GLOBETROTTING LIFE

Images of Manila Bay

2013-11-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

"If a picture paints a thousand words..."

Let these images in and around Manila Bay speak for itself. Dubbed as having the most spectacular sunsets and a cacopony of activities any given day, this place is a must visit while in Manila.

Things to see and do around Manila Bay:

1) Jog, brisk walk or do Aerobics

    If you are an early riser, head to Roxas Boulevard or the CCP Complex to get your morning juices going. Jog with the rest of the early risers and fitness buff.

    Or if you are lucky, you may chance upon a free aerobics/zumba class at an open parking or a park along Roxas Boulevard or at the CCP Complex.

Now if waking up early is not your thing, but you still want to get a sweat, you can jog or brisk walk around the area just before sundown. Luckily, you will be blessed with a spectacular sunset to marvel at, between short breaks.

2) Watch the dragon boat rowers practice

   If exercising early in the morning is not your thing but you still want to see what Manila Bay can offer, head out to Harbour Square's bayside and witness the rower's practicing.

     Oh, they sometimes practice late afternoons too. This shot was taken while on board a boat for the sunset dinner cruise.

3) Sit back, relax, and enjoy Manila Bay

     Find a space along the Roxas Boulevard boardwalk under those tall coconut trees any time of
     the day. Or head to Harbour Square's boardwalk where it gives you an equally strategic view of
     Manila Bay with the anchored yachts of Manila Yacht Club as your foreground.

     Early mornings and around sunset gives you so much to see, experience and enjoy.

    Witness the daily life around the area unfold before your eyes. Cigarette and food vendors,
    families having a picnic, lovers on a date, children running around or walking their dogs, a few
    people fishing, masseuse for hire, and a lot more.

4) Take the Manila Bay Sunset Dinner Cruise

   There is no better way to fully experience the beauty than to join the Manila Bay Sunset Cruise.
     Food, music, camaraderie, fireworks and a beautiful sunset is just pure magic!

      There are two companies offering daily Manila Bay cruise. Check the links and reviews for a
      better choice.

       Sun Cruises
       Prestige Cruises

2014 Philippine Holidays

2013-11-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

Fellow travel bugs, time to plan your 2014 trips! Malacanang has come out with the list of declared holidays for 2014. There are several long weekends so, start planning while airlines are coming out with promotional fares.

Under Proclamation No. 655, the regular and special non-working holidays for next year include:

January 1 (Wednesday) - New Year's Day
January 31 (Friday) - Chinese New Year
February 25 (Tuesday) - People Power Anniversary
April 9 (Wednesday) - Araw ng Kagitingan
April 17 (Thursday) - Maundy Thursday
April 18 (Friday) - Good Friday
April 19 (Saturday) - Black Saturday
May 1 (Thursday) - Labor Day
June 12 (Thursday) - Independence Day
August 21 (Thursday) - Ninoy Aquino Day
August 25 (Monday) - National Heroes Day
November 1 (Saturday) - All Saints Day
November 30 (Sunday) - Bonifacio Day
December 24 (Wednesday) - Christmas Eve
December 25 (Thursday) - Christmas Day
December 26 (Friday) - Day after Christmas
December 30 (Tuesday) - Rizal Day
December 31 (Wednesday) - New Year's Eve

In addition to the above holidays, the proclamations declaring national holidays for Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha will be issued after the dates are determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar.

(Source: Interaksyon.com)

Memories of Bucolic Bohol

2013-11-02T08:15:00.001-07:00

View of the Chocolate Hills from the 240-step Carmen viewpoint

A trip made several years ago, Bohol was a revelation. I have known it to be one of the best dive spots in the country, but never thought its rural beauty can be disarming, too.

I treated my Dad to a short trip to Cebu to catch up with his big brother, our late Uncle Sisoy, my cousins, and a day trip for us to Bohol. With Gia in tow, we went for a whole day trip around the island of bucolic Bohol. The rain that the storm brought did not stop us.

Little did we know, we witnessed one of God's miracles--- when we did start our trip, we were blessed by a cool breeze and a scorching sun, up to the time we boarded the ferry back to Cebu. Amazing!!!Perfect weather amidst a supposed storm in the Visayas.

Tubigon was our ferry stop. A sleepy town, less popular than well-known Tagbilaran, but a mere 20 minutes to the first stop---Sagbayan Viewpoint. The place has tarsiers and chocolate hills but without the gruelling 240 steps climb to the viewing deck. Here you will find a rolling pathway (less strenuous) to the viewing deck. The mounds where not chocolate brown but a rich green. It turns brown around March-May, or summertime.


Pathway to Sagbayan Viewpoint (photo from internet)

View from the Sagbayan Viewpoint

View from Sagbayan Viewpoint

We then proceeded to Carmen for the original Chocolate Hills viewpoint. Along the way, you will notice the popular mounds of earth scattered everywhere. A great natural wonder.

Our proud 75-year-old Dad at the top of Carmen's 240-step viewpoint

240 steps! up and down. Whew! Dad was so proud he was able to climb it. To him it was like summiting "Mt. Everest". The view was just spectacular -- rows upon rows of green mounds as far as the eyes can see. An amazing wonder of nature!

On our way to Loboc, we passed by the 2-km stretch of man-made mahogany forest at the border of Bilar and Loboc towns. It is a 2-km cool respite from the scorching sun especially around summer.

Bilar man-made forest

Next stop was the bamboo hanging bridge in Sevilla town. Crossing the Sipatan River, one can buy souvenirs and meet the "Buko King" -- he can strip open a buko (coconut) using his teeth. Unfortunately, we did not see him during our visit.

At Loboc, we again encountered the smallest primate---the Tarsier, saw the Loboc River which was made famous by Cesar Montano's movie---Panaghoy sa Suba, and the Loboc Church where the internationally known "Loboc Choir" regularly sings.

Meeting the smallest primate

Bancas (motorized boats) for the Loboc River cruise

Loboc Church (photo from flickriver.com)

Then, off we went to the Baclayon Church---the 2nd oldest church in the country---where we experienced something supernatural (or a technical error). We can not get a decent photo inside the church (even after so many tries! and we we were using a point and shoot camera with auto function). So did the other visitors. Strange yes? But I managed to take the shot of the supposed image of Padre Pio at the church wall.

Padre Pio's image on the wall of Baclayon Church

Last stop was the Blood Compact Site, before we head back to Tubigon Pier for our ferry ride back to Cebu.

Blood Compact Site

It was a great weekend trip. Touching base with relatives and enjoying one of God's greatest gifts, together.

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Editor's note: This post has been sitting on my draft box for about a year. Posted several blogs after this, but this one remained a draft. It is as if I was waiting for the right time to post it.

In memory of the beauty of Bohol that we saw and appreciated. Bangon Bohol!

Visa-Free Entry to the Philippines

2013-07-29T09:26:00.001-07:00

photo courtesy of www.telegraph.co.uk

After a blog on where Filipinos can travel visa-free, here is another reference. A list of countries/nationalities that can enter the Philippines, visa free.

With the very recent government move to boost tourism, citizens of these countries can now enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for 30 days, starting August 1, 2013, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs:

Andorra
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil*
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Costa Rica
Cote d’Ivoire
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel*
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lesotho
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Monaco
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal

Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Republic of Korea
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
Spain
Suriname
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Tuvalu
Uganda
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United Republic of Tanzania
United States of America
Uruguay
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe

* Nationals of the following countries are allowed to stay without a visa for a period of 59 days:

1. Holders of Brazil passports

2. Holders of Israel passports

Meanwhile, the following nationals are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding 7 days:

1. Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative (SAR) passports
2. Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports
3. Holders of Portuguese Passports issued in Macao
4. Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports

Nationals from these countries who are traveling for business and tourism are allowed to enter visa free provided they hold a valid return ticket and passport.

This is for reference only. The list may change anytime. If you are intending to visit the Philippines, please contact the nearest Philippine Embassy/Consulate in your area or visit the Department of Foreign Affairs updated list and visa requirements.

