Last April, I was all set to spend several weeks in Negros Occidental before embarking on a trip down to Dumaguete, Siquijor, Southern Cebu, Samar, Leyte, and the Northeastern Mindanao. With all the planning, all the research I did for my itinerary, all the secrecy, that month, I was very excited for my independent voyage.

“It will be one of those first experiences among the many that may come in my lifetime.” I told myself with great enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, I was unable to do all of these things because of a single, unexpected text message from my mom: “Mommy was admitted in the hospital.”

I was crushed to know that my grandmother, whom we call “Mommy,” was rushed to the hospital after suffering from extreme pain on her right spinal area. Several days in the hospital with all the tests done, she was diagnosed with Pott’s Disease (a condition in which the tuberculosis baccilus affects other organs instead of the lungs). She could not sit, nor stand, nor even walk because of that excruciating pain she’s feeling all week long.

Days and nights I spent sitting beside her while the rest of the family continued with their businesses. From that moment on, I decided to work on my computer from the hospital, delivering my designs to my clients, and still remain beside her. I bought her medications from the different pharmacies and consulted with the Registered Nurses taking care of her that were once my classmates in college.

“I guess my travel plans could wait until she’s okay to go home.” I contemplated.

After nearly two weeks in the hospital, she was advised to go home and recover. My mind was then again back to the plan. I was eager to get out of the city and live the life that I was dreaming of. I was once again motivated to go.

The next day, I got a phone call from my aunt. It was a quivering voice that sounded like an emergency. It was a voice that was asking for help. With no hesitation, I packed my black backpack and left the house.

“I was not going anywhere after all.”

Instead, I went to Mommy’s house and intervened. Her blood pressure was elevated. She was sweating even when the air conditioning unit was on. She was restless. She was again in pain. “I can’t bear seeing her in too much pain.” With that, my travel plans were flushed down the drain instantly as I assume the responsibility of taking care of my grandmother until she fully recovers.

Today marks my 63rd day away from home. With these precious 63 days, I have learned the following lessons:

1. Unexpected Events Happen

Often times we are pretty much contented of the life that we are enjoying that we tend to forget that somehow, several circumstances may arise in any second, any minute. We are constantly focused on the schedules that we set for ourselves, euphoric of the days that pass, that we could not see the possibility of positive or negative events presenting themselves to us at any given time. Tragedies may happen: a death of a family member, a woman getting pregnant, an earthquake, anything that could surprise us. I have learned to expect the unforeseen events that would eventually come my way.

2. Never Abandon your Loved Ones

I would have chosen to go on with my journey around the Philippines even if my grandmother was still in the hospital. But instead, I chose to stay with her. Being exposed to the Nursing scene when I was in college, taught me a valuable lesson of never neglecting my responsibilities as a daughter to my parents, and as a granddaughter to my grandparents. I believe that no other care could ever replace the care that was brought about by you and not another person. There is a big difference. Don’t just leave your grandparents or parents in a Nursing Home as if you have no other choice. Would it kill to try to take care of them first?

3. Always be Ready to do New Things

Entering the gates of Nursing Education prepared me to be ready for anything that might occur in “real life.” Traveling taught me the same exact thing. Living with my Mommy taught me how to live independently. Now, I breathe in human feces every single day. My grandmother could not sit up in the first few weeks under my care and her daily routine when she was able was now under my responsibilities. I have never regretted doing anything that disgusting (as per reaction from my kid cousins observing me nursing my grandma).

4. Be Optimistic

Everyday I pray, meditate, and read Og Mandino’s Credenda. These are my weapons in enduring one day after the other. Optimism relaxes me and gives me a reason to live happily. Being optimistic boosts everyone’s performance, enhancing self-esteem and confidence. Positivity infects a lot of people. Encouragement and motivation keeps the people around you filled with positive vibes. Everyday I believe that my grandmother could start to sit. A month after, she was able to sit. How much more for the months ahead? There’s progress.

