Sunday, December 20, 2015

Selfie Sunday says Thank You!

Selfie Sunday Batch 2
Time flies so fast when you are having fun. And "having fun" is an understatement in Selfie Sunday for I had a great time preparing each monthly posts this year. Not only did I marvel at each travel bloggers' fave Selfie Shot but I have also discovered interesting bits and pieces about them, of how travelers may be different, but also just the same in the end... for once the travel bug bites, there is no known antidote.. and that we are all happy to get infected until the end of our lives.

Oman @ The Hive
Finally, I love this Selfie Photo at the Murals of Hive Hotel and was taken during a hotel staycation with my travel buddies. This artwork is located at the stairwell of the hotel connecting the function rooms with the hotel bar, Moustache. The retro design perfectly complements the retro vibe of the entire place.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Iligan City : Mimbalot Falls

The Modest Mimbalot Falls
Short, short, short. These three same words could amply describe my Mimbalot Falls experience in Iligan City. It is a short falls measuring just about 90 feet from the top to the pool basin. It is also a short trek of about 20 minutes from the main highway. And a short stay is all you need to appreciate and enjoy the surrounding views of the Falls.

Friday, November 06, 2015

Iligan City : Tinago Falls

Iligan Playground - Tinago Falls
"Tinago" literally translates to hidden, but contrary to the word, no beauty is hidden in this popular attraction. Located in a deep ravine, you need to trek approximately 500 descending steps in the winding staircase to reach the falls.

Sunday, November 01, 2015

Selfie Sunday : It's Angelo The Explorer

Fearless and topless, that's Angelo. Fun and informative, that's his blog "Angelo The Explorer". In the midst of The Explorer Sisters' (Lola Nidora, Tidora and Tinidora) current popularity, one Explorer is immensely enjoying himself traveling around the country and the world, then sharing travel stories coupled with amazing photographs for his followers to see.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

The Linden Suites : My Staycation with the Ragtag Bunch

Find Your Own Corner

I have been working in Ortigas area for almost four years now so the idea of a vacation for me has to be somewhere else other than the area where I work. But when Gay of Pinay Travel Junkie invited me to a staycation at the Linden Suites in Ortigas with some of the best travel bloggers of the country, who am I to say no.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Cebu : Kawasan Falls

Waterfallers

Whenever I visit Cebu, my friends urge me to visit Kawasan Waterfalls, which is arguably, Cebu's most popular waterfalls. So when I backpacked to Moalboal, I saved a day to visit this waterfalls.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Selfie Sunday : RV Escatron of Looney Planet


RV is one of the best story-tellers out there. His blog, Looney Planet, chronicles his travel adventures and misadventures within the Philippines and around the world. He has the gab of making you feel that you are part of his journey... to be constantly amazed at his new experiences, to learn about new culture, to laugh at his antics and to hold your breath on his misadventures.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Travel Tips : Ask Travel Bloggers

In other words... suck it up! Almost every major place has bloggers who are obsessed with what's new and great in their own place or their favorite places, particularly in regard to where to go and what to eat.

Just search Google to find bloggers in wherever you intend to visit. They're a phenomenal resource so don't just read what they're writing, comment and ask questions or better yet contact them for personal recommendations. 

The more specific your request — and the more you flatter them for their insight and wit — the more likely you'll be to pique their interest and get a response. However, just make sure that you read their articles first before asking questions because it is a bit annoying to ask questions that are already specified in the article itself.

Tuesday, September 08, 2015

Happy Birthday!

Another year gained... another year to look forward too!  Thank you for all your birthday greetings!

Sunday, September 06, 2015

Selfie Sunday : Neil The Wanderer

Neil with the Little Mermaid

How awesome it is to live the dream. Neil used to dream of traveling to far away places, to explore other cultures and test his limits in traveling. And now, having traveled the four corners of the world, he has lived and still living the dream. Neil describes himself as a traveler, wanderer, adventurer, explorer and an adrenaline junkie. The travel bug has bitten him in his early 20's and despite the increasing limitations, he still push through with his travel adventures.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Cebu : Sunset at Moalboal's White Beach

Golden Sunset at Moalboal

One of life's great pleasures is witnessing the sunset. It's symbolical to some as it represents a gift from heaven allowing us to witness the end of the day with a promise of another one the next day. It's also magical to some because no sunset is identical for there will always be variations of clouds, colors, foregrounds and other unexpected things that may show anytime. It's also a blessing to most because it provides us a spectacular show that will soothe us the rest of the day.


Sunday, August 09, 2015

Selfie Sunday : Sarah of TravelOsio

Sarah and Big Ben

For those skeptics who still believe that work and travel can't be fraternized, then learn from Sarah, the blogger behind Travelosio - Travelogues of a Pinay Wanderess. Sarah has a regular 9-5 corporate job as a Software Engineer but that doesn’t hold back her deep love for travel and discovery. She is currently contributing to the world by making programs to help humanity do everyday things easier.