It is more fun in the Philippines! Mabuhay!

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Source: Department of Foreign Affairs

Food Truck Craze now in the Philippines - Cucina Andare!

2013-07-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

After getting the food truck bug in New York City, we have never stopped raving about such novel idea. We kept on talking about our experience and wishing that we have something like it in the country. Watching Eat St. on Food Network made us crave for it more.

Boy, were we glad when we learned about the very first food truck market in the country!

From the organizers of Mercato Centrale at BGC, comes Cucina Andare at the Glorietta Park, Makati. Happening every week from Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4:00pm to 3:00am.

Cucina Andare has rows of food trucks and food stalls selling food from all over the world. Mexican? American? Arabic? Filipino? Japanese? or just plain simple hotdog sandwich but with a twist? Cucina Andare has it! Traditional, fusion and new discoveries. They got it all.

Visiting this place once is not enough. I plan to go back and try the other food offers.

What caught our attention on our first visit? Let us count the ways...

1) Chicken/Beef Shawarma by Shawarma Bros.
One of the most popular food trucks, "Delicious just like the one we tasted in NYC!" Their bestseller is the Lamb Steak Shawarma, but since we are no lamb eaters, we went the safe way---chicken and beef.

Shawarma Bros truck

Beef Shawarma Rice (photo courtesy of Shawarma Bros)

Shawarma Bros Menu

2) Crunchy Belly by Carlo's Kitchen
"Crispy and not too salty."

Crispy Belly by Carlo's Kitchen

3) New Orleans Ribs from Hick's Famous Ribs
"Soft to the bone, sweet, tangy and spicy."

Hick's Famous Ribs

4) Bagwang by Manila Q
Though we did not eat this, we bought a frozen 1/2kilo of this "unhealthy" treat for home. Our verdict: "Crispy and very delicious with a hint of garlic! A cross between bacon and our lechon kawali." Note to self: Crispy garlic bits to go with this should be perfect.

Will try their other bestseller next time: Fish Ham.

Bagwang by Manila Q

5) U.S Rib Eye Steak by Juana Bowl

On our list the next time we visit. Looks succulent and tasty!

Juana Bowl's US Rib Eye Steak

6) Crispy Sisig Wrap by Truck Bun
Another one to try. Not just the Sisig Wrap but the rest of their food. Looks so delectable and yummy!

Truck Bun's Red, White & Blue truck

Crispy Sisig Wrap (photo courtesy of Truck Bun)

Truck Bun's Menu (photo courtesy of Truck Bun)

7) Macheesemo Blue by Machessemo Burgers
We just were not into burgers that day. But will definitely try this food stall next time. Juicy cheese-filled burger patties?!? I am for that definitely. Can't wait.

Macheesemo Menu


Macheesemo Blue (photo courtesy of Macheesemo Burgers)

There are more food trucks and food stalls to choose from. Here are photos of what else is being offered weekly at Cucina Andare:

Normal scene at Cucina Andare

Heavenly desserts!

Food stalls galore

Hotdog Stall

Nachos, anyone?

Yup, even our lowly Goto is present!

A refreshing and healthy drink by Gawad Kalinga

For more details, visit Cucina Andare's Facebook page at : www.facebook.com/CucinaAndare

Cucina Andare
Glorietta Park (infront of Makati Shangri-la)
Makati
Every week from Thursday-Saturday at 4:00pm to 3:00am

Air Passenger Rights

2013-03-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

Know before you go.

Delayed flights. Bumped off. Cancelled reservations. Denied Check-in. Person with Disability. Senior Citizen. Or bought your ticket on promotional fare?

Fret no more. Here are our rights as Air Passengers. Learn. Be aware, so we know better next time.

Air Passenger Bill of Rights - DOTC, DTI JAO No 1 2012 by Rappler Philippines

A Different Kind of Carinderia

2013-02-26T09:13:00.002-08:00

I came across information of this much talked about, low-key food jaunt from friends on a social networking site several months ago. It did not caught my attention then.

A few weeks ago, another friend on the same site posted a photo of what seemed a delicious creation. That, led me to research more about the place. And the more I read about it, the more I wanted to check it out.

And that day came. Thanks to reliable google maps, it gave a route through Cavite's inner towns, rice fields, new housing developments, vast highways, rough roads, coastal towns and roads, before finally reaching the place. We could have taken the easy way, but no, I wanted to also explore Cavite's inland towns. It was a day of adventure for us.

Welcome to Cavite City!

Heroes Arch

Cavite

You know you are in Cavite City when you see a lot of like this on the roadside

Welcome to Asiong's Carinderia!

Asiong's unassuming facade

Located in Cavite City, the restaurant is a a popular place in Caridad. If you crave for cheap Filipino food, then, this is the place to be when in the area. But no, this is not your typical carinderia.

It's unassuming facade belies a place with so much to offer besides your usual carinderia fare. Their offering may not be too familiar, but you will love the tastes.

Asiong's Carinderia

Food in a row

Porkchop, great when eaten with bagoong itlog ng isda, kalamansi & sili as dipping sauce

Ginataang gulay

Presenting, Asiong's Carinderia's well-loved and popular dishes/homemade creations:

1) Pansit Choku en su tinta

Pancit Pusit is vermicelli noodles cooked in squid ink, with ground crispy pork skin

(chicharon), and kamias (if in season) . Odd-looking but definitely delicious.

Call in advance to make sure they can serve you this. One order is good for 4-5 people.

You can also order by bilao.

Asiong's popular dish

2) Kamias and Malunggay Juice

A welcome, refreshing homemade concoction to quench your thirst. The combination of

sourness, sweetness, and a hint of bitterness just makes it perfect.

3) Bagoong na Itlog ng Isda

Wow! This one is another winner. Not salty at all, it went well with our porkchop, pancit

pusit and ginataang gulay.

The bagoong is steeped in oil, just like the gourmet tuyo and tinapa I used to make. Will

try this out on a pasta or vermicelli.

4) Ube Halaya

Made from pure root crop, it tastes creamier and yummier.

5) Sampaloc (Tamarind) Halaya

The consistency and color is more like condense milk. But the taste is delicious. I tried it

on a hot pandesal and it was perfect.

They also have its own version of leche flan, bottled sukang sasa and chicken pastel empanada.

Come by every Sunday and have a taste of its Kare-Kare. Said to the best as per a famous food critic.

Dining in Asiong's is like dining in the comforts of your own home, Spanish era time. With its daily array of local Filipino food, and its unique dishes, you will surely love the place.

Oh, and did I say it's not expensive to dine here?

Can't wait to go back on a Sunday.

Asiong's Carinderia is in 712 Paterno St., Caridad, Cavite City. Call them at (0926) 7139400.

Naimbag Nga Adlaw Ilocos! (Day 3)

2013-02-24T01:28:00.001-08:00

Bangui Windmills

Last day in this side of the world before going back to Manila. Before proceeding to Ilocos Sur, we passed by:

Bangui Windmills

The rain last Saturday was a blessing in disguise. We decided to forego Bangui and resked it for Day 3. Oh what a great decision! We were blessed by clear skies and the sun shining brightly!

Seeing the rows of humungous windmills is just awesome! Seeing how beautiful it is from afar is just half the fun. Try to see it up close and personal, and you will be awed by its sheer size.

Formally called the Bangui Wind Farm or Northwind Bangui Bay Project, it is located in the municipality of Bangui, Ilocos Norte. 20 units of 70-meters high wind turbines stretched along a 9-km shoreline of Bangui Bay, facing the South China Sea.

I felt like Liliput , the dwarf, amongst giants!

Bangui wind turbines

Bangui windmills

See how humungous it is!

After Bangui, we proceeded to Vigan, Ilocos Sur. We visited the following sites:

Villa Angela Heritage House We had our late lunch here.Villa Angela is a typical 1850's house that is now a hotel.