5. Give and not Expect Anything in Return

“To give and not to count the cost” the very words in the prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Many of my friends thought that I was paid to care for my grandmother. I’m not. I don’t have a 9-5 job in a fancy office. I don’t have an employer. Instead, I work for myself and I am not getting any centavo from the care that I am giving. Nothing compares to the feeling of doing something for someone out of love and sacrifice.

6. Challenges will Make you Stronger

There are some nights that I cried inside the bathroom because I could not take the pain that I could feel for my grandmother. I empathize all the time and I could not control myself. I hide my tears and pray that God could speed up the recovery of Mommy. For two straight weeks, I was living in hell. We don’t have a household help to wash my clothes, nor clean the room, nor even help me bathe my bed-ridden grandmother. It was all me. The point is that every new struggle becomes a lesson in the end that will make you a better person that you were before.

7. Try to be a Better Person Every Day

Give thanks to the people all around you. Give thanks for the life that was given to you despite the many hardships one must face. Give thanks to the blessings and another light of day that was showered upon you. Strive to be better. Strive to be strong and independent. Learn to embrace all endless possibilities that life has to offer. Be a good child to your parents and grandparents and take care of them the way that they all took care of you when you were first brought into this world. Become someone who would look back and say “Wow, I am really a better person now than yesterday.” Grow. Learn. Discover.

8. Don’t worry

Often times, I bombard myself with unnecessary thoughts that drive me anxious all day and all night. I think about all the “What ifs.” What if my grandmother would fall on the floor while I am still asleep? What if she drank too much of her medication without me knowing? What if… I worry about things that need not to be injected in my mind in the first place. Worrying too much of something that is not even occurring means over-stressing the situation. Negative energy flows in every vein in your body. I have learned to calm down. I have learned to think about what’s currently happening and not about what’s “least likely” to happen.

9. Be Productive

Don’t waste any second of your life. It is that precious. I never allow myself to waste my time in things that does not make me learn. I have realized that there are far more ways to learn about everything even after college. Productivity erases all the monotonous boredom in your life. You make calls, pay the bills, sketch, write, or even play the piano if you wish. Empty time slots are to be filled with so many wonderful tasks that exercises the brain to its potential. Listening to the news from my grandmother’s radio kept me updated of the most recent happenings locally and nationally. Being productive reminds you of who you are and your daily life routine.

10. Do Everything for the Greater Glory of God

“Ad Majorem dei Gloriam” – For the Greater Glory of God. “In Omnibus Amare et Servire” – In Everything, Love and Serve the Lord. These are the phrases that I live by. I grew up in an environment that taught me the most valuable lesson of all: Love and Serve others with good intent. Serving others is serving the Lord in so many aspects. I constantly remind myself that I am God’s steward. I lift everything up for His Greater Glory.

We live by each day as it comes. We make decisions and we sometimes fall short on our mistakes. The beauty of life lies between the line of success and failure. It pulls both ends to create that balance. We dream and we fulfill our obligations. We say yes and we say no. Our lives are dependent on the actions that we take. Our lives are well written that whenever we go astray, we will be placed back on track by someone who’s power is far more greater than the forces of the universe combined. We live. We learn. We love.

Life on Pause. The truth is, life could never really be on pause. It goes on and on and on just like the Earth revolving around the Sun, or the moon around the Earth, or the cocoon that will never remain a cocoon. Life blossoms like a bud waiting to become a gorgeous flower. Life could never stand still because we are all designed to live, to leave a legacy, and to die peacefully.

Today is the 63rd day of my life with my grandmother, the 63rd day of taking care of her and getting to know her deeply, the 63rd day of being a responsible, young adult. Today is the day that I have witnessed something more beautiful than the landscapes and seascapes that I have seen in my life. Today is the day that my grandmother, who was once bedridden, began to lift her body up, barely enough to stand. Today, I saw an immeasurable amount of hope in the eyes of Mommy. Today, I never regretted my decision to stay with her.

