will still need a Philippine passport that is valid for six months beyond your date of entry.

Asia / ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

• Brunei Darussalam - 14 days
• Cambodia - 21 days
• Indonesia - 30 days
• Laos - 30 days
• Malaysia - 30 days (you should at least have 500USD pocket money)
• Singapore - 30 days
• Thailand - 30 days
• Vietnam - 21 days

{May 2010} My family's annual excursion would always fall in the month of May. So ours fell on May 6-8, 2010. Initially, these dates were the only scheduled days for our vacation, and we were already booked to spend it at Calatagan, Batangas. But since we were all hung-up on the 3D/2N vacation by the beach, we decided to spend one more day out of town. So after Batangas, we drove to Tagaytay. Here's how our trip went...

A SUMMER ESCAPADE DOWN SOUTH

Since my Kuya wanted to spend our summer vacation in Batangas again, I was able to look for a resort that would fit our budget for 19 people. Believe me, it wasn't that easy looking for resorts that would accommodate our numbers. Now, my Kuya didn't give me a specific budget. But he did ask me to find the most affordable one.

So come April 2010, I found Ronco (through a referral). I also looked it up on the Internet to check on the previous guests' feedbacks. And when I finished reading all the posts, I pitched the idea to my Kuya. Their photos looked really lovely, especially the long floating raft, and the wooden trail/dock they had at the resort. So it was their unique selling point (to me, that is), as it really caught my attention.