"Built by Gobernadorcillo Agapito Florendo y Bonifacio in 1870, Villa Angela stands proudly on a 2,000 square meter lot as a shining example of a Vigan Heritage House. Being a rich depository of the family's relics and memorabilia acquired through the years, Villa Angela remains a showcase of the family's past and present standing in the Vigan community." (from Villa Angela's website)

Villa Angela's facade

Villa Angela's living room in sepia

Calle Crisologo
Walking tour of Vigan's famous cobble-stone streets. A throw back to the Hispanic era. We spent several hours here enjoying the "Spanish era feel". Closed to vehicular traffic, you can explore it by foot or via a Kalesa (horse-drawn) ride.

Calle Crisolog's most photographed street signage

Calle Crisologo in sepia

Calle Crisologo's cobbled stones street and Spanish-style houses

By around 4pm, we left Vigan on our way back to Manila. Stop over in La Union for dinner at San Jose Surf Resort before the long ride to Manila.

Arrived Manila at 2am. It was one hell of a long trip. Tiring, but we really enjoyed the charms of Ilocos.

You might want to read:

Naimbag Nga Adlaw Ilocos (Part 1)

Naimbag Nga Adlaw Ilocos (Part 2)

Naimbag Nga Adlaw Ilocos! (Day 2)

2013-02-22T08:24:00.001-08:00

Day 2 was spent trekking and swimming the sites around Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Kabigan Falls
A 1.5km trek to the falls, past rice fields, rivers and streams with cold cold water that provide relief to our dirty tired feet, carabaos, forests and "kubos" here and there.

Can't believe that my daughter was able to do it. In fact, she enjoyed it!

We trekked...

...we witnessed...

..we crossed streams...

...to see and swim here...

Agua Grande

Passed by this place to view the large boulders on the shoreline and the South China Sea. It becomes a natural swimming pool during summer as it naturally fills up with water It is also a popular picnic area amongst locals.

Patapat Viaduct

A very long bridge built on the side of the Cordillera mountain . It was undergoing rehabilitation when we were there. This road links Ilocos to the other provinces up North.

Patapat Viaduct

Maira-ira Blue Lagoon

Wow! This place looks paradise from the entrance. Really cool blue water and white sand. The beach, the sea is so clean. No seaweeds, just pure sand and small stones. Too bad though, something keeps on stinging us, so we decided to quit swimming after almost 2 hours.

Maira-Ira Blue Lagoon

Bantay Abot

This is a rock jutting out of a hill and towards the sea. They say it looks like a turtle from afar, and the a hole at the center of the "head" is the "eye". As per locals, "bantay abot" means the female thing. This is brought about as another rock formation a few meters away from Bantay Abot looks like a male thing. Talk about Filipino green humor!

If you go up the hole, you will be rewarded by another view of the South China Sea.

Bantay Abot

The beach near Bantay Abot

We left Bantay Abot as it started to rain. We went back to Polaris. The rest of the group continued swimming. While us? we slept! LOL!

You might want to read:
Naimbag Nga Adlaw Ilocos (Day 1)

Naimbag Nga Adlaw Ilocos (Part 3)

Naimbag Nga Adlaw Ilocos! (Day 1)

2013-02-16T23:17:00.001-08:00

Paoay Church

A trip we made several years ago on a weekend. We left Manila at 10pm Friday for a long bus ride to Ilocos Region. Joined a bunch of "photoholics" out to capture the beauty of the Ilocos Region.

After 8 hours, we arrived Vigan at around 6:00am the following day. First stop was at the St. Augustine Church of Bantay & Bell Tower. Bantay Belfry, known to be the people's watchtower, commands a sweeping view of Ilocos Sur. Unfortunately, we were not able to go inside because it was still too early in the morning.

Bantay Belfry

@Bantay Belfry

We then walked to St. Augustine Church. A neo-gothic Church which was built in 1560, it is one of the oldest surviving churches in Ilocos Sur. It is built in an equally historical grounds, believed to be where Diego Silang and his troops fought with the Spaniards during the Spanish period. After the customary photo shoot, we freshened up at the nearby public restroom and had our breakfast of Ilocos empanada.

St. Augustine Church

We then proceeded to Batac, Ilocos Norte to visit the following:

Paoay Church
Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site as one of the best examples of Baroque churches in the country .

Paoay Church & its famous buttresses

Close-up of the age-old, moss-grown buttresses

Marcos Museum & Mausoleum
A compound that houses Marcos memorabilia and where their former house and their parent's house is.

Went inside the creepy Mausoleum and saw Former President Ferdinand Marcos' (wax?) body lying in state (really musty smell and dark--just creepy!).

Immaculate Conception Church, Batac
A Romanesque looking church, rebuilt in 1692. Since it was just too hot outside, decided to just take a photo of the pinkish Batac Church facade and went back to the aircon bus. The church is just across the Marcos Museum. The church looks pinkish but it is actually whitewashed.

Batac Church

After Batac, we proceeded to Burgos, Ilocos Norte to visit Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (Burgos Lighthouse).

One of the oldest, if not the oldest, lighthouse in the country. It is the light that marks the Northwestern-most point of Luzon. It became the guide of ships plying this route since 1892. In present day, it has become a favorite location shoot of movies and commercials.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Lovely view from the tower building

Lighthouse up close

View from the tower building

Kapurpurawan Rocks

Located a few minutes away from the lighthouse, Kapurpurawan Rocks is a limestone formation jutting out on this side of the South China Sea. Its white (no cream) color stands out amongst the greens and blues of the land and sea in the background.

An amazing rock formation---made by hundreds of years of high tides and floods brought about by storms (?).

Approaching Kapurpurawan Rock formation

Kupurpurawan

We were greeted by a drizzle that turned to rain as we trek to Kapurpurawan. So instead of proceeding to Bangui, we decided to go straight to Polaris Resort and check-in.

View from the Saud Beach

Parking area in Saud Beach

After a much deserved bath and dinner, it was zzzzzzz time for me.....too tired! Too much to do in a day, indeed!

You might want to read:

Naimbag Nga Adlaw Ilocos (Part 2)

Naimbag Nga Adlaw Ilocos! (Part 3)

One Weekend of Everything That Flies

2013-02-11T08:56:00.002-08:00

Another weekend of everything that flies is coming up. Let me share with you my very first experience of such a fun-filled weekend in 2009. One of those very first moments I started to wake up early in pursuit of light and photography.

We left Manila the night before to ensure we are at the venue very early in the morning and we are more relaxed.

The venue started getting busy at 5:00am. People were coming in, the balloonist and their staff were at the staging area to prepare their places, and we scramble to find good angles to shoot. We were lucky to have gotten access to the staging area.

At exactly 6:00am, the balloons one-by-one lifted to the cloudy skies. A not so pretty background for photos, but still at awe at the colorful balloons dotting the skies.

Then came the light planes, rescue operations, skydiving and para-gliding exhibitions, kite-flying and remote-controlled planes demonstrations. All happening simultaneously with band exhibitions, street art activities in the different areas of the venue. The air was festive. During lull moments, guests can enjoy refreshments at the tent area or check-out the displays ---old and new aircraft scattered around the huge venue.

Time flies so fast when you get to do and see a lot of things. Before we know it, it was time for the Hot Air Balloon Night Glow. This is when you get to see the 4X4 cars slowly inching into the staging area with heavy loads in tow. Then, you will slowly witness them unfurl the balloons on the ground, set up the other equipment and then, light up the fire. Slowly, you will see the well-lighted balloons take its form. Awesome sight to see! Lighted balloons all in a row!

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The 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is happening the weekend of Feb 21-24, 2013 at the Clark Economic Zone in Pampanga.

For more details, please visit their official site here.

Moalboal --- Another Diving Paradise

2013-01-28T06:27:00.003-08:00

Pescador Island from Panagsama Beach

After 11 years, I was back in Moalboal!

Moalboal is a town south of Cebu. A favorite weekend destination for locals and a favorite spot for divers. Having been based in Cebu for about 6 years, it has been our favorite long-weekend destination whenever we have enough of Mactan Island. This is where I had my fill of the underwater world and where I spent lazy days with good friends.