Today, I made a difference in someone else’s life.

Getting There: Shop Around and Ask for Help

The first expense you will incur when studying abroad, is getting abroad. As far as traveling costs there are several ways to make them more affordable. There are some scholarships available that will specifically cover the traveling cost portion of your study abroad experience. When looking to buy your plane ticket make sure you compare rates with several different flight companies. Also try to avoid buying anything while you are in the middle of flying. Food on the plane can be very overpriced and expensive and there is nothing special about it so save your appetite and money for when you land. If you have close friends or family members who travel often you may even consider seeing if they will transfer any frequent flyer miles they have over to you. This can tremendously help you save on travel costs.

Start Up Costs: Buy from a Returning Student

Once you are in your host country, you will usually have the somewhat large one-time expense of getting set up. Whether you are staying on campus or renting an apartment, you will have to buy certain necessities. Bedding, cookware, and even furniture may be on your list of must-buys. Since you are planning on only staying a relatively short time, these costs can be large and you may not be able to recoup your money. The biggest favor you can do yourself is to find a student who is currently in your country of destination who is about to come home. They will undoubtedly have furniture, cookware, and bedding that they cannot take home with them. Offer to buy their things at a discounted price. You win, and they win. Win-win.

Traveling While Abroad: Use Student Discounts

Once abroad, you will want to travel around and see the sights. Remember to stretch your dollar (or Euro, or Peso, etc) and take advantage of student discounts. Everywhere you go, ask if there is a student discount. Bus fares, train tickets, hostels, concerts, and movies all may have discounted prices for students. Don’t be shy. The savings really add up and will allow you to see so much more! Also check for school-sponsored trips. Tours and even weekend long outings are sometimes offered by schools for very cheap costs. You have so many costs as students, make sure you use the perks.

Some of the costs that come with studying abroad are there and cannot be avoided. Of course you are going to have to eat, clothe yourself, stay somewhere and pay tuition. However there are definitely ways to save up for these things. You can also take advantage of trying to minimize the amount of money that you spend on traveling since this is where you can save the bulk of your money. By looking into a saving budget and smart travel planning your study abroad experience can and will become affordable and enjoyable.

Amanda Perkins writes and edits the Study Abroad website ClassAbroad.com. She enjoys traveling, learning, and writing. She recently published a piece on Study Abroad Funding.

Going in and out of Don Salvador Benedicto is as easy as taking a bus ride from the Northern Negros terminal in Bacolod. It’s a 42 km long trip and for a mere Php68 you could get there in 45 minutes. The buses travel in intervals, so if you’re running late, you could always catch the next one.

• Take the San Carlos bus (you may take the non-aircon one or the air-conditioned bus). Tell the bus conductor that you are heading to Don Salvador Benedicto and let them drop you at the Viewing Deck.

• The Lion statue erected by the Lion’s Club is your marker. Go ahead and explore the Viewing Deck. Take into consideration that below it is another floor. There’s a restroom, some tables and chairs with a similar view.
• Wait for the next bus and ride on. Tell the bus conductor to drop you off at the Viewing Deck of Malatan-og Falls.
  • Fish crackers and other snacks are available. You could buy water and food from the “mobile” vendors that are stationed in that area.
  • You could check in with the local Tourism Office to help you with the trekking. You could leave your things in the office once they’ll assign you with a guide.
• Take another bus ride to get to San Carlos (for the sake of viewing the Chocolate Hills). Tell the bus conductor that you want to see the Prosperidad Hills in San Carlos.
• Lastly, you could either head to San Carlos to spend the night or you may take a bus ride back to Bacolod City.

I spent around Php300 for the whole trip. That’s because I took another alternative. The guide I provided above will help you have a smooth journey. If you want to follow my “semi-failed” attempt, do so at your own risk.

