You probably all know how much I love food and traveling! I discovered a new collaborative website which combines my two loves. The travel platform Withlocals connects locals in Asia with travellers from all over the world. They can share their love for their culture, traveling and food, which will definitely create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for both the tourist, as well as the traveller!

The only things that I collected when I started traveling with my family were photos and shells. I always thought that these were enough when it came to documenting the places that we visited. But when I started traveling on my own, I was eventually drawn to the little yet valuable things that I encountered along the way. From then on, I knew that I had to take home a piece from every destination that I've been to.

{Post from April 2009 trip} I made myself a promise that I would try to visit a foreign country, once a year. And it has been that way since 2007. It’s a good thing that work finds me every time, so it immediately makes-up for all the expenses I’ve made. And although I end up going broke after a trip, God always makes a way for me to go back on track. And every year, he blesses me another trip to look forward to, just like my first trip to Bangkok, Thailand.

I was still working for a fashion company at the time when I invited my friend Clarice for a vacation. And since she hasn’t been out of the country for five years now, she decided to finally end her 5-yr streak. And so, a month before our trip, I booked us both plane tickets and accommodations via Cebu Pacific’s Fun Tours.

DAY 1 IN BANGKOK

I booked our flight on Clarice’s birthday. But of course, she didn’t celebrate it 30,000 feet above sea level. She actually ended her special day on the plane. But nonetheless, we celebrated further by eating some late Phad Thai dinner at a bar by Khao San Road --– the backpacker’s haven.

[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. 

I just wanted to share my love of collecting Starbucks City Mugs! ♥

Yes! These babies makes me smile each and every time I see them. I've actually been to each one of these destinations except for NYC, Florida, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (gift from family and friends) -- all of which are also listed on my must-see-places!

I'm actually missing a few more city mugs (mugs from Baguio, Batangas, Boracay, Naga, Pampanga, Tagaytay, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Pattaya, Thailand). So whoever wants to surprise me on my birthday this November, those missing destination mugs will surely make me the happiest girl! :)

Thank you in advance? =P

Explore & Be Free!

Mai

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

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. 

I’ve taken motorcycle rides plenty of times during my travels in the Philippines (i.e. Cebu, Biliran, Ormoc), mostly driven by licensed motorists. Locally, we would call this “Habal-Habal”, a motorbike that is modified to accommodate more than two passengers. I’ve managed to entrust my life in the hands of these drivers, along with just a helmet and a prayer to God for safe passage. Thankfully, I continue to live and tell my story.

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

Focusing on Agritourism, Costales Nature Farms promote not only a farm-to-table concept. They religiously campaign for healthy living through the use and consumption of fresh organic produce and livestock.