A short , 2 1/2 hours , drive from Cebu City passing through the quaint town of Carcar, Moalboal is home to Pescador Island. One of best dive spots in the country.

Panagsama Beach

A resort near White Beach --- a great house reef

So much has changed, but for the better. Even the diving improved. Well, as far as I can remember, I could not recall diving along Moalboal's wall (shore) was that great too!

I went back in 2010 after watching a video footage of thresher sharks and sardine run. My dive buddies and I, packed our bags at short notice to ensure we get to see this rare chance before it is too late.

Underwater shots along Moalboal reef

Photos of the pink diver by Jovic S; Stephen D; Raymund R.

At Moalboal reef -- huge fans abound

At Pescador Island

Diver enjoying the sardine run :)

Can you see it?

Moalboal reef diving

Pescador island diving

And we were not disappointed! We saw thresher sharks feeding almost every dive. Of course, the sardines where like there forever waiting for us. It was one hell of a weekend trip. I just ticked off 2 items on my bucket list: diving with a thresher shark and to witness a sardine run.

The thresher got too near but swiftly got away

A huge ball of sardines! (Photo courtesy of Jovic S.)

And here is a short video of the daily sardine run we witness at Pescador Island. Awesome and overwhelming!

One of those weekend trips I will not forget. One of those experiences I will treasure. On the same level as when I was able to dive with a whale shark. What an awesome underwater experience!

And here's the group shot and the droids of a gear!

The droids and its masters

With my Fey

Visa-Free Countries for Philippine Passport Holders

2013-01-26T22:19:00.003-08:00

About time for me to post this list, mainly as my personal guide, but also sharing it to everyone. We all know that unlike the more privileged countries, we Filipinos still have to go through visa application nightmares before we can travel to most countries. A bump on one's nomadic dreams, yes?

But despair no more. There are still a lot of countries that welcome us with open arms. All you need is your valid Philippine passport, roundtrip plane ticket/itinerary, a valid identification card, and some money. So here are those countries which do not require visas prior to travel or provides visa upon arrival:

ASEAN Countries
•Brunei Darussalam: 14 days
•Cambodia: 21 days
•Indonesia: 30 days
•Laos: 30 days
•Malaysia: 30 days
•Singapore: 30 days
•Thailand: 30 days
•Vietnam: 21 days

Non- ASEAN Countries
•Azerbaijan: 30 days visa issued upon arrival for US$100
•Bangladesh: 90-days visa issued upon arrival for US$50
•Republic of China (Taiwan): 30 days if holding a vaild visa for Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Schengen countries, United Kingdom or United States
•Georgia: 90 days visa issued on arrival for US$10 ~ US$200
•Hong Kong: 14 days
•India: 30 days visa issued upon arrival
•Iran: 15 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50
•Israel: 90 days
•South Korea (Jeju Island only): 30 days
•Macau: 30 days
•Maldives: 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
•Mongolia: 21 days
•Nepal: 15/30/90 days visa issued upon arrival for US$25/40/100
•Sri Lanka: 30 days
•Timor-Leste: 30 days visa issued upon arrival for US$30

Europe
•Kosovo: 90 days

Oceania
•Cook Islands: 31 days
•Fiji: 120 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival (free of charge)
•Marshall Islands: 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
•Federated States of Micronesia - 30 days
•Niue: 30 days
•Palau: 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
•Samoa: 60 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival (free of charge)
•Tuvalu: 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
•Vanuatu: 30 days
•Micronesia
•Tonga
• Northern Mariana Islands: visa on arrival
• Tokelau

Central America
•Costa Rica: 120 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival (free of charge)
•Dominica: 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
•Haiti: 30 days
•Nicaragua: 30 days
•Saint Kitts and Nevis: 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
•Saint Lucia: 60 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival (free of charge)
•Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
•Turks and Caicos Islands - 30 days

South America
•Bolivia: 59 days
•Brazil: 90 days
•Colombia: 90 days
•Ecuador: 90 days
•Peru: 90 days
•Suriname: 120 days

Africa
•Burundi: visa issued upon arrival
•Cape Verde: visa issued upon arrival
•Comoros: A free 24 hour transit visa issued upon arrival at the airport. Within 24 hours this must be converted into a full visa at the immigration office in Moroni (fee payable)
•Djibouti: 10 days visa issued upon arrival for DJF3,000; 30 days visa issued upon arrival for DJF5,000
•Gambia: At port of entry passport 24-72 hour transit pass is issued. This must be converted into a full visa valid up to 1 month at the immigration department in Banjul (fee payable)
•Kenya: 90 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50
•Madagascar: 90 days visa issued upon arrival for MGA140,000
•Morocco: 90 days
•Mozambique: 30 days visa issued upon arrival for US$25
•Saint Helena: visa issued upon arrival
•Seychelles: 30 days
•Tanzania: visa issued upon arrival for US$50
•Togo: 7 days visa issued upon arrival
•Uganda: 180 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50
•Zambia: 90 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50
•Sao Tome and Principe: visa on arrival

Notes:

Please take note though that the list and information may change. We encourage you to double-check with the respective Embassies and consulates before travel.
Some countries may require transit visas for non-direct flights.
The days indicated are the maximum days Filipinos as allowed to stay in said country. If you plan to stay longer, then, you need to apply for a visa. Contact the country's embassy/consulate near you.
Some countries above provide visas upon arrival. Ensure you have the proper documents they require before traveling.
Source: Wikipedia, Mabuhay City

The above list is intended for travel to these countries for tourism purpose. These are intended as guide. For other purposes and for more details, please get in touch with respective embassies or consulates.

Happy travels!

Revisiting Bantayan Island

2013-01-26T08:40:00.001-08:00

Fishermen coming in with their catch early in the morning

From Malapascua, Gia and I proceeded to Bantayan Island for an extended vacation. We initially considered renting an outrigger boat from Malapascua to Bantayan, but seeing the waves and the more than 2 hours trip, I decided to ask the van driver to drop us at Hagnaya Port to catch the ferry to Sta. Fe port in Bantayan, instead.

The ferry ride took about a little over an hour. We then hired a tricycle to Sta. Fe Resort. The resort is actually a few meters away from the port. About 5minutes ride.

I have been to Bantayan Island several times in the past and I enjoyed the trip all the time. What I love about Bantayan is that, it has the same fine white sand beach as the popular Boracay, but without the crowd. We had a great 3 days of mom-daughter bonding. Frolicking on the beach, riding the tricycle around the island to check out some of the places to see, "binge-eating", and just lazing around. What a very relaxing trip!

Bantayan Must-See and Must-Do:

1) St. Peter & Paul Church - a five-decade old church located in the town center. It is made of corals and stones from the island. It is the center of the island's unique Holy Week celebration.


St. Peter & Paul Church (photo by pickled_newt)

2) Ogtong Cave - a natural underground shallow cave where one can swim in its cool waters. The owners of Sta. Fe Resort developed a resort around the cave. Not as spectacular as most caves though but I found it unique with its cool clear waters. You descent a few steps of stairs to the cool waters.

Ogtong Cave (photo from the web)

3) Island hop to Virgin Island (Or Sillion Island) - a privately owned island with same white sand beach as Bantayan. We passed up on this as I felt I had a fill of white sand beach already for this trip. But for hardcore beach bums, I recommend you go.

Sillion Island (photo by Beach Placid Resort)

4) Hire a bike or tricycle and explore the island - visit the local market, visit other resorts, see bucolic living inland, try out other restaurants or go on a photography jaunt. Everything is possible and safe around Bantayan Island. We did just that and we totally enjoyed it.

5) Stroll along the glorious beach - did I say, that the sand is white and soft you can practically go barefoot? The beaches in Bantayan is worth the stroll. Unspoilt and no crowd!

Bantayan beach

6) Enjoy the peace and quiet - just that. Watch local life going on around you. Or space out and enjoy the silence. Meditate? very possible!