• I hitched a free ride from Bacolod to Don Salvador Benedicto.
• Near the marker of the road to San Carlos, I chartered a single motorcycle.
  • I negotiated with the driver and we arrived at a total of Php250 for a round trip covering the Viewing Deck and Malatan-og Falls including unlimited stops.
  • It was a pretty decent deal considering that the spots are far from one another.
• Ride from the marker back to the Viewing Deck. Let the driver wait.

• Walk a few kilometers upwards or ask the driver to drop you at the spot that you wanted. There are different places to see and all it needs is your creativity and keen eye.
• Proceed to the Malatanog Falls’ Viewing Deck or head to the Tourism Office to get a guide.
  • You may tell the driver to wait for 2 hours or if he wants to join in your trek, you may politely ask him to.
  • Never trek alone or without a guide
  • Never trek after sunset.
• Tell the driver to drop you off at the Codiawan Bridge.
• Get back to the marker.
• You may grab a good cup of coffee (Php50 because I bought one for the driver as well) while waiting for the bus back to Bacolod.
  • You could go to San Carlos to see the Prosperidad Hills but you may want to talk to the driver for additional fees. (Or take the bus)
• Hitch a free ride back to Bacolod.

Hope this could help in your itinerary planning phase. Don’t forget to check out other sites for reference. Or you may contact me for more information.  Happy Traveling!

These were the exact words that I wrote on my travel journal to describe my experience with Negros Occidental’s Little Baguio. It was such splendor that I was blown away by its simplicity. More so, I just sat there for hours and had my peace.

The scene from the Viewing Deck on a cloudy day.

My Favorite Spot on the Viewing Deck

Don Salvador Benedicto is dubbed as the “Summer Capital of Negros Occidental” because of its cool temperature. It is good timing to escape the fierce heat from the city and enjoy a more laid-back visit to the highlands of this province. You will feel that complete transition from the bustling street scene filled with people to a long and winding road lined with pine trees. That’s the unique welcome you will receive when you get to this destination.

The Pine Trees along the Highway.

Lion’s Club Marker

This place is so captivating because of the multitude of man-made rice terraces that are mini versions of the popular Banaue Rice Terraces of the Ifugao Province in the Philippines. Don Salvador boasts a little of everything in the country. The various shades of luscious-green illuminated the beauty of these staircases of nature. The best view for me can be seen from the farthest point of the Viewing Deck

The Customary Shot

The plantation is not limited to the Viewing Deck alone. If you happen to walk along the highway (probably a few kilometers), you will see more terraces sitting mutely on the base of the mountains.

Alternative View of the Rice Terraces in a different setting.

The altering color of green hues in the photo are caused by the clouds’ shadows.

Further along the route of Don Salvador to San Carlos, is the locally known “Cigarette Falls” called Malatan-og Falls. From the accessible viewpoint, the shape of this waterfall is similar to that of its name, a cigarette stick. It is stunningly positioned in the middle of the mountain range which gave it that contrasting look

The Malatan-og Falls

Trekking towards the falls will take approximately 30-45 minutes depending on the weather as well. If the bipolar weather decides to shower upon heaps of rain, then it is advised not to push through with the trek. That was my unfortunate event. However, if it is dry and sunny, you could ask for a guide from the Tourism Office to accompany you in your journey. (Note that the ground will be a bit slippery when rain drizzles).

I got the chance to marvel at the site from the deck but it did not stop me from exploring more of Don Salvador. Walking further and further, I managed to pass by the Codiawan Bridge and went down to have a glimpse of the river. It was not a huge river but it is a small stream of fresh water that piqued my curiosity. I wanted to know where it originates. I thought it was from the Malatan-og Falls but sadly, it was not. It was too steep to trek to that side and I could not risk it – although it would be great to know where it came from though.

The clouds once more hovered over me and the rain slowly poured. I went to the nearest community and had a hot cup of coffee with the locals. Mind you, the people there are very friendly and hospitable. They are speaking a bit of recognizable Cebuano and Hiligaynon dialects. Out of the blue, I asked them about the “Chocolate Hills” in their area and they told me that it is far from where we were. It is already located near San Carlos.

