Tagaytay Backpacking Adventure!

                     

They say, you’re not a certified travel adventurer if you never tried backpacking!

The idea of backpacking does not confine mainly in mountain hiking, trekking unexplored trails and valleys or diving a cliff. It also refers to travelling without a well-coordinated and organized travel plan, you're just out there and see what you'll be getting. 

Most travel bloggers defined backpacking as travelling to a place you have never been before without a proper itinerary and travel organizing and planning, no hotel booking, no tour guide, no specific budget, you'll just go to a place, explore the area, sleep anywhere and find out what you’ll discover.

My first backpacking adventure!

At the Picnic Grove with my bestfriend, Rowena Tagaan

Backpacking is every travel blogger’s dream, because it reflects freedom, courage and extraordinary determination plus there are lots of things to share in the travel diary. Somehow, it defines one’s ability to handle complications and discomfort of being in a completely strange place without anchors, without no one to turn to and without the presence of luxury. For thrill-seeking travellers, backpacking is an ultimate blaze of adventure.

Let's Travel with Foods!

Food is part of every traveller's fascination because it provides comfort and respite while on the road. There is something in food also that I personally find very relieving when I am outdoor, it's the delight of keeping my stomach full while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding. In other words, I love eating lol!

So here, I will be presenting the scrumptious meals/pastries I devoured recently and the joy it gives to my often-times-insatiable appetite.

I went out last March 9 with my close friend and former colleague in the University, Rowena Tagaan, to watch movie in Trinoma Mall and because we're both passionate towards eating and have hearty appetites and easily get hungry with no apparent reasons, we agreed to wolf on foods!

When I am outdoor my craving for pasta is excessively epidemic, so naturally I suggested that we would look for a food establishment that offers pasta concoctions.

WORLD CHICKEN, TRINOMA MALL

While walking around, looking for a food house, something caught my roving eyes, a list of menu at World Chicken. I saw several sets of meals composed of pasta and boneless chicken that looked so insanely delectable!

And that's it! We came closer and navigated the menu and chose my all time favourite--- Fettuccine Carbonara! Rowie chose the Asian Noodles meal.

Insanely scrumptious pasta meal at World Chicken in Trinoma Mall!

First set: Carbonara, Toasted Garlic Bread, 

Boneless chicken drizzled with custard cheese sauce. Price: P170.00

Second set: Asian noodles with Mashed Potato with gravy, 

Boneless chicken drizzled with mushroom sauce. Price: P150.00

World Chicken offers a wide selection of pasta concoctions from Fettuccine Carbonara to Pesto to Bolognese and a lot more. The boneless chicken is equally satisfying! I love this set of meal because the pack is so huge it can be shared by two persons per order.

CAKE at GOLDILOCKS

I am not a cake person, much more chocolate, I rarely eat cake because I don't like sweets that much, it makes my head swirl in anxiety, but this cute layer of Chocolate mortle cake from Goldilocks is so mouthwatering I was not able to resist the temptation when Rowena bought one layer for my sister's birthday.

Lush Chocolate mortle Cake with Cherries!

Mouthwatering cake! So rich and creamy, yum!!!

STARBUCKS!

Rowena is a Starbucks fanatic and I am not into coffee that much, I don't like the after-taste of coffee and chocolate but when we go out, I would support my friend with her cravings hehe! It's impossible to finish our adventure without passing by at Starbucks!

 Belgian Waffle drizzled with smoothie cream and heavy chocolate syrup!

Green Tea Frappuccino, when I am at Starbucks

I always prefer this smoothie concoction, I love green tea!

Hazelnut Macchiato

Starbucks coffee house has been known with its unique blending of flavours among its coffee concoctions, but I am not really into it because aside from its intensely expensive prices, coffee always gives me a terrible after-taste that lasted almost an hour, but because my friend is really a coffee lover I got to support her every time we're on the road!

So there you go folks! The meals and other foods/drinks I devoured for the past weeks. I'll post more food finds in my next travel adventure! Thanks for visiting my travel blog!!!

2014 Panagbenga Festival, Baguio City

I must admit, I am not fond of attending or watching any sort of festivals because of the heat and exhaustion brought by thick spectators, I hate to squirm in the middle of the crowd. When I was still in Davao City, I rarely watch the float parade and the street dancing during the Kadayawan Festival.

But Panagbenga Festival is different, it is incredibly unique and famous and to be a part of the crowd of this extremely popular celebration in the country is somewhat fantastic. An opportunity I should never miss and as a travel blogger, this sort of social activity is crucial to my passion :-)

The Panagbenga Festival, also known as the Flower Festival, is a month long celebration in Baguio city which traditionally kicks off on the first week of February and ends on the first week of March.

This is one of the most highly anticipated festivals in the country due to the unique atmosphere of the celebration --- the spectacular display of lovely blooms! So enchanting!! No doubt, it drew thousands of visitors annually, transforming the little city of Pines into a crowded cosmopolitan. Well, apart from the wonders of blooming flowers, people flocked to the summer capital every February to relax and enjoy the cool weather and the beautiful scenery of nature.

