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!
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 probably gained so much when I last visited Baguio, as all I ever did was eat, sleep and roam around. I mean, if you were traveling with someone like my brother (who has a really fast metabolism), then you'd probably be sampling a lot of grub too. Plus, he probably mistook my wallet for being a bank since he'd be pointing his finger on whatever food branch he sees --- which happens at least every hour when we're out.
So what we did that first night in Baguio was to scout in Session Road for a good place to dine in. We initially wanted to try something different, something that wasn't serving fast food. Yet we still ended up in a diner. So after going up and down the area, we finally decided to try Jim's Retro Diner (located at the ground floor of La Azotea Building).
I've always wanted to go back to Baguio, but I just couldn't pencil it in my schedule. Then again, I also had other travel goals (i.e. aiming to visit other places that I haven't been to yet). But last October, I finally had the chance to journey up north again. And this time, with a purpose in mind.
When I saw this deal online (2 years ago), I knew that I had to get it! I know, this post is super late. But it's better late than never, right? Anyway, see for yourself why I had to grab this deal from eBay's Kuponan.
While I was sifting through the rolls of indigenous textiles at Easter Weaving Baguio, my brother suddenly whispered into my ears "gutom nako.." (I'm hungry). I actually asked him to buy something to eat from the nearby store, but he immediately declined. And since he wanted me to finish my 'textile shopping', he waited until I was done. He's such a supportive brother, right? So as a reward for being such a good companion (and since I was the only one who benefited from this specific travel), I treated him to a sumptuous lunch at Cafe by the Ruins.
One of the places that I've always wanted to visit in Baguio was Easter Weaving. The weaving center was actually one of the reasons why I wanted to make a quick trip up north. So when my brother and I finally agreed on a date last October 2013, we went on our way to the summer capital of the Philippines.
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.
It was only last year when we found comfort and enjoyment in what others referred to as 'staycations'. So after enjoying our stay at Great Eastern Hotel and Orion Hotel, Rubel and I went on another quick getaway. But this time, we opted to stay somewhere close by. And since we were both stressed out from our respective jobs, we decided to spend one night at iSuites just to unwind.
One of the things that I love about wayfaring is having the opportunity to share my passion for it. And in the past two years, I've been offered the chance to write for a few local magazines. It is through print media that I continuously get to show more of my love for exploring the Philippines.
[June 2013 entry...] I was supposed to go home right after having brunch with my college friends. But for some reason, I urged myself to walk around UP Diliman before going home. So I obliged myself with a little 'me' time. I mean, my recently injured foot could also use some exercise, so I trailed away.
My friend dropped me off in-front of CAL (College of Arts & Letters) before going back to her class. And from there, I started my slow walk. That's when I started taking pictures of the buildings that I used to frequent back when I was still in college. Here are just some of the structures that made me reminisce the good ol' days.
Before there were hi-tech gadgets where 'notes' can easily be typed and saved, I first jotted down many details of my travels on just a simple notepad. I would write down the street names that I passed-by, the directions going to certain locations and attractions, and the expenses incurred from the many establishments that I've visited along the way (costs on transportation, food, shopping, etc.). So writing down my entries on several blank pages was my way of documenting the places that I've already been to. Of course, I recorded everything that was going to be of use to me, to help me write my travel stories in full detail later on. So you can just imagine how nostalgic it felt when I started documenting my travels again (after several years) using this spiffy looking journal --- a special edition, 'The Travel Club Moleskine'. This notebook was all the more special because the company behind TTC just celebrated 20 fruitful years of being in the retail business. That's a milestone right there!
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.