Wednesday, August 05, 2015

Maguindanao : Finding Solace @ Tamontaka Lourdes Grotto

Grotto of Immaculate Mary
Somewhere in predominantly Muslim province of Maguindanao lies an oasis of tranquility and peace. It is where Christians and Muslim alike take refuge form oftentimes chaotic situation in the area. A place run by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a Catholic religious congregation specializing in difficult missions, this place features the replica of the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in France, known to heal the sick and the troubled through its holy spring water.


Saturday, August 01, 2015

Guide in Applying for a Philippine Passport


Need to to apply or renew your Philippine passport? To avoid hassle and to save time, these are the things you need to know. So just follow these simple steps and off to a travel you go.


Sunday, July 19, 2015

Siargao : A Somber Journey

Siargao's Rugged Coastline

It isn't advisable to travel during typhoon, we all know the hazards it brings. But armed with caution, I have decided to roam around Siargao in a rented motorcycle. Afterall, it was my last full day in Siargao and I got bored playing pool in the resort and trading travel stories with foreign travelers there (a better excuse than telling you I have exhausted or running-out of English words to say. Quota na!)

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Selfie Sunday : Isabela of I See Bela


The names Bela, Bella, Belle strike me as someone who is delicate, feminine and mysterious. Case in point, Bela Padilla, Belle of Beauty and the Beast and Bella Swan of Twilight (with the exception of course of Bela Flores). But it is no mystery that Isabela Mariano or "Bela" is all that and more... a scholarly chick with a sense of adventure.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Siargao : An Overcast Trip in Cloud 9

Surfers in a Wooden Bridge

A traveler must make the most out of any given situation. Although it was my first time in Siargao, with Cloud 9 Surfing, Magpopongko Pool Lagoon, Pansukian Resort, Taktak Falls, Cabuntag Beach and Alegre Beaches, Naked, Guyam and Dacu Islands in my itineraries, mother nature has something else in mind. Although this was a solo trip, Typhoon Seniang accompanied me throughout this trip. So after, taking snaps in the morning just barely before the heavy rains start to pour, I did the next best thing to enjoy Siargao... sleep!

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Selfie Sunday : Kim of Indie Escape


Throw some Lou Reed's Walk on the Wild Side on the background while cool winds rush on your face as you ride headin' to the unknown. A positive attitude and a free spirit is what Kim of Indie Escape is all about.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Cotabato City : Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid

The Grand Mosque of Cotabato City

Be it a Muslim or a Christian, we all want peace in Mindanao. And no structure symbolizes peace better than the glittering Grand Mosque, also known as Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, Muslim center of worship. The Grand Mosque is located in the seaside village of Inawan. It is a five-hectare cultural complex that can accommodate 15,000 worshipers and was funded by the Sultan of Brunei whom the mosque was named in 2008 for a reported cost of $48M.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Cebu : D-I-Y 2-Day Pilgrimage Tour

Cebu Pilgrimage Tour

The queen city of the south attracts throngs of pilgrims and devotees to visit its century-old churches. Having visited this beautiful city numerous times before, I was tasked in the office to organize a pilgrimage tour in Cebu. At first, I thought why not just engage  the services of a travel agency and let them do all the works from arranging airfare to land transportation, accommodations and meals. But when I learned how much the budget was, well I have my work cut out for me.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Cotabato City : Wander with Caution

Welcome Marker

When it come to tourist destinations, Cotabato City is off the radar and not on everyone's usual list. One of the main protagonist is the peace situation in the area where conflicts between the government and armed lefties are always on the news. I could not really say that it was all media hype because I experienced to have heard several gun shots when I was there. In fact, there was an incident in the street corner of the hotel where I stayed where an alleged criminal was gunned-down by the police. Plus, military presence in almost every corner of the City would tell you that this is not your typical place... so wander with caution!

Sunday, May 03, 2015

Selfie Sunday : Kevin Franciz of The Travel Boy


There is nothing like being young, wild and free because what you can do is limitless. Just ask Kevin who has set-up twenty-five goals before reaching the age of twenty-five. Some of the tasks can be daunting such as climbing the highest peaks in the Philippines or scuba diving or visiting the Holy Land, while some are modest ones such as surfing in Bagasbas or partying in Boracay or visiting Enchanted Kingdom. 

Kevin is a firm believer in setting goals and actively tracking his progress in attaining them thru documentation in his blog. Come to think of it, if you read about the people who seem to be more successful in life, the one constant is their practice of setting goals. And following Kevin's lead, you better do it while you're young.

Sunday, April 05, 2015

Selfie Sunday : Celine of For the Love of Words.. Celineism.. and Adventures!

Celine at Lake Sebu

There is an adage that "You cannot forget your first time". And this holds true for our Selfie Sunday contributor, and forever 18 adventurer Celine. Author of the blog, Celineism, she describes herself as adventurer, thrill-seeker, gastronome,logophile, wanderer and over-all weirdo... just like 99% of Pinoy Travel Bloggers.