Panagbenga comes from the native dialect of the people in the Cordilleras which has a literal meaning of "season of blooming". And indeed, it was. All over Baguio, I saw nothing but stunning blooms of all kinds of flowers, in different shades and shapes.

I travelled to Baguio with friends, the trip was sponsored by Ms. Gemalyn Avila as her treat to her staff, we just get on as extra baggage haha!

We left Mandaluyong City on February 22, 2014, Saturday, at 5:00 in the morning. It was a beautiful feeling being able to relax after a whole week of work in a nine-hour job. We brought so many foods for this trip! So we did not worry too much about our budget. 

We also decided not to book for a hotel room and just sleep in the car instead. For a festival like Panagbenga, it's so rare to find vacant rooms in all tourist inns in Baguio, you need to make an advance booking several months ahead to get one. So the van of our friend, Aldrin Banas, became like a moving room :-P

At the Wright Park

At the Good Shepherd Convent

We had a stop over at Kennon Road to view the famous Lion's Head Monument. Despite the sunny weather, the environment was awfully cold! After 30 minutes, we're back on the road, up to the rolling hills of the Benguet province. We arrived in Baguio at 12:00 noon and we found ourselves stuck in the middle of a heavy traffic along the Brent road! The car barely moved, gosh!

One of the cart entries at the float parade on February 23, 2014

Since we arrived very late we did not witness the street dance parade so we proceeded to the Wright Park to stroll, then to the Good Shepherd convent. We wanted to go to Burnham Park to have our lunch but we could not find a vacant parking space due to tons of private vehicles so we're on the road again travelling to Botanical Garden, there, we found a spacious parking area and had our lunch inside the car.

During my first travel to Baguio City last April 2008, I wasn't able to visit Botanical Garden because it was very late in the evening when my colleagues decided to go to this area and I was already tired walking around the market and Burnham Park so I just stayed in the Betania Retreat house. This time, I did not miss the opportunity of going down to the Botanical Garden, the blossoming flowers are incredibly lovely!

At the Botanical Garden

We went back to the Wright Park after our botanical garden strolling. Then crossed the street to visit The Mansion, the official summer residence of the incumbent Philippine president. Visitors are not allowed to go beyond the manicured lawn of the mansion so we just contented to pose for pictures in the background.

And guess who we saw upon leaving the mansion? Paolo Contis! I wasn't sure what he did in front of the camera and the crowd, the only thing I knew, he was filmed while having a scene with another actor.

Freezing night at Burnham Park!

By 7:00 in the evening, we had another round of a joy ride as we could not find a parking space in almost all areas in Baguio City. We decided to park the car in the intersection leading to Burnham park to take a rest. The night was so freezing and very cold so after staying a little while at the riverside of Burnham park, we decided to go back to the car. 

In this travel, I experienced how it was like to be a backpacker, you know that weird, but exciting trip of a travel adventurer where one just go into different places with no particular itinerary to follow and no hotel room to rest on. Yeah, that was exactly what we did in this trip, backpacking adventure!

Though it was slightly uncomfortable, the experience provided me a different travel experience. We spent the whole night in the car, the environment was insanely cold so I covered myself with two layers of jackets, wore hand gloves and socks and put on my bonnet. We just used a public comfort room to wash our face and body and changed clothes. We felt like attending a jamboree but it was a very good adventure, so many funny memories!!

Around 4:00 in the morning on February 23, we're awaken by a gentle knock on the window of the car, someone telling us to move out of the area because it should be secured by the police in time for the preparation of the float parade later at 8:00 in the morning. Again, it was a total agony because we could not find a vacant parking space. We ended up having another joy ride all over Baguio City at the very early morning. Until we found a vacant space in front of the University of Baguio, very far from where the float parade is passing.

We rested for a while then had our breakfast inside the car at 6:00. At 6:30, we started walking the narrow street, joining the thick crowd to be in the road for the float parade. But the moment we arrived near SM Baguio the street was already fully occupied and we could no longer find a vacant space. 

at the PMA ground

We ended up standing at the upper part of the hill in front of Baguio Cathedral with nothing to see except branches of trees, we only saw the blossoming float carts on top of the heads of the crowds, so I felt so sleepy and tired.

The float parade was so amazing because the cart entries were decorated with different flowers and plants, my first time to saw such massive display of blooms!. We saw celebrities like Marianne Rivera and Alden Richards joining the float parade. The street dance presentation was also fantastic. The only thing I regretted was our location behind the trees preventing us from getting a perfect view of the floral parade.

Around 9:30, we decided to leave the area and went back to the car. At 10:00 in the morning, we went to Camp John Hay to visit the Philippine Military Academy. Nothing has change at the PMA ground from the first time I visited the area in 2008. 

At 11:30, we left Baguio and travelled back to Manila. We had a stop over in Urdaneta, Pangasinan for our lunch. We arrived in Caloocan at 7:00 in the evening. What a two-day relaxing adventure at the city of Pines!! Thanks to Gemalyn Avila for this trip!!