Inviting to just laze

7) Eat seafood - this is an island after-all. Never miss their dried "danggit" fried until crunchy. Not too salty. Nor the "kinhason" (seashell). Yum Yummm.

8) Try some water sports - snorkel or try the banana boat for that adrenaline rush.

9) Spend Holy Week here - they have a unique celebration during these holy days. You will see "lechon" (roasted pig) being paraded and/or served during this period. Being an island, seafood is their staple food and fishing is their livelihood. So, for them to join the Holy Week celebration, they were given special permission by the Catholic Church to eat meat to prevent them from fishing.

No, visitors are not exempted from abstaining from meat, even if they visit this place on said days. And most thought so.

10) Don't miss the sunrise - calming, peaceful, relaxing. Then, watch local fishermen come home with their catch. You may just be lucky and be offered to buy them at such a bargain.

Glorious sunrise

MELBOURNE Walking Tour on the Last Day

2013-01-25T07:43:00.001-08:00

The city of Melbourne from the Shrine of Remembrance

Being a free day, we decided to do another walking tour. This time, to places we failed to cover on the first day, and do a little souvenir shopping.

Since our hotel is centrally located, we decided to visit this place first, the Parliament House, as it was just a stone's throw away from our hotel. It is the seat of Victoria's Parliament since 1855, located along Spring St .


Parliament House

Just a little across the Parliament House, you will see these two gorgeous buildings: The Princess Theater and Hotel Windsor. A throwback to anything European-looking.

Princess Theater - one of Melbourne's iconic landmark

Hotel Windsor established in 1883 is one of Melbourne's grandest luxury hotel

As you walk towards St. Patrick's Cathedral and Fitzroy Gardens, you will see this at a small triangle piece of land called Gordon Reserve, between Spring St and MacArthur St. The monument carries the verse of Australia's, Adam Lindsay Gordon:

Life is mainly froth and bubble

Two things stand like stone —

Kindness in another’s trouble.

Courage in your own

An Australian poet, jockey and politician

Gothic-looking St Patrick's Cathedral -- the seat of the Archbishop of Melbourne

A few meters away from St. Patrick's Cathedral is Fitzroy Gardens, a 26-hectare Victorian Era landscaped garden. Beautiful, peaceful, and calm atmosphere, it has several nooks and crannies worthy to take a seat, read a book, relax or just plain watch life pass you by.

Fitzroy Gardens

"Come have a sit". The Conservatory in the background


English Elm Trees lining a pathway "Autumn colors is love!"

A pathway at Fitzroy Gardens

Model Tudor Village

The Fairy Tree

After a fill of fresh air, we crossed the street to take a stroll along the posh Collins Street. Where the rich and famous of Melbourne, shop. Chance upon Regent Theater on one of the streets near Collins with a big tarp that says "FAME"!!! Too bad we made other plans that night, so we missed out on this chance. And looking back, I am so regretting it.

Stroll along Collins St,

After Collins St., we catched the free tram ride to Queen Victoria Market , but being a Wednesday, it was closed. So we just had a quick look-see and waited for the Tram to Docklands -- a suburb in Melbourne that has been developed to be part of Melbourne's urban renewal project, and thus, became part of the CBD. It has become a sought after address for business. But of course, we did not go there for business. We went there for ---Shopping! Docklands is also the address of Harbour Town --- that houses several outlet stores of name brands.

Art installations at the Docklands and around Melbourne

Harbour Town

After a late lunch and spending 2 hours in this place, we proceeded to Flinder's Station/ Federation Square. I do not want to pass up on the chance to taste what my friend back in the Philippines recommended --- Spanish Doughnut's Churros (!). Yummm. Failed to take a photo since Gia and I gobbled it up in a blink of an eye. LOL. So here's what I got from their website. Their stall is located just inside the Station.


Designer Churros by Spanish Doughnuts

From Flinder's we proceeded to the Shrine of Remembrance along St. Kilda Road. Originally built as a memorial to the men and women of Victoria who served in WWI, it is now a memorial to all Australians who have served in the war.

Shrine of Remembrance

We then explored and walked along St. Kilda Road, where you will see a lot of interesting places.

Victoria's premier school for the education and training of talented young dancers and musicians

Queen Victoria Gardens

The Arts Centre Melbourne - the flagship of the Performing Arts in Victoria

National Gallery of Victoria

We then, proceeded to Gia's last ballet session at Collingwood before meeting up with new found Filipino friends for dinner.

Dinner with Daz family

The humongous ice cream!

Yes, we love Melbourne! We love everything Australia --- the weather, the convenient transportation system, the natural and man-made attractions, the Aussie and Asian food, shopping, and the people. I can live here if given a chance. :)

Check other posts on Australia:

Day 3 in Melbourne - Going on a Scenic Road Trip

Day 2 in Melbourne - Going for Gold

Day 1 in Melbourne - Of wombats, koalas and penguins

The Majestic 12 Apostles of Victoria, Australia

Through the New South Wales countryside

Four days in Sydney

Diving Malapascua

2013-01-20T03:47:00.001-08:00


Sunset @ Malapascua Island

APRIL 2007
Malapascua Island, Cebu

I can still remember being excited for this trip. I was so looking forward to seeing thresher sharks for the first time.

This is one of our dive group's (Hello Divers) dive trip outside of Luzon.

From the Mactan International Airport, we hired a van to take us to Maya Pier, north of Cebu Island, the jump-off point to Malapascua. Then we hired an outrigger boat to bring us to the island.We have no choice because we have our dive gears with us.

1st batch to Malapascua

After sorting out our accommodation problems, we settled in and had our very late lunch, before exploring the island.

While most of us slept the afternoon away (including me), others did not lose time exploring the island and swimming. I woke up at 4pm and decided to join the rest of the group at the beach. Our part of the island is so quiet and secluded, it is paradise!

The view from our cottage

Malapascua white sand beach

The 1st day was more relaxed. After swimming and camwhoring, we started fixing and sorting our dive gears for the very early date with the threshers the following day. We had night cap at a floating bar before taking a very late dinner after.

Woke up very early the following day to keep our appointment with the threshers. But unfortunately, we were able to dive Monad Shoal past sunrise already as we have to wait for the rest of our diver friends who were coming from Cebu that day. :( Really sad we did not get to see the sharks. Monad Shoal is an underwater plateau --the only place one can see thresher sharks regularly before sunrise, and where pelagic also abound. The sea mount is used by the sharks as a cleaning station---where wrasse remove parasites from their skin and clean their gills and mouth.

Ready to dive!

Disappointed with Monad Shoal, we proceeded to Gato Island. We enjoyed the dive and snorkeling in the area. Later in the afternoon, we dove along Malapascua shores to witness the colorful Mandarin fish do their mating dance early in the evening. Well, they did not mate but I got to see one. What a lovely creature! Too bad I was not able to capture one decent shot as they hurriedly hide amongst corals as soon as they see the dive lights. :(

Despite the disappointments, we had a great time in Malapascua, albeit short. A great weekend trip.


Mandarin Fish (photo from services.flickie.com)

-----------------------------------------------
Getting to Malapascua:

From Manila, take the flight to Cebu Island. You will land at Mactan International Airport. Malapascua is located north of the island of Cebu, and travel by land and ferry is a total of 3-5 hours depending on your choice of transportation and travel time. Best to take the earliest flight to Cebu.

Option 1: Private transfers - Before arriving Malapascua, you can arranged from the resort for an airport pick-up and transfers to the resort. This is a bit expensive but more convenient.

Option 2: By Taxi - You can hire a taxi from the airport or the North Bus terminal that will cost you around P4,800 to P6,000 one way depending on your haggling skills.

Option 3: By bus - from the airport, take a taxi/cab to the North Bus terminal. Take Ceres Bus or Rough Riders to Maya Pier. Buses to Maya leave every 20 minutes and runs 24hours. While buses from Maya pier to Cebu runs from 1am to 6pm only. Non-aircon buses is non-stop and takes 4 hours. Aircon buses have designated stops and takes them 5hours to reach Maya Pier. Bus fares is around P150-200 per way.