The shy Mt. Kanlaon from a distance.

In the city full of heat and unavoidable trickling of perspiration, a trip to Don Salvador Benedicto is never a waste of time. It is a moment to convene with nature and discover peace in you and around you. Live in a world of serenity and avoid noise even for just a day.

Do you want to know how to get to Don Salvador Benedicto? You could read a detailed guide on a separate article to be published within the week here.

Of course, even if you are someone who is trying to further your career prospects by studying abroad, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a little time off from time to time in order to explore your surroundings. Remember that a rested mind is also a productive mind.

Here are three of the best places to visit if you are planning to study abroad:

France

France is one of the most popular places to study abroad due to its rich culture and historical legacies. In Paris alone, students studying abroad have easy access to sites such as the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe. Furthermore, students studying abroad in France also have relatively convenient access to the entire country and much of Germany via the European rail system. Although France does have something of a reputation for being unkind to foreigners, that reputation is more than a little bit overblown and easily avoided provided that students remain polite.

Italy

Italy is another good choice to go for much the same reasons as France. Namely, it is home to many of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. Students intending to head to Italy are spoiled when it comes to choosing a city that boasts local attractions. Although the most famous, such as Rome and Florence, are some of the most popular destinations for both students and tourists, other cities such as Bologna, Pisa, and Milan are also worth considering. Of course, the attractions of Italy are not limited to cultural sites such as the Colosseum in Rome, but also extend to include the beautiful scenery of its countryside.

United Kingdom

The good thing about studying abroad in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries is the sense of familiarity. Not being able to speak the local language is one of the biggest barriers to being able to enjoy the time spent abroad, causing mounting frustration that can ultimately see the student holed up in the residence and whiling away the time until the year is up. Studying abroad in the United Kingdom offers a neat solution to that problem and provides another benefit in that students have an easier time adjusting to the local culture. Furthermore, the United Kingdom is a country well worth visiting in its own right. Although London is the usual mecca, with famous attractions such as the British Museum and the Tower of London, the United Kingdom also boasts other interesting destinations such as Stonehenge and the Roman baths in the city of Bath.

About the Author:

Alan Li, a frequent contributor to college website DegreeJungle.com, spent a year studying abroad in England while going through college. Although it took him a bit of time to adjust to the local food, the overall experience proved to be both educational and entertaining.

(Read about my general rule in Avoiding Unwanted Male Attention)

The scenario: I was on the far side of the bench, minding my own business, when suddenly a man (mid-20s) sat beside me. The first few minutes were in silence. The tall, fair-skinned man started to converse with me. “What are you doing?” He said in tagalog. I just kept quiet (following the general rule of what traditional parents would say – “Don’t talk to strangers”). The man again took his time and asked another question: “Hi Miss, could you help me with this ticket?” The relaxed and somehow annoyed me helped him with his problem. After a few minutes, surprisingly, the man asked me for my number and if I am free “tonight.”

If you were in a situation like this, here are some of my “tested and proven” ways to avoid strangers:

Do Something to Keep You Busy

People that are observing will not bother to approach you for a question because you are doing something – and you look busy. They will tend to think twice and simply walk away. They really don’t want to disturb you. Now, you are safe from unknown men and women coming towards you.

Don’t Entertain if You Don’t Want to

Shutting up is one way of silently saying “Back off. I don’t want to talk to you.” Some people will get this instantly and will leave you alone and some will definitely push your buttons. It’s in your judgment if you want to talk or not but this rule covers it.

(Read about a similar post in Dealing with Strangers)

Never Disclose Your Real Name

I use an alias in creepy settings. The reason for this is simple – to avoid being too personal on people you barely know. I know you’ll find this weird but I will tell them my real name if in case we’ll be friends. Haha

Tell Them About Your Jealous Boyfriend

This is my favorite. I don’t have a boyfriend (yet), but I ALWAYS say that I have one jealous-type. This would usually scare men away and this is how I avoid strangers, basically. Majority of the men I have encountered are looking for single girls. That just bought me a ticket to freedom from those I am not interested with.