McKinley Hill, The Fort, Taguig

When coming to Manila, don't miss the opportunity of visiting the little Europe in the metro --- McKinley Hill in Taguig!

You know, I always love Europe and it has been my ultimate dream to take a leisure trip around the continent, particularly in Scotland, Britain, France, Italy and Switzerland and a Tuscan Holiday is an ultimate obsession!This dream however remains a dream, but as we all know, God is good!!! Sometimes He creates certain forms of miracles to pacify our longings. Because I cannot afford to go to Europe at the moment, God allowed me to work in an environment that has a taste of Europe ^_____^

Experience a taste of Europe in McKinley Hill!

If there's one business district in Metro Manila that combines the energy of a sophisticated urban living and the elegance of Europe then it's McKinley Hill at the Fort Bonifacio in Taguig. From the imposing buildings, stunning landscape down to the artistic architectural design of the high-end structures, McKinley is truly beyond imagination when it comes to modernization in the Philippines with a brush of a western culture!!

The transformation of McKinley Hill into a luxurious district is being handled by the Megaworld Corporation, a high-end property developer and the country's premier BPO office space provider that has been targeting an upper class real estate development in Metro Manila.

McKinley has state-of-the-art, large-scale condominiums, business establishments and town houses that are extremely modern, designed under a strong European influence. It is also home to some of the most highly reputable multinational companies operating in the Philippines, Accenture, Wells Fargo, Thomson Reuters among others. High-end condominiums and town houses mushroomed around the area leaving it no room for economical shelters to be built, making McKinley Hill one of the most expensive districts in Metro Manila.

According to the Megaworld Corporation site, the concept of McKinley Hill is developed for the successful set and for international engagements in the country. Aside from high-rising condominiums and offices, McKinley houses international schools and embassies.

Luxurious Properties in McKinley Hill

1. The Florence - Offers the finest things of an urban living from retail stores, to restaurants and condominiums. The architectural design is patterned after the artistic Italian city of the same name.

2. Viceroy Executive Residences - High-rising condominiums designed for the elite and business leaders.

3. The Venice - composed of event pavilions, arcade and a beautiful Piazza.

4. Morgan - Townhouses and condominiums

5. Stamford - a world-class community with beautifully designed condominiums where you can experience the life of privilege and glamour

6. Tuscany Hill Estate - Are you dreaming to have a Tuscan adventure in Italy but cannot afford a ticket at the moment, why not visit the Tuscany Hill in McKinley instead? I am very lucky because I always pass here everyday. It's an illustrious clusters of residential houses designed under the Tuscan influence and Mediterranean mode, it has an array of cafes and restaurants too.

7. McKinley Hill village and gardens - Beautiful town houses designed under the Italian countryside concept and the Caribbean scene, it has a beautiful garden, trees and beautiful pathways.

The Tower of Venice Piazza (orange structure) from a distance

When I arrived in Manila in 2013 and my friends brought me to Razon's in McKinley to try its scrumptious Halo-halo and Sizzling Bulalo, I was amazed with the grandeur of the surrounding, the magnificent buildings, the cool atmosphere, the luxurious ambience. It feels like Italy! So lavish and glamorous, but when I learned that the cost of living here is terribly expensive, my fascination towards the place waned down and did not dream to get a job here.

But oh, well, life sometimes can be so cunning and tricky, pushing us a little harder to test our endurance.  Late last year, I had a final interview at one of McKinley's "resident" companies and my anxiety began. I had this slight reservation working at this district due to the distance of travelling and the expensive lifestyle. There's no public utility jeep, no carenderia and boarding houses, so I was hoping that if ever I got accepted on the job I would be assigned elsewhere. Unfortunately, I ended up at McKinley still hehe!

My travel everyday from Caloocan City to McKinley, Taguig, which takes almost three hours depends on the dense of traffic, is kinda toxic. But since I don't want to start my day in a bad light, I just treated each moment as a great opportunity to do a sight seeing in the city and the moment I enter the vicinity of McKinley hill and feel the European-like atmosphere, all the reservations and stress I felt eventually vanish.

McKinley Hill as viewed at the 6th floor of the Tower A of One Campus Place

The stunning skyline of McKinley Hill.

Each day, in the morning, I would sit beside the window of the pantry

on the 6th floor of the McK Tower A to get a perfect view of the European atmosphere of McKinley Hill.

McKinley Hill is just a stone-throw away from Bonifacio Global City, another high-end district in Taguig that offers comfort, leisure and luxurious lifestyle, also a project of the Megaworld Corporation.

So if you are coming to Manila, seize the opportunity of visiting McKinley Hill, it's simply elegant!You will experience a different thrill and style of being in a European surrounding.

How to go to McKinley Hill

McKinley can be reached by any means of transportation except jeepneys.

From Bonifacio Global City (BGC)/Market, Market

• Take taxi or van

From Magallanes MRT station

• Go to San Lorenzo place (just within Magallanes MRT station's area) and ride a City Link bus or Van, these PUVs have daily routes to McKinley Hill.

