[Entry from May 2009 trip] Our annual family trip for MAY 2009 wasn’t supposed to push through because a storm hit Manila so bad, it hit the North area even more. Ironically, we were supposed to be North bound for this post-summer trip. We already had plans to stay at a family friend’s beach house in Zambales. But the news that night confirmed the frantic situation in the whole province.
There was no plan B. But we made one when the storm was really getting worse. And since the north area was a place that no one should set foot on at that time, we suddenly thought of going south bound instead. So we decided on a whim to try our luck going there, hoping that the storm wouldn’t follow us in that direction. As soon as the place Batangas popped into our destination suggestions, we just started calling up resorts in that area for a potential place to stay in. Since it was a last minute thing, and still a summer vacation month, almost all the resorts we contacted were booked. Mind you, it wasn't that easy to book 14 people just like that.
{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.
{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.
[December 2008] My boyfriend and I decided to go on a beach getaway for our first anniversary. The budget was one to consider, so we tried to look for potential places in Luzon that can be easily accessed by bus. And then we thought of Zambales. Zambales has always been a great destination. And since we haven't visited the place in a very long time, I started looking for resorts and cheap accommodations online; and was eventually lead to La Paz Crystal Beach Resort (the surfing paradise!). Anyway, bf was up in trying surfing (although we've never tried this before), so he gave me the go signal to book the trip. Before our trip that late December month, we already set aside a 50% down-payment for our lodging; and then saved up an extra PHP4000 each for our future expenses.
DAY 1
We started our morning by taking a cab to Victory Liner Espana, as we planned on catching the earliest trip to Zambales. Since we bought tickets bound for San Narciso (where the resort was located), we paid PHP400 for a one-way trip. The trip from Manila to San Narciso took us about 4 hours (including 1 stop).
[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.
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.
[Old post from May 2008] A friend of ours wanted to celebrate her birthday out of town. So just after a month from our beach getaway, we all decided to take her on a road trip up the mountains. The destination was BAGUIO.
DAY 1
A day before her actual birthday. We all decided to meet at the 7-eleven store by Roces Avenue around 12 midnight. As soon as everyone arrived, we rode the first available jeep to Cubao to catch a bus trip to Baguio via Victory Liner. The ticket was around PHP450/one-way.
[April 2008] Just a week after my trip from Boracay, a few friends invited me to go with them for a 3-day getaway. It wasn’t completely planned. So it wasn’t something out of impulse either. And since Puerto Galera was only 1-2 hours away by boat from the Batangas Pier (add 2-3 more hours via bus from Manila to the pier), we decided to hit the beach with just some money in tow. We brought with us about PHP4,000 each. Besides the fact that I was already burnt by Boracay’s golden rays, I still obliged to this beach adventure.
DAY 1
My boyfriend and two of our friends met up at the JAM Transit station in Kamuning at around 1 am. We bought our tickets at the terminal, which cost us PHP150 each. After settling on the bus, we went for a quick CR break. Word of advice, breathe in as much clean air before using the facilities! It was a grueling and stinking experience!
We left the terminal by 2 am, and was able to arrive at the Batangas port around 5 am. Unfortunately, for us backpackers, we only got a boat ride after 1 ½ hour, due to a delay in their transportation services. But the day was still young, and we were still very early.
My boyfriend and two of our friends met up at the JAM Transit station in Kamuning at around 1 am. We bought our tickets at the terminal, which cost us PHP150 each. After settling on the bus, we went for a quick CR break. Word of advice, breathe in as much clean air before using the facilities! It was a grueling and stinking experience!
We left the terminal by 2 am, and was able to arrive at the Batangas port around 5 am. Unfortunately, for us backpackers, we only got a boat ride after 1 ½ hour, due to a delay in their transportation services. But the day was still young, and we were still very early.
By the time 6:30 am clocked in, an available yellow-painted boat arrived. By 8 am, we were already checked-in at the South of the Border. This inn was about 2-3 minutes away from the shores of the famous white beach. We then went straight to this location since my guy friend already stayed here on his previous vacation. A funny thing came up though. When we were reading the ‘house’ rules posted on our room’s door, I noticed a certain phrase that stated “Chick-Out!” Imagine that! Sorry for the bad grammar. But it was just hilarious!
[February 2008] I went on a short road trip to Batangas with my family on a February morning. We were bound for Club Malarayat, Batangas to visit my sister Ina, who was at her 3G Basketball Camp. Both of my sisters are basketball players (they used to play for the National team). But there was also a time when I played as the Captain Ball of my high school and college team. But gone are the days when I could still drive the ball, and defend opponents like a pro. Good old memories. Anyway, while the 3G team was warming up, my family and I went around Club Malarayat to explore more of the beautiful place.
By the Pool and Clubhouse
Playground and Golf Course Area
My sister's camp teammates
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After playing tourist, my family and I went out for some famous Batangas Bulalo. The nearest one that we could find was a restaurant in Robinson's Mall. The place was just a few minutes away from the private resort club, so we're able to travel there fast. Anyway, we capped the night off by bidding our sister adieu. We left that night with a full stomach and a very rejuvenated soul. That particular road trip was certainly a breather.
How about you? Have you been to Club Marayat yet? How was your experience there?
Enjoy & Be Free!
Mai
[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?
Boarding the Cebu Pacific plane
[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.
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.
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| Baguio (Circa 2007) |
Summer breaks are what my siblings always looked forward to, especially when the month of April finally reveals itself on the calendar. No more home works or exams to study for this time around. These trips would usually come to them as the ultimate freedom -- their energy jumpstarts the coming of summer. This automatically translates to having another trip out of town with the whole family.
I started my travels when I was about 7 years old. My father, a former NHA employee, would always bring me and my brother to his travel escapades. He took us to several family reunions in Pangasinan and in some parts of Zambales. But the one trip that I will never forget was the one in Baguio. I remember it as one of the most memorable of all the trips that I've been to.