From Maya Pier, there are 2 options:

Option 1: Private boat - hire a private boat from the pier. Cost may range from P1,500 to P2,000 depending on time of day and your haggling skills. Trip will take about 30 minutes.

Option 2: Public boat - you will have to wait for the boat to be full before it leaves the port. Be sure to be at the port before 5pm to catch the last trip for the day. Fare is P80 per person and travel time is also 30 minutes.

MELBOURNE - Going on a Scenic Roadtrip

2013-01-13T09:26:00.001-08:00

The Great Ocean Road

This is THE most awaited part of the whole trip. Researching and looking at photos fueled the fire.

Yes, on our 3rd day, we went on a road trip to Australia's most scenic coastal drive --- The Great Ocean Road.

A national heritage site, the 240+km stretch of road hugs the south-east coastline of Victoria. Passing through quaint towns, surfing beaches, historic ports, whale lookouts, shipwreck coasts, breathtaking mountain ranges, majestic rainforests, scenic coastal towns and national parks.

We left Melbourne from the West Gate Bridge and visited charming towns, beautiful beaches and breathtaking wonders of nature:

*Torquay

Our first stop for morning tea. We had time to check and take a photo of the beach. A surfers haven.

Yes, we missed the surf shop outlets. Unfortunately, they were still closed and we have a long trip ahead of us.

Torquay Beach


Quaint Torquay

* Bells Beach

Home to World Surfing Championships. This is where I thought the black specks I saw out on the sea where penguins, and quickly realized that those were surfers trying out the waves at such a cold and early morning! brrr... We were, after all, in one of Australia's best surfing beaches.

Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia

North view of Bells Beach

No, those are not penguins...

* Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot is 2000miles from the South Pole. So named because of the obvious shape of the beach.

Horseshoe Bay from a Lookout

* Great Ocean Road (GOR) welcome arch or better known as a memorial arch, dedicated to those who built this road in World War I.

The Great Ocean Road welcome arch

* Lorne
A seaside town that attracts visitors all year round. Home to a lot of holiday homes.


View of Lorne from Kenneth River Park

* Kenneth River Park
Halfway between Lorne and Apollo Bay. This is where we had another dose of close encounter with wild koalas and feed birds while taking a short break in the nearby park. It would have made my day more if we got to see dolphins, seals and even whales (!) while looking out to sea.

Feeding wild parrots

Yup! Koalas sleep 18-20 hours a day, and the rest is spent eating. What a life aye? Oh, and they are known to be polygamous.

Caravan homes

* Wye River - drove through Wye River on our way to Cape Patton and Apollo Bay
* Cape Patton Lookout - one of the highest along this scenic route. The view here reminds me of our very own Batanes Island.

Cape Patton Lookout

View from Cape Patton

View of the Great Ocean Road from Cape Patton

* Apollo Bay
Lunch was at a whaling town of Apollo Bay. This is where we got to taste a homemade delicious ice cream --- Dooley's. Yes, despite the cold weather, we do not want to miss the ice cream after a hefty lunch of steak.
Apollo Bay is one of the major stop-overs along this route. With museums, the coast, the shops and cafes and the Great Otway National Park to explore.

Apollo Bay

You have got to try this!

The beach on Apollo Bay

@Apollo Bay

* Otway National Park
On our way to the 12 Apostles, we cruised through the park to marvel at the Koalas on top of trees just above the road, and had fun counting them. We also learned about the great bush fire that destroyed a large part of the park and forests in this side and displaced thousands of animals.

* The 12 Apostles
Located at the Port Campbell National Park and the most popular attraction in this quaint town. There is no other way to appreciate the magnificence of this limestone sea stacks but through a helicopter ride or a boat ride. We took the helicopter and we did not regret it. The sight was breathtaking up there. Seeing the coastline, the 12 Apostles and the other sea stacks just took my breath away.

To know more about this magnificent work of nature, I dedicated a separate post for it, here.

After all, this is a surfer's paradise

Fog descending over the 12 Apostles

Sea stacks at the Great Ocean Road

Salt & Pepper shaker isn't it?

* Loch Ard Gorge
Part of the Port Campbell National Park, it was named after the ship Loch Ard that run aground in the nearby island in 1878.

And here's a trivia: This site has been part of movie scenes like the Pirate Movie in 1982, and the TV series Journey to the Center of the Earth in 1999.

Loch Ard Gorge beach

The cave on the other cove

crushing waves coming in

* London Arch
Originally named London Bridge, it was renamed London Arch after the main arch that connects it to the mainland cracked and fell to the sea in 1990, trapping 2 people in the new island. They were rescued eventually. You should hear the juicy story of those 2 people. Yes, we had a gossip of a driver and guide.

The London Arch

* Port Campbell
A seaside village and popular summer holiday destination for Australians. There were only a handful of people around when we were there, as it was autumn.

Our last stop before we head back to Melbourne. Took a very late coffee break as we will have a very late dinner when we arrive back in Melbourne.

Early evening at Port Campbell

Port Campbell

This scenic road has truly enriched me. As you can see from the number of photos I posted here, there are plenty of opportunities in this route. Landscape photographers will have a feast.

A day trip is definitely not enough. I would love to go on a leisurely drive on this road for days. Taking in each and every towns' charms. There is just too many to see and do!

Loving Australia more, everyday!

You might be interested to check out my other posts on Australia:

Day 2 in Melbourne - Going for Gold

Day 1 in Melbourne - Of wombats, koalas and penguins

The Majestic 12 Apostles of Victoria, Australia

Through the New South Wales countryside

Four days in Sydney

MELBOURNE - Going for Gold!

2013-01-06T08:42:00.002-08:00

Sovereign Hill town

Our 2nd day in Melbourne, and we are going for gold! Yes, we spent our day in an old mining town in Victoria, Australia.

Ballarat has gained popularity during the gold rush period in 1851, being home to the richest alluvial goldfield in the world. Population boomed then, as people all over the world seek their fortune in this place.

Long after the gold has run out, the town has retained its rich gold heritage in the form of opulent buildings, fountains and tourist attractions.

And if you want to experience how it was during the gold rush, Ballarat has Sovereign Hill.

Old world appeal @ Sovereign Hill

An open museum recreated to look like the gold township in the 1850s. Costumed ladies and gents, venture underground to see and feel how it is to be a miner, tour the town in a horse-drawn coach, shop 1850s style, see how gold is melted and molded into bars, utensils, etc., and try your luck and pan for real gold. If you find one (or more), it's yours.

The farms during the 1850s

A typical gold panning site

Town's bulletin board

Marching along the streets of Sovereign Hill

The Church and the Fire station

From the medicine man

A typical vehicle back then

A costumed lady sitting on a porch enjoying the crowd

Sovereign Hill sites

Smelting, candy-making, and candle-making

And yes, we did found gold!

Eureka!

Check-out my other posts on Australia:

Day 1 in Melbourne - Of wombats, koalas and penguins

The Majestic 12 Apostles of Victoria, Australia

Through the New South Wales countryside

Four days in Sydney

MELBOURNE - Of Wombats, Koalas and Penguins

2013-01-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

Yarra River

After the long slow train ride through New South Wales countryside from Sydney, we arrived Melbourne early evening. We were hosted to a Persian dinner by the relatives of my former office mate in a quaint restaurant in one of Melbourne's streets. It was early to bed for us after the dinner as we have a full 1st day in Melbourne.

Awesome Day 1:

Yarra River from Southbank

Morning was free so we did a DIY rush tour of Melbourne. Walked to State Library, Tram ride around the City. Stroll towards Yarra River and Eureka Skydeck 88 and Federation Square. The beauty about exploring Melbourne (or any other 1st world city) is the availability of free (or almost free = cheap fares like $1/24hr) rides to major tourist sights. Boy, are we glad to take in the sounds, sights, smell and hulaballoo of Central Melbourne at practically no costs!