What to do in McKinley Hill

• Dine! It has some of the finest food establishments in the Metro. Plus the surrounding is ideal for photo souvenirs.
• Be amused with its European atmosphere.
• Take a leisure walk along its quiet and glamorous streets.

Best establishments to visit at McKinley Hill

• Don't miss dining at Razon's (near Florence Way). Its halo-halo is ultra-delicious, and the sizzling bulalo is so insanely delectable!
• Tuscany - Not just a private estate but a food destination as well.
• Venice Piazza - It feels like a shopping mall with fashion boutiques and foods!

Ultimate Travel Dream: TUSCANY!

Each one of us has a unique travel dream.

It could be just within our country of birth or abroad, it doesn't matter, the point is we have this absorbing desire to really go into adventure once in a lifetime. I am no exemption. I have this unique travel dream too!

I always considered travelling as the most wonderful escape from stress and pressure in life. To be able to visit the fantastic places I only read in the book is such a huge accomplishment.  One of the most beautiful regions in the world I longed to see is the romantic region of TUSCANY in ITALY.

Sounds super ambitious lol! But one of my fantasies in life really is to experience a relaxing TUSCAN HOLIDAY! It started as a fascination towards renaissance culture, history and arts then grew into an obsession of a grand European tour where Tuscany is the ultimate destination. 

Tuscany is one of the regions in Italy on the central part and its capital is the artistic city of Florence. It is often dubbed as the world's greatest repository of art collections, from paintings to frescoes, sculptures and architectural masterpieces. Some of its famous cities are Florence, Sienna, Pisa and Chianti. With its interesting history, culture, food and romantic landscapes, Tuscany, for me, no doubt, is one of the best regions in Europe to explore for leisure, adventure and learning.

The vineyard in Chianti, the wine producing region in Tuscany

Tuscany is also known for its breezy scenery, spectacular beaches, breathtaking countryside and authentic Italian dishes. Its artistic legacy and influence on high culture made this historical region even more interesting especially among artists, scholars and researchers.

Beautiful Tuscan beach!

Four of Tuscany's most beautiful destinations I dreamed to explore:

Florence - This is Tuscany's capital. Considered as the birthplace of the Renaissance period in Italy, it is highly popular due to its legendary artistic culture, so much so that it is consistently named one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

Sienna - Famous for its medieval buildings, arts, museums and cuisine, Siena, no doubt, is one of Europe's lovely places. Its countryside is dominated with rolling hills, beautiful scenery and relaxing mountain paths. Some of the best attractions in Siena according to an Italian travel guide online are the following: Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, Piazza del Duomo, Siena Cathedral and Torre del Mangia. Siena also offers unique Italian food and wine.

Pisa - Home to one of the world's oldest universities, the University of Pisa. This Tuscan city houses some of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy including the Square of Miracles known in Italy as Piazza del Miracoli. 

Piazza del Duomo where the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is located

Square of Miracles is where the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is located, it is a bell tower of the Cathedral located within the ground of Piazza del Duomo. The baptistery located within the cathedral is considered one of the largest baptisteries in Italy. Other must-see landmarks around the Square of Miracles are enchanting monuments, treasures and the famous Camposanto, an ancient monumental cemetery located north of the Square.

Chianti - Located between the cities of Florence and Siena, Chianti is very famous for its stunning hills, vineyard, castles, medieval villages and churches. But most of all, this city is popularly known for producing the best wine varieties in the world. Delectable regional Italian food can be tasted in Chianti also and because of its close location to Siena and Florence, visitors can easily reach Chianti in just a short travel.

There you go, the reasons why Tuscany is my ultimate travel dream!

Luneta Park and Intramuros, Manila

Rediscovering the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines!

For everyone, December 24 is a busy day of preparation for Christmas Eve, but I and my friend, Lea, decided to spend it outdoor, strolling around the historical landmarks in Manila :-D

Two of the most famous tourist attractions in Manila, Philippines that reflect the country's long struggle for independence and freedom are Luneta Park and Intramuros. These historical sites embody the Philippines' unique culture and ancestry. So if you want to get an additional piece of knowledge about the country's glorious past and cultural orientation, try to include Luneta Park and Intramuros in your itinerary of travel when coming to Manila.

LUNETA PARK

Located along Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, this urban park officially known as Rizal Park, is a massive complex of gardens, Philippine Heroes’ markers, plants and a playground. It is beautifully covered with manicured lawn, cobbled stone pathways, green plants, flowers and water fountain. There’s a large Philippine map carved in stone situated in the middle of the river near the foot bridge of the park.

At the heart of Luneta Park

Philippine map carved in stone

The park has several souvenir’s shops where you can buy gift items at an affordable price. It has park benches along the pathways. You will also find mini-shuttles and Kalisa (horse-drawn carriage, Philippine’s oldest form of transportation) that would take you around the area for sightseeing, rate ranges from 30 pesos to 50 pesos.

Two of the most famous monuments inside the park are that of Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine national hero who fought during the Spanish era in the 19^th century, and Lapu-Lapu, a tribal chieftain in the visayas region, hailed as one of the early Philippine heroes who famously led the resistance of the Cebuanos against the Spaniards in the 16^th century. Lapu-Lapu's monument is a gift from the people of South Korea. 