(Read about a similar strategy I did with The Guy Named Nathan)

Make an Excuse And Leave

If all else fails, just use your creative brain to make a perfectly good excuse and leave them. One acceptable excuse is “Sorry, I need to make a very important call.” Grab your things and go. Clean and simple.

So, what followed the scenario? The moment the man asked me if I was free on that night, I told him that I have to ask my boyfriend if we have plans in the evening. I then made an excuse that I need to go to the restroom and I left him there. I transferred to another vacant seat at the back and put on my scarf to somehow alter my identity a little bit.

There are more than 6 billion people in the world and roughly 0.000005% of them are the ones whom you personally know. The remaining 99.999995% are all strangers.

That’s it! I hope you’ll find this useful (especially to female solo travelers).

Sitting there under the shadows of the Screw Pine tree and adoring the wonderful view of the pure, crystalline blue waters, I could not help but hum Diana Krall’s version of “The Boy From Ipanema.” I was waiting for that lucky man to pass by and make me drop my jaw in astonishment but nobody arrived. A date with God’s creation, perhaps? It was the 14th of February, and I, alone was pouring all of my Valentine’s Day love to an uninhabited island.

The only island at the Southernmost part of Antique is the beautiful, picturesque, Nogas Island. Virgin, unspoiled, and is a natural reserve for marine life, birds, and thriving mangroves. He (the island) is a small wonder that boasts its white sand beaches, coral reefs bursting with colors, and that untouched “garden” of life underwater. No wonder it was love at first sight for the both of us.

My love affair did not stop there on the coast. As I walked along the long stretch of white sand, I saw an inviting pathway of coral rocks under the canopy of fragrant Frangipani (Calachuchi) trees leading to a lighthouse.

Just like in the romantic movies where the groom patiently waits for his soon-to-be-wife to join him in the altar, the trees bear witness to that slow, meaningful walk of the bride to her groom. Thus, slowly, I walked towards the lighthouse, adoring the trees and the whole masterpiece of nature. One step after another, I was listening to the sound of the waves and chirping of the birds singing the song of my “hypothetical” wedding.

I arrived at the abandoned Light Station. I took a deep breath and I entered the lighthouse. I lifted my head up and saw an amazing view of the clear sky, framed by the pillars of the concrete structure. The stairway to the top of the lighthouse lured me into exploring its solitude in the center of the island.

On the viewing deck was an enchanting view of the neighboring town of Anini-y. A breath-taking view of the green mountains and the crisp color of turquoise in the sea was exemplified by the island’s flourishing trees. I took one more deep breath and I climbed down.

At the center of the island, on the viewing deck of the lighthouse. 

Tucked at the side of the lighthouse was a trail. I followed it and it brought me to this huge Banyan Tree (also known locally as the balete tree or the “lunok”). The climbing roots and branches enticed me to move even closer. To me, it resembled a woman with an uncombed hair. She sat there, waiting for people to take an interest in her.

I went back to the beach and explored once more. Mangroves at the far end of the beach, just near the Banyan tree, were stunning. That was simply “life” consistently blossoming in the island.

The Screw Pine tree near the beach was my perfect little spot as its cascading shadow shielded me from the heat of the sun. The tiny hermit crabs crawling beside me were my companion. I was back to where I started… In solitude, I pondered on so many thoughts about life and that queasy feeling of being in love.

The Screw Pine fruit (looks like a pineapple)

Feeling the warmth of the sun, smelling the fragrance of Calachuchi, and adoring the wondrous seascape were truly enough for me to embrace that thing called “love.” I hope someday, I could share this experience with a person that could satisfy me like Nogas did. With that, here’s to falling in love with life and in travel.

More photos here.