Melbourne streets

View from the Southbank

Clockwise: Federation Square; Indian Festival @ Fed Square; Skydeck; NGV

View from Skydeck with the Olympic Complex and Melbourne's Art Centre with its "tutu" roof spire

St. Paul's Cathedral, Flinders St.

Flinders St., Melbourne, Australia

After a quick lunch at Southbank, the afternoon was spent at the Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade.

We passed through St. Kilda St. on our way to Warrook Cattle Farm in Gippsland Region. A 100-year old, 300-acre working farm and homestead with a fauna park that features wallabies, ostrich and wombats. Oh we had fun interacting with the animals, especially the smart wallabies, who like to go near people in the hopes of being fed. A true-blue Aussie farm experience!

Warrook Cattle Farm

After Warrook, we proceeded further down south to the Koala Conservation Center at Phillip Island. Part of the Phillip Island Nature Park, the Center is a reserve built to research, protect and promote awareness of the native Australian koalas. An environmentally and Koala-friendly enclosure with boardwalk was built along gumtrees to ensure one can have an up-close and personal experience with one or more of these Australian animals in their own natural habitat.

Koala Conservation Center

Koalas up close and personal

Find out about what they eat and many more

Before proceeding to the highlight of this tour, we explored the island. You know you are, indeed, in Australia, when, while during your drive, you see wallabies...and kangaroos(!) near the roadside or just over there near the grounds of one of the houses on a hill. And if you are at it, ask your driver to honk its horn and see what happens. Amazing!

Stopped to marvel at Phillip Island's rugged south coast.

Phillip Island rugged coast

A sunset walk @ Phillip Island

Souvenir shot @ Phillip Island

The trip to Phillip Island to see real penguins in their natural habitat (and not in a four-corner glass box) was an unforgettable experience. Aside from the biting cold, Gia and I had a great time seeing those penguins appear at the shoreline, and following them as they walk back to their homes. We even named one, "Pengu", and followed it until it reached its "hole-of-a-home". Photos are not allowed here so no photos at all of the penguins. Photo here of penguins was lifted from the internet.

The only photo you are allowed to take. Cameras will have to be deposited.


Photo courtesy of : www.penguins.neaq.org

After the whole experience, Gia and I could not stop talking about it. You should see the excitement on her eyes everytime she recalls the experience. One of those moments you will forever treasure.

Yes, we are loving Melbourne!..and it is only Day 1!

Check out my other posts on Australia:

Day 2 Melbourne - Going for Gold!

The Majestic 12 Apostles of Victoria, Australia

Through the New South Wales countryside

Four days in Sydney

Land Down Under - The Majestic 12 Apostles

2012-12-31T02:16:00.000-08:00

The Seahorse

A majestic place like this deserves a separate blog.

We originally did not plan to take the helicopter ride, but decided last minute because my guts was telling me not to miss this great opportunity--this once in a lifetime chance. And oh how glad were we----the view was just amazingly spectacular!!!

The Great Ocean Road--- is a 243-kilometre stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia. In Victoria, Australia to be exact.

The 12 Apostles, situated between Apollo Bay and Port Campbell in The Port Campbell National Park, was originally named 'The Sow and Piglets'. The name was changed in the 1950s to tempt more visitors to see them.

These famous residence of The Great Ocean Road were created from the 70 meter limestone cliffs by the relentless pounding of the Southern Ocean. To date only 8 of the original 12 apostles are still standing as the ocean continues to erode and shape the coast line.

Razorback, Baker's Oven, London Bridge, Salt and Pepper Shaker, Seahorse--- are just a few of the names of these sea stacks.

An appropriate highlight of our Melbourne trip no doubt!

It is one of the most majestic places I have ever seen. I stand in awe at the wonders of nature. Truly, how beautiful and wonderful this world is!

Check out my other posts on Australia:

Day 1 in Melbourne - Of wombats, koalas and penguins

Day 2 in Melbourne - going for Gold

Through the New South Wales countryside

Four days in Sydney

The Land Down Under - New South Wales

2012-12-31T00:50:00.000-08:00

I am one for slow and long drives along the countryside. I want it unhurried, and I want to enjoy the experience and see the picturesque rural scenery.

So, when the choice came up to either take the train or plane to Melbourne from Sydney, without hesitation, I chose the former.

Although it is of less convenience than taking the plane, I like to savor the trip. Planning for it was easier. I made sure our hotel in Sydney will be just a stone's throw away from the Sydney's Central Station, so it will be easier to move around to catch our early morning train ride to Melbourne.

We took the Countrylink train to Southern Cross (Melbourne). The good thing about buying your ticket ahead is that, you may be able to chance upon a AUD1.00 fare for your child. I did! Yey!

First Class

Wide legroom, yes.

Brekkie :)

Don't get me wrong. If you are one who does not want to waste time, or in a hurry, or easily get bored, travelling to Melbourne by train will not be for you. We took the early morning trip so we arrive Melbourne 11 hours after (yes, 11 hours!). Did we get bored? Actually no. We enjoyed the view of New South Wales' countryside. We enjoyed jumping on to the platform of each stations to just stretch our legs or do a very quick look-see, in between catching a shut-eye.

We passed by towns with cool and unusual names:

* Strathfield*Campbelltown* Moss Vale* Goulbourn* Gunning* Yass Junction*Harden*
* Cootamundra*Junee*Wagga Wagga*The Rock*Henty*Culcairn*Albury*Wangaratta*
* Benalla*Seymour*Broadmeadows*Southern Cross (Melbourne)

I like the New South Wales countryside. Totally different from where we come from, but similar sleepy, peaceful, relaxing feel to it. How I wish I had the luxury of time to jump off each station and explore the towns for a day or 2. Lovely (don't forget the Aussie accent), wouldn't it?





					Check out my other posts on Australia: Day 1 in Melbourne - Of wombats, koalas and penguins Day 2 in Melbourne - going for Gold The Majestic 12 Apostles of Victoria, Australia Four days in Sydney

Happy New Year!

2012-12-30T21:17:00.000-08:00

As 2012 draws to a close and we move to another promising year, let us remember to always go for that walk, to take that train, that bus, that ship, that plane or just take that plunge; to always explore the vast beauty out there. Acknowledge the change it may bring and open your heart to its promise.

May the new year bring us to places we have never imagined, new friends far and wide, stronger bonds forged, true happiness, true realization, peace in each and everyone's hearts, strength to still do it, and more funds to do just that.

May 2013 be our best year yet!

From our homes to yours, a wonderful and promising new year to all!

My Year-ender post.

The Land Down Under - Sydney

2012-12-30T10:24:00.001-08:00

The view from Mrs. Macquaries Chair

A very short visit to Australia in May 2010. A perfect relief from scorching Manila.

Autumn in Oz is just wonderful. It took us a few days to get used to the very cold weather but we managed and loved it.

First stop ---- SYDNEY

Day 1: After check-in, and armed with a map, we did our own "walking tour".

First stop was Darling Harbour. Sydney's major destination for leisure and entertainment with so many bars, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, museums and parks. I can stay here for days trying to check out its nooks and crannies.

Darling Harbour

Next is SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour. 14 newly-themed zones that includes Dugong Island, the Shark Walk and the amazing new tunnel walk-through, Shark Valley.

Sydney Aquarium

Then we walked back to Sydney Tower to marvel at the beauty of Sydney as far as the eyes can see. The East's version of The Space Needle.

Sydney Tower

Yup! the highest Mailbox in this hemisphere

The view from the tower

And of course, we had to see the Sydney Opera House. THE venue for performing arts in Sydney, it's unique design has become Australia's icon. We toured the insides of the Sydney Opera House and learned about it's colorful and interesting history.

Sydney Opera House

Day 2: Grand City Tour--whole day tour of Sydney and suburbs including Bondi Beach, Manly Beach and the exclusive Vaucluse and Double Bay areas.