At the monument of Lapu-Lapu, a gift of appreciation from the people of Korea to honor the assistance extended by Filipinos during the Korean War in the 1950s.

Luneta Park is an important site of Philippine history, it is where Dr. Jose Rizal executed on December 30, 1896. The site marker of his execution can be found not far from the water fountain. His monument, made of bronze and granite, is closely guarded by military personnels and visitors are not allowed to go closer to the vicinity of the monument.

Monument of Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal

The best time to visit Luneta park is during mid-afternoon and early evening where the environment is cooler and soothing. You will feel the relaxing breeze of the soft air coming from the Manila bay. The sprawling area is ideal for unwinding, dry picnic and simply bonding moment with friends and family. 

Visitors are allowed to bring food inside the park, just bring with you a sheet to spread in the grass for your dry picnic. But not all areas in the park are available for resting, the manicured lawn with the greenest grass is off limit to visitors, just ask the guard on duties where to stay for a dry picnic to avoid being reprimanded.

Other tourist sites and landmarks within the park are Japanese garden, Chinese garden, Children's playground, Museum, Department of Tourism, the National Library, Luntiang Pilipinas garden, Quirino Grandstand, Kilometer Zero marker, which serves as a point where all road distances from Manila are measured, Harbor View and Manila Ocean Park.

Nearest Landmarks and Establishments in Luneta Park:

1. Bayview Park Hotel Manila
2. Hotel H2O
3. La Luneta Apartment
4. Manila City Hall
5. Manila Hotel
6. Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino
7. NBI
8. SM Manila
9. Supreme Court
10. The Corporate Inn Hotel
11. University of the Philippines-Manila
12. Philippine General Hospital

How to get there?

If you are traveling via LRT, alight at the United Nations Station, Luneta Park is just few steps from the exit area of the station. If you are traveling via the public utility jeep, disembark at the Kalaw street and walk straight ahead. Entrance Fee to the park is free. 

INTRAMUROS

This is one area in Manila where you can still experience the atmosphere of the Spanish culture.

Known as the Walled City, this ancient complex, which is preserved by the Philippine government to commemorate the country’s journey to freedom and independence, echoes the interesting past of the nation especially during Spanish colonialism.

Intramuros (Latin for "within the walls") is just as interesting as the country's tradition and culture, it will take you back in time to the old days of the Spanish Society. 

Upper part of the walled city just in front of San Juan de Letran

Lyceum of the Philippines inside Intramuros

Built around the 16th century, Intramuros is one of the fewest remaining landmarks in the Metro where visitors can experience the Spanish-era Manila through its streets, restaurants, stores, buildings and churches. Within the wall lies Fort Santiago, originally built as a defensive fortress of Spaniards but later transformed into a prison wall.

Intramuros was originally used as the seat of government of the Spaniards in the Philippines and was declared the capital of the new Spanish Colony. The defensive walls were built to protect the city from foreign invasions. It was heavily damaged during World War II but reconstructed in 1951 to preserve the cultural heritage of the Filipino people. The site was consequently declared the National Historical Monument.

Entrance to Fort Santiago near the Pasig river

When you visit this place, you will be surprised with the ancient appearance of the environment, even the guards on duty are wearing the Spanish-era tailored uniform. The cobbled streets look like the old days, very quiet and peaceful, the pathways and walls have no traces of modernization, felt like you are traveling back in time and as you walk through the quiet street, you will see the ancient structures of buildings and stores.

There are educational institutions inside the walled city: Mapua Institute of Technology, San Juan de Letran, Collegio de Sta. Rosa and Lyceum of the Philippines.

How to get there?

Intramuros is accessible by any types of transportation. If you are traveling via LRT, you may alight at the Central station then walk ahead across Manila City Hall, you will pass two intersections, from there you will see a fenced lawn and ahead of that is the entrance of Intramuros. If you are traveling via public utility vehicles, choose the routes going to Lawton/SM Manila or Pier. Intramuros is just around the area.

In my experience visiting Intramuros with a friend, we just walked from Luneta Park to Manila City Hall then we crossed the street on the left side, and headed to Intramuros.

Nearest Landmarks and establishments in Intramuros:

1. Bayleaf Intramuros Hotel
2. Manila City hall
3. Palacio del Gubernador
4. SM Manila
5. US Embassy
6. White Knight Hotel Intramuros

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Best of my Travels in 2013

"There can be miracles, when you believe" so goes the powerful song of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, indeed miracles do happen everyday.

Who would ever think I could fulfill three of my life's long-standing wishes successively in a year?

Once, I dreamed to obtain a master's degree from Ateneo, I thought it was simply an illusion because before 2010, I was not interested to pursue a higher learning anymore. Then I listed two ambitious trips to make before settling down (laugh!) one abroad, one local, again I thought I was a bit mad and unrealistic, little did I know that embarking into a dreamy escape abroad is more sane and realistic than snagging a guy next door (sigh!).

God, with all His heavenly mercy and compassion, did give me a fulfilling year to remember with. I was able to achieve the three wishes I kept on listing in a white paper every Christmas Eve and on my birthday.