As the song  continued… “Oh, but I watch him so sadly. How can I tell him I love him? Yes, I would give my heart gladly, but each day when he walks to the sea, he looks straight ahead not at me…”

How to get to Nogas Island:

• From the Molo Bus terminal (at San Pedro St.), take the bus en route to Anini-y and tell the bus conductor that you are headed to Sira-an Hot Spring and Health Resort (starting point of Nogas Island escapade) – the fare is around Php80 to Php90. It’s a 2-hour trip.
• Pay your entrance fee of Php20 at the Sira-an front desk and let them know that you are going to Nogas Island.
  • If you are traveling solo, ask if there are other people who will go to Nogas Island. You will pay around Php50 to Php100 (roundtrip) and you will be sharing the boat with other travelers. 5-10 people could fit on the outrigger boat.
  • The boat rental is Php500 – of course, I paid the whole amount since I was the only one brave enough to spend Valentine’s Day alone and on an island Make sure to have your friends and families to bond with
  • There’s another Php20 for environmental fee
  • Oh, and tell your boat man what time he will pick you up for your trip back to Sira-an
• I suggest you’ll have lunch at the Sira-an Hotspring Restaurant. There are plenty of available meals there. The Nogas Island has literally nothing there to provide you with refreshments and snacks. Php50-Php100 meals
• There are snorkeling sets for rent. I believe they are only limited. It’s Php100 per set.
• If you are headed back to Iloilo, there’s a Ceres bus that passes by around 4:30pm to 5pm. Make sure to catch it. Else, you could spend the night in Sira-an.

The relaxing ambience of the place lured me into several states of “staying in.” The bed, the lighting, the setup – it was inviting me to shut my eyes and enjoy a nap. Incredibly, I was very comfortable with my stay. Too comfortable that I managed to wander around the vast property even under the sizzling afternoon heat. It is so unique and just a few meters (literally) away from the known Baybay beach, this little palace is perfect for any occasion you have in mind.

Their top-notch amenities include:

• Free Wi-fi
• A beautiful 32 inch LCD TV
• Mini Bar
• Hot and Cold Shower
• All Air-conditioned Rooms
• 24 Hours Standby Generator
• A Wide Area for Parking
• Good Room Service

If you are wondering about the price to pay for all of these “comfort-rest-inducing” inclusions, the following are the rates (as of December 2012):

Economy Room – Php1,800 -Yes, very cozy with four beds. The price already covers a complimentary breakfast for 2 and the 4 people could share the whole room.

Family Room – Php 3,800 – This room has a leading staircase to the balcony. It looks like a miniature house and it is pretty much a minimalistic, warm, feel to it. Up to 8 people are allowed to share the room and the whole payment covers 4 complimentary breakfast.

De Luxe Room – Php2,000 – A fun and up-beat setting which includes a queen bed and a smaller one (single) on the side. Included is a little sofa to spoil you. Complimentary breakfast for 3 people is included.

Suite Room – Php2,500 – One fascinating king sized bed awaits your entrance with a mini sofa within reach. Stunning setup. Complimentary breakfast for 2 is included.

Itching to have a fiesta of seafood flavors in your mouth? Bitoy’s Balay Barbekyuhan Restaurant and Rocco’s Coffee Shop are always within reach. Plus some other delectable treats found in an array of restaurants lingering in Baybay beach.

Why not book at The Grand Gazebo if you’re in Roxas City, Capiz? This will definitely give you a chance to experience the warmth you are longing for – even away from home. I do recommend this awesome place for you and your family!

For more information: Call (036) 643-0796 / 522-7726
E-mail them at gazebodormitel@yahoo.com.ph / grandgazebo@gmail.com
Visit their website at http://grandgazebo.blogspot.com

After a few minutes of the car’s steepy, uphill climb, we arrived at the White House of Samal. There stood a fence built with egg-colored limestone and native wood, a closed gate with missing planks, and a vast piece of land rooted with remarkable history. From a distance you could now see a grotesque mansion, sitting perfectly atop, with a stellar view of the marvelous blue sky towering over Davao city.