Thursday, April 02, 2015

Negros Occidental :A Heritage Walk in Silay City's Ancestral Houses

Merienda of Arroz Caldo and Calamansi Juice before the Walk

We learn and draw from our past. In Silay City, the past comes alive in the architecture and fine craftmanship of its ancestral homes. These jewels continue to inspire awe and imagination to whoever enter their doors. A confluence of foreign and local ingenuity, these palatial dwellings tell the tale of an era made sweeter by the sugar produced and the colorful life lived.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Laguna : Weekend Camping at Caliraya Lake

The Serene Caliraya Lake

I was given the task of organizing a camping trip for the all-boys Legal Team of our Company. Sure, I was known in the group as the backpack traveler so they relied heavily on me to deliver a fun-filled camping weekend. 

If it is with my regular camping buddies, I wouldn't have much problems cause Dong Ho would have probably laid down the itinerary and Lantaw and Erick would have brought all the camping gears we need. And of course, Ferdz and Oggie would have supplied all the needed contingencies and what-to-dos.

Sunday, March 08, 2015

Selfie Sunday : Claire of First Time Travels


Our featured travel blogger this Sunday is an advocate, a PR practitioner, a postcrosser and a Wikipedian all rolled into one. 

Claire Algarme or simply Claire lives in the Philippines and loves to travel within the country and outside of it. The traveling bug bit her while she was still a kid, as she was always spending school breaks going for a vacation with her relatives. But the itch became more insistent when she worked for an international non-profit and had the opportunity to go to various countries.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Laguna : A Green Staycation at Seda Nuvali

Seda Nuvali Green Hotel

It is an invitation that one just can't resist. That is, spending a weekend with travel blogger friends in a hotel designed to provide balance between natural and man-made and over sumptuous and delectable food that keep our tummies in check while we narrate our memorable travel stories. And as we share our past travels, we gladly accept one more experience to tell our friends - our staycation at Seda Nuvali.

Monday, February 09, 2015

Law : Corporate Take-over


I – Nature and Definitions

  
Assumption of control of another (usually smaller) firm through purchase of 51% or more of its voting shares or stock. (www.businessdictionary.com)

A corporate takeover is when a corporation takes ownership of another company without negotiation but rather by just trying to buy up controlling interests. Through takeovers, corporations can consolidate their market share and reduce competition. (www.ehow.com)

Sunday, February 01, 2015

Selfie Sunday : Melody of Guiltless Getaways


How about a Groufie on Selfie Sunday? Why not if it includes Melody Co of Guiltless Travels. Melody is a Chinese-Filipino travel blogger based in Manila. Since 2010, she has been going back to her favorite places in Asia, South Korea and the Philippines, experiencing new things which she now come to love, even outside of her comfort zone and which redefined the term "travel" in her journeys.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Viet Nam : Cu Chi Underground Tunnel

A Lady Trying to Fit in a Tight Hole

I first learned of VietNam's Underground Tunnels during my teen-age years. I remember that I have been told that the Americans lost the war in Saigon because of the crafty and ingenious battling techniques of the Vietnamese soldiers. While the mighty Americans were loaded with battle gears and ammunition, the Vietnamese has their impossible terrain, man-made booby traps and the protection of a series of holes and tunnels that made up the Ben Duoc Underground Tunnel Complex.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Selfie Sunday : Sony Boy of Stories of Wandering Feet and Mind


Our featured blogger in Selfie Sunday is the man behind Stories of the Wandering Feet & Mind (STWF&M), Sonyboy Fugaban. He is a proud Filipino, an accidental stenographer, a student, a self-proclaimed traveler and amateur photographer, a health buff, a licensed teacher, a parent, a blabbermouth, and a struggling servant of the Earth.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

My Top 10 Travels of 2014

It is that time of the year again when I share my top 10 travels for a year. Why "top"? Basically, because it has become my favorite and it has provided some memorable traveling experiences for me. Getting premium for me were places I have visited for the first time because, well, there is nothing like the excitement and thrill of first time. Some places on the list were revisited mainly because I enjoyed going there and these places mostly garnered my top choices in previous years. So, here...


My top choice for 2014 is Siem Reap with the amazing temples of Angkor. It is easy to fall in love with Seam Reap because it offers a laid back vibe coupled with a surprising exploration and adventure. Angkor Wat, Angkor Tom, Banteay Srei... and list of temples go on. And after impossibly exploring its temples, Siem Reap remains to be a little charmer with old French shop-houses, shady tree-lined boulevards and a slow-flowing river.

Monday, January 05, 2015

Nine

... this blog turned 9 today!


Thank You Very Much to all my friends, bloggers and readers who regularly visit this blog and to those who blog-wander,  hopped-on and landed to this humble site. CHEERS!