I finished my master's degree in April, traveled to Hongkong and Macau in June and went to Boracay in July. Whoaaa! Feeling lucky in life!!

But on the contrary...

Honestly, I haven't reach yet the pinnacle of my travel quest nor accomplish the things most travel bloggers in the world are doing---take a trip abroad twice a year and just explore and enjoy the places, as if nothing matters in the world except relaxation and pleasure. I have not done yet any risky travel exploits (except the helmet diving in Boracay, which to this date, the scariest and most adventurous escapade I ever made), like backpacking, going around and just take an adventure in a completely strange place alone. 

Nevertheless...

2013 is the best year for me as far as my travel fascination is concerned. I'd visited some of the most desirable holiday escapes in Asia and that's already a huge accomplishment. They were not headlong adrenaline rushes though (swimming with sharks in a pool for example) but I've got the best of both worlds with these travels, discovering and exploring the places and experiencing a different thrill and excitement.

As the year closes, I want to reminisce the good times I had with these adventures and hoping against hope, God will grant another wish next year for a back-to-back travel outing ^___^

HONGKONG and MACAU

Got to visit these two former European colonies, now part of the Special Administrative Regions of China, last June 2013.

Truly memorable because it was my first time to travel abroad, it was a DIY (do-it-yourself) trip under a tight budget with no tour guide to rely on so the experience was more exciting, completely adventurous. I and a friend made so many blunders and ludicrous slip-ups along the way while exploring the places but it was genuinely exciting. I learned and discovered so many things. From religiously following instructions at the immigration to observing how disciplined most people in Hongkong to discovering Victoria Harbour while walking along the Hongkong Museum of Art, few miles from our hotel.

Hongkong is simply sophisticated. The place is ultra modern, high-rising buildings, infrastructures, high-end boutiques and imported brands. The foods are fairly good, I enjoyed my meals because I loved oriental foods ^___^ Transportation is extremely comfortable. The subway. The double-decker buses. The tram. And all those amusement parks I thought I could never visit in the near future. The road is very clean and no annoying traffic.

Some of my memorable experiences/discoveries in Hongkong:

• Huge airport (hehe!)
• Searching the bus traveling to Kowloon (so difficult to ask bystanders, most of them cannot speak/understand English)
• No sign board of destination in buses only number of bus stops.
• Visiting the spectacular and magnificent Chinese classical twin gardens (Nan Lian & Chi Lin Nunnery)
• State-of-the-art facilities especially public utility vehicles
• The use of Octopus Card is a must when traveling to Hongkong. It's more practical.
• Riding a tram in a reclining mode (wheew!)
• Wandering around Victoria Harbour and Avenue of Stars
• Traveling in a normal speed (no screeching, blowing of horn and overloading)
• No dust and traffic!(love it so much)
• Riding a cable car on top of the world passing through the scallop hills above the placid sea that divides Hongkong and Shanghai.
• Riding a swirling tower more or less 20,000 feet above the ground!
• Wandering around Victoria Harbour and Avenue of Stars
• Shopping centers are interconnected.
• So many transient hotels, clean and very affordable.

Our group visited Macau on the third day of June. Earned the monicker of being the Las Vegas in Asia, Macau is home to some of the most elegant Casino Resorts in the Pacific. The Venetian Sands, City of Dreams, The Galaxy. It was awe-inspiring indeed! We were able to visit the majestic Grand Emperor's Hotel in Macau city too, with all the Windsor splendours, including the scarlet uniformed guards wearing a bearskin hat similar to the House of Cavalry Guards stationed in Buckingham Palace, I felt the sense of witnessing the royal finery at this landmark. 

Macau is relatively smaller than Hongkong but the surrounding is more elegant. European influence is still very much evident on most of the structures. The design of the street and old buildings including the Leal Senado.

Cotai Strip is more fascinating than the Macau City proper because it houses the best Casino Resorts in Asia, opulence at its finest! Food in Macau is also great, I love the mode of serving because it came with a cup of hot green tea, yeey!

Some of my memorable experiences/discoveries in Macau:

• Immigration is not really strict compared to Hongkong
• Filipino day tour guides are available at the Ferry Terminal
• Going around Macau can be done for free just hopped in at any of the Casinos' shuttle buses
• Discovering free food taste around the busy souvenir's market
• The history of the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral.
• The Venetian has an Italian theme, very elegant while The Galaxy smells ultra fresh and fragrant, I wonder what kind of freshener the hotel is using.
• It's more ideal to choose Cotai Jet when coming to Macau from Hongkong because it docks directly to Taipa terminal which is nearer to Cotai Strip.

BORACAY

With all the hypes of parties and fun and international recognitions as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, Boracay, without a doubt, is everyone's idea of a perfect holiday destination. But for me who is just living under a scanty budget with no room to entertain luxury relaxation, going to Boracay after Hongkong and Macau trip seems a crazy idea. But as we all know of course, God is bigger than any worries in the world. He allowed some form of miracles to take place and puff! Everything became so real.