Brief History

Hilario Camino “Moncado” Del Prado – supreme Commander in Chief of the Filipino Crusaders World Army (FCWA), might have stayed in this now-idyllic house (or what’s left of it). The massive building served as a headquarters in the mid-1930′s, when the group “Monacadistas” were established. These so-called group still exists in the country today, but small in number – all with their own culture and religion.

Today

From a “purely white” house erected in the 20th century, to a more grungy looking abode, this place parked all of its treasures right there from where it stands. Remnants of a glorious past were hung on its walls, pictures, notes, maps, and other items, provide the mansion with its rustic touch.

Outside is a pleasurable view of the Davao gulf, along with the thin dark hues of the Mt. Apo hiding behind the clouds. (Inhaling deeply to cleanse my lungs – away goes the sickening smell of urea).

Because the place is an off-beaten path (for some), efforts to restore this great mansion could not be recognized. Aside from the family that I met who takes good care of the house, nothing could ever stop the power of little creatures known as “termites.” And because the house is fully built with a strong type of wood, I suppose, it will take a few more decades for this to be crumbling down.

The fact that this simple landmark survived the many natural happenings in a span of nearly a century, I hope some organizations will look into some papers to rescue this house from continuous deterioration.

And for that customary self-portrait (for most travel bloggers), I have this:

Granted that I have a fortune to spend, I would consider purchasing the property myself! Lol!

I took a few days to unwind, see the beach, feel the tiny pebbles on my feet, and stare at the beautiful sun. The funny thing about unwinding is that your mind is in constant relaxation, constant balance that somehow several “unexpected” thoughts tend to invade and disturb your chi.

“Philippines to Fiji Islands with a connecting flight in South Korea will cost about [insert estimated dollar amount here], are you prepared to shoulder the other fees aside from that? Are you really concerned about your future since all of your money is poured on travel fees, plane tickets, hostels? Why on Earth don’t you have a Retirement Account set up? Do you want to starve and be homeless when you retire?”

- Yes. These guilt-inducing questions gave me chills.

So? Why am I boggled with these self-depreciating questions? 

I’m guilty, that’s why. I am too attached to the present that I neglected the thought of my life after 40 years. And yes, I am in a state of panic – though I’m exaggerating a bit.

Financial Illiteracy

That would be me holding a paper with a huge red F marked with red ink.

Financial Illiteracy – the state of a person who has no idea, clue, or knowledge about the basics of Finance.

Of course, as kids, we were taught about the benefits of “Saving,” right? Your mom gave you Php20 and you save Php5 so that by the end of the week, you could purchase a double-scoop ice cream from the canteen. Right? Saving.

But I’m not a kid anymore. The mindset that I have for so many years about Saving remained the same. I’m not saving enough. I’m not financially educated enough. I’m lost.

Why am I reacting this way?

• I lack financial habits
• I lack knowledge about the concepts of financial planning, setting aside emergency funds, retirement accounts, etc.
• I don’t know anything about the basics of spending plan or terms such as “tax deferred savings”
• I have a slight idea about Taxes in general but I don’t know a thing or two about “gross income,” “taxable income,” and “taxes due”
• I have little knowledge about investing and the stock market only because I forced myself to learn about these things.
• I just hate myself for not asking all of these when I was in college.

Knowing the tiny details about saving is not enough to propel you to your life (my life) most especially to a life with your soon-to-be-husband-and-kids. Long term? Saving will not be the only item of your list.

How are we to implement our financial goals?

Should I just save and not splurge myself into life’s pleasures? Should I invest my money in stocks? Should I dwell into other businesses? Should I just join online poker games and maybe even head to Cheekybingo to test my luck and win me millions? Should I just wait for the fat nimbus cloud to drop rolled bills from the sky?

I guess the only resort for me now is to supply answers to my own questions. Financial decisions in whatever scope should be governed by a good rationale.

FACT: Only 10% of Filipinos are consciously saving up for retirement.

Are you?