I traveled to Boracay with longtime friends and my sister last July 2, 2013. It was in Boracay that I truly experienced the wonders of being in a party island. Sooooo exciting and breathtakingly awesome. Boracay rocks!

Some of my memorable experiences/discoveries in Boracay:

• You can indeed visit Boracay under a tight budget, just plan the trip ahead of time and do lots of research before deciding to book anything.
• Fun, adventure and excitement never sleep even during night time
• Look for hotels at Station 2, it's more ideal. Very near to the party junctions and beach side.
• It's okay to walk around the island in your bikinis or two piece hehe!
• You can choose a better place to stay when you're already in the island
• Foods are great!
• It's so nice to walk along the seashore without footwear, the sugary sand is very relaxing to the palm of the feet.
• The morning sunrise is very soothing and the sunset is amazingly beautiful and romantic.
• Helmet diving is so scary!
• Very long coastline with no breakwater.
• I enjoyed the Banana boat ride so much!
• Midnight strolling is great because the party has just started.
• It is okay to go inside the bank and make transaction even if you are wet and  just wearing a swimwear.
• Boracay is so lively and vibrant at night time
• Lots of restaurants to choose from.
• Souvenir's boutiques offer affordable items.
• Ideal for family and large groups but I don't think it's a good place for honeymooners. It's a party island and not an exclusive resort.

So that's concluded my entry for Best of My Travel in 2013. I would like to thank God for granting my three wishes this year and allowed me to enjoy life to the highest.

Traveling is simply fantastic even if you're just out there discovering the environment, exploring the places and not so much on the shopping itinerary, the memories are more enduring and lasting than the items you will buy. 

Let's Travel with Christmas Lights!

It's holiday season! And while everyone is busy preparing for Christmas shopping list or searching gift ideas for their loved ones, I am making my own list of a unique holiday musing and stick to what I love doing most: Travel and Blogging  ^_____^

Here's the first of the many Christmas holiday travels I want to indulge in.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS HOPPING!

I love Christmas, it's the most wonderful time of the year and my happiest season! The mere thought of celebrating Christmas makes me to bounce in happiness and excitement, it brings warm memories.

I love the energy of the holiday season, the joy, the fun, the laughter and the vitality of everyone, the exuberance of the holiday rush and the foods to prepare! Seems there's an everlasting peace and happiness in the environment, the thought of Christmas alone gives me so much inspiration and delight, such a heart-warming feeling to relish!

One of the most anticipated elements of the holiday season I often look forward is the unveiling of unique Christmas ornaments by different establishments, felt like I am a child again staring at the vibrant Christmas decors in the surroundings, as if the magic of innocence did not end.

Whenever I travel through FX from Manila to Caloocan on weekend after work, my spirit is on high and truly relax because of so many sparkling lights in the street, it somehow eases the irritation of enduring the heavy traffic and the longing of missing home at Christmastime.

The magnificent Christmas lights at the Garden Restaurants area of 

Trinoma Mall, Quezon City

We're not able to witness the

Merry Musical Lights presentation because we went home before 7:00 pm

we plan to come back some other time to witness the show

Yesterday, I took a one day absent from work because I need to go to Greenhills, San Juan for an important appointment, after the meeting, I and my sister went to Greenhills Shopping Center to visit its Christmas lights and presentations area just across the Promenade, unfortunately the show will start at 6:00 in the evening and we need to go home early to feed our cats hehe! So I told my sister that we just come back some other time, we proceeded to Trinoma in Quezon City instead to view its lively Christmas lights.

Trinoma's Garden Restaurants area on the third floor transformed into a merry fairytale landia at night time because of so many elegant Christmas decorations, all its trees, plants and landscape were covered with beautiful Christmas lights. We seated for a while and took some pictures but unfortunately the show of Merry Musical Christmas Lights in the Garden will start at 7:00 pm, since we still have to travel for another one hour to reach home, we agreed to just come back some other time to witness the show.

Aside from Trinoma and Greenhills Shopping Center, there are other destinations in the city where people can truly enjoy the wonders of Christmastime. The Ayala Triangle in Makati city is just one of these destinations. With its spectacular 800,000 LED bulbs that come to life and dance in synchronization with Christmas medleys, visitors will surely be delighted. Mall of Asia, Star City, Policarpio street in Mandaluyong and Powerplant, Rockwell in Makati are other spectacular holiday destinations in the Metropolis where everyone can witness glamorous Christmas decors. With the exemption of Star City, people can visit these gorgeous displays of Christmas wonders for free, just visit the above-mentioned places beyond 6:00 in the evening to experience the glittery delights of the holiday embellishments.

I cannot wait to visit the Ayala Triangle in Makati sometime next week to view its extraordinary display of Christmas sparkles!

Asking where to go to take some souvenirs for Christmas 2013 memories under the twinkling and vivacious Christmas lights splendour? Here are some of the top picks and most recommended destinations in the Greater Manila Area.

1. Trinoma Mall, Quezon City

2. Ayala Triangle, Makati City

3. Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan

4. Mall of Asia

5. Policarpio Street, Mandaluyong

6. Powerplant, Rockwell

7. Quezon City Memorial Circle

8. Star City, CCP Complex

9. Roxas Boulevard, Manila

10. World Trade Center

It's 12 days before Christmas!!

Updated: December 27, 2013

Finally, just before Christmas Eve! I was able to visit Ayala Triangle in Makati City with friends to view its stunning display of Christmas lights!

After our strolling in Luneta Park and Intramuros, I and Lea went straight to Makati City to meet her cousin, Archel. We made some grocery shopping for our Noche Buena at SM Makati and Landmark then walked along the glittery street of Paseo de Roxas to be at the Ayala Triangle.

 At the lively display of Christmas ornaments in Ayala Triangle

 With Lea Maika

....and Archel

Ayala Triangle brings delight to everyone as it presents one of the most gorgeous sets of Christmas lights in the metro that dance in synchronization with Christmas medleys.

Weekend Getaway: Batangas & Albay

I've been contemplating to take another travel in the countryside in the coming weeks, need to breath fresh air and rest my tired soul under the cool shade of verdant plants. I need to create a concise itinerary to determine the cost and how much I would spend.

Since relocating here in Manila last June 30, 2013, my excitement to visit historical provinces in Luzon grew everyday. As a travel blogger nothing more satisfying and fulfilling than taking an outdoor adventure in the countryside, the sharing of the experience is more lively and inspiring when coated with the natural beauty of the environment, the serenity of nature and the scenery of lush tropical plants.

The farthest destinations I took outside Metro Manila so far are Tagaytay and Laguna. I already visited Baguio City in 2008 and no plan to take a re-visit in the coming months because I am more excited to see other destinations.

There's something in traveling that I find very alluring and liberating, it's the freedom of being in a completely different place, discovering something in the environment and learning from its culture and tradition. I am always fascinated with history, research and discovery and taking a road trip far away from where I am living is a perfect way to satisfy my curiosity.

I want to go back to Tagaytay to take a leisure visit to Sonya's Garden and the Highlands, I heard extraordinary comments about these spectacular places and it's my wish to see it for myself and experience the charm and comfort they have been raving.

Batangas is another fascination which hopefully I could visit before the year ends. Other provinces I would love to hop in for a quick getaway are Camarines Sur, Bicol, La Union and Ilocos Norte. The travel might be taxing and quite costly but the rare experience of marveling at the landmarks of these exciting places is priceless so I would not mind spending for the trip, it's a great escape and one of the best ways to loosen up and wind off a very tiring day.

Speaking of Batangas, there's one resort in Lipa City featured in the tripadvisor site that I find very relaxing, Valentino Resort and Spa. Ranked number 2 among the 5 hotels in Lipa City, Batangas,  and ranked number 10 among the numerous resorts in the Batangas province, Valentino Resort and Spa is located at Brgy. Pinagtung-ulan, Lipa City. Its villas and lounges in any of its ten cabanas surrounding the three swimming pools magnify luxury, modern comfort and elegance. The tropical garden adds romance to the natural beauty of the resort. I want to no more about this resort, since the clients' testimonies are very inviting. Visit the resort's website HERE.

This photo of Farm at San Benito is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This photo of Farm at San Benito is courtesy of TripAdvisor 

 But if you want luxury, glamour combined with comfort and wellness under the natural backdrop of nature visit The Farm at San Benidto. It offers a great value for visitors' money according to tripadvisor site. The Farm, already featured in numerous lifestyle magazine and TV shows, is located at 119 Brgy. Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas. It has an approval satisfaction rate of 95% from visitors. Explore the The Farm through its site HERE to check the details of its amenities, villas, accommodations and rates.

Another exciting place to hop in for a quick roadtrip is Albay. I was deeply enthralled with the breathtaking landscape of Misibis Bay Resort after watching the TV 5 teleserye of the same name. It is located in the province of Albay just a few hour drive from Manila. It's a private tropical resort with casino particularly located in Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay. Travellers may take a bus from Manila to Legaspi, since this is a luxury resort, the accommodation is quite expensive but the place is so elegant and gorgeous you don't mind setting aside a large chunk of your income for this getaway. For more details, visit the official site of the resort, click here.

The gorgeous tropical resort of Misibis Bay popularized by the TV series
with the same title via TV 5

For foreigners who want to take a leisure visit in the Philippines in the days, months to come, don't worry about the recent insurgencies that erupted in Zamboanga, the area is far from Luzon and Visayas and there are breathtaking and exciting places around the Visayas and Luzon worthy of your time and travel plus the accommodation is relatively cheaper compared to other holiday destinations in Asia.

Come and experience the natural wonders and beauty of the Philippines and see for your self why the country is dubbed the Pearl of the Orient Sea.

Lots of discovery awaits here, the people are warm and very hospitable, weather is moderate and enjoys a tropical climate whole year round. The Philippines uses Philippine peso as local currency. 1 US dollar is more or less Php 43.00 as of September 13, 2013. The manner of transportation around the metro is by land, jeepney, taxi, bus, FX and train.

It's more fun in the Philippines!!