Spectacular Darling Harbour
Sydney Entertainment Centre
Chinatown
Sydney Aquarium and the Monorail
Sydney Opera House
The Rock's - Sydney's birthplace
Conservatorium of Music
Parliament House
Hyde Park
St James Cathedral
St Mary's Cathedral
Art Gallery and the Domain
Visit Mrs Macquaries Chair - superb views of the harbour and city skyline
Royal Australian Naval Base at Garden Island
Kings Cross - Sydney's 'hot spot'
Exclusive Double Bay and Vaucluse
The Gap - stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Heads
Visit Bondi Beach - Australia's most famous surf beach
Historic and trendy Paddington
Sydney Tower

Grand Sydney Tour

Sydney Town Hall

AFTERNOON

Stunning views over Sydney Cove and Circular Quay
Sydney Opera House
Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Milson's Point - panoramic views of the bridge and skyline
Cross the Spit Bridge
Magnificent views from Seaforth Lookout over Middle Head and Pearl Bay marinas
Arabanoo Lookout - a superb panorama of the rugged Headlands and Manly
Tour through the northern beaches of Freshwater Bay and Curl Curl
Stop at the seaside resort of Manly, noted for its famous surf beach and Norfolk pines

After the full-packed day and to complete our Sydney Opera House experience, we capped it by watching Australian Ballet's "Coppelia" at the Sydney Opera House and meeting some of the ballerinas after the show.

Coppelia @ Sydney Opera House

Day 3 - Free Day

No tours. Just DIY sightseeing and shopping for us.

Walked the length of George St. from the Sydney Town Hall on our way to the Queen Victoria Building (QVB)--- a 19th-century building, now a shopping complex with high-end brands as tenants.

The building, aside from it housing the most expensive brands, is known for its inner center glass dome, its glorious glass-stained windows and two large mechanical clocks: The Royal Clock shows scenes of English royalty, and the Great Australian Clock, with 33 scenes from Australian history.

The 19th-century Queen Victoria Building

A relaxing vibe inside

The colorful glass center dome

One of its beautiful glass-stained windows

The mechanical Great Australian Clock

Crossed the street to Bloch Store -- a haven for ballet students and dancers. After purchasing some necessary stuff, we walked to Darling Harbour to take the Harbour Cruise to Taronga Zoo.

The cruise gave us a very good view of Cockle Bay, Walsh Bay, Circular Quay, Farm Cove, Wooloomoloo Bay, passing through Clark Island, Shark Island, Vauclause Bay--the most affluent suburb in Sydney and with its many yachts, Watsons Bay with its famous Doyles Restaurant that serves what they said is the best Fish & Chips in town, and Manly Harbour.

Harbour Cruise sights

We alighted at Taronga Zoo - a 21-hectare zoo that is home to over 2,600 animals. It has a very unique view of the Sydney Opera House from where the giraffes are.

Taronga Zoo

A very nice view from here isn't it?

After Taronga Zoo, we boarded the ferry again to check out Luna Park --a classic old world amusement park in Milson's Point. Unfortunately, the park was closed for the day but the caretaker was kind enough to let us in just to have a quick look-see.

The iconic face of Luna Park

Then a walk to Sydney bridge, back to Darling Harbour for shopping at the Harbourside and monorail to Paddy's Market.

shops just below the Sydney Harbour bridge

@the walkway of Sydney Harbour Bridge

Darling Harbour @night

Day 4: Blue Mountains and its environs

A drive through the Great Eastern Highway (the longest road to the mountains). First stop was along the Napean River for tea. A very relaxing place to enjoy your morning tea. How very English is that!

Napean River

We then proceeded to Wentworth Falls passing through an Aboriginal site. When it is flowing, it is the most scenic waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. It was not barely there when we visited because Australia has had 5 years of no rain, they say.

Wentworth Falls

We then proceeded to Leura Village for Lunch. A quaint small town near the Blue Mountains. Steep with old world appeal and vibe.

A very nice place to seat, yes?

After lunch we proceeded to Katoomba Falls before proceeding to the Blue Mountains lookout. Another scenic waterfalls in the area but we were not so lucky. Just like Wentworth Falls, it is best to visit after heavy rains.

Katoomba Falls

Autumn colors in Leura Village

The view of the Blue Mountains from the lookout. Beautiful! Part of the Greater Blue Mountains area and a world heritage site, it consists of 7 national parks and a conservation reserve. It got its name from the characteristic blue haze over the mountains.

Beautiful view of the Blue mountains

@ the Blue Mountains lookout

We rode the scenic skyway in order to catch a glimpse of the legendary 3 Sisters -- a rock formation in the Blue Mountains that was formed by erosion but has an Aboriginal story behind it.

The commonly told legend of the Three Sisters is that three sisters (Meehni', 'Wimlah' and Gunnedoo') lived in the Jamison Valley as members of the Katoomba tribe. They fell in love with three men from a neighbouring tribe (the Nepean tribe), but marriage was forbidden by tribal law. The brothers were not happy to accept this law and so decided to use force to capture the three sisters. A major tribal battle ensued, and the sisters were turned to stone by an elder to protect them, but he was killed in the fighting and no one else could turn them back. This legend is claimed to be an Indigenous Australian Dreamtime legend. - Wikipedia

3 Sisters

After seeing the 3 sisters, we toured the rainforest of the Blue Mountains and Euroka Park-- a popular picnic area and camping site, before taking the ferry back to Circular Quay.

Food food food

Sydney is one place I would like to go back to more often. It has an unhurried vibe to it that I like. Add to that the natural wonders it has in its neighboring suburbs, and its refreshing array of food despite its huge servings.

Check-out my other posts on Australia:

Day 2 in Melbourne - Going for Gold!

Day 1 in Melbourne - Of wombats, koalas and penguins

The Majestic 12 Apostles of Victoria, Australia

Through the New South Wales countryside

CAMSUR Roadtrip Day 3&4 - CWC & Naga City

2012-12-29T06:53:00.003-08:00

Lago del Ray, CWC

April 11, 2009
Black Saturday

Who would miss going to CWC when you are in this part of the world? So, being our last day, we decided to make this day our CWC day.

From Sabang to Naga, CWC in Pili town is along the way. It is right smack in the middle of a field. You actually have to go inside a residential subdivision to get to this place.

We arrived CWC around lunchtime..so as expected on a Black Saturday, the place is packed! No available tables...the line for wakeboarding is likewise looongg!...so we decided to take a look around the place, take some photos before heading out to the newly opened Lago Del Ray in CWC.

CWC

Pretty much makes sense to have something like this...especially if they want to make CWC a family place. The kids and non-wakeboarders (is this the right term?) can hang out here.

Lago del Ray opened last Feb'09. It is an artificial freshwater lake with lots of inflatables to choose from. Kayaks are also available.

Lago de Ray

Lago del Ray

Good thing we found an available tent. So decided to grab it and ordered our late lunch. The sun was sooo hot! We decided to wait until around 3pm to take a dip. Gia, Kumareng Jet and I had a blast trying out the slide, the obstacle course and the water polo area.

We packed up at around 4:30pm. Head back to Naga City to check-in at Starview Hotel. A small business hotel that really impressed me. Imagine duvet covers, flat screen TV, cove lighting and jet showers! wooow! Its location is also ideal since it is just a walk away from a church, a convenience store, restaurants and fastfood chains. It is in the center of Naga City.

A room at Starview Hotel

After the much needed bath, we went to the neighboring Biggs Diner---a resto that we found out is "BIG" in this side of Luzon. Decorated like a true American Diner with a sprinkle of Bicolano, the food also is very much American with a few Asian fares.

Biggs Diner

Day 4
April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday

Woke up early to catch the English Mass at San Francisco Church. Then, proceeded to buy pasalubong before heading back home.

The drive took longer because we encountered heavy traffic at Sariaya and Candelaria towns. Made 4 pit stops: 1 to gas up, another 1 for a late lunch and the rest to answer the call of nature.

Arrived our home by 10pm.

Wow! I really made it! 880kms of driving by myself... with a navigator that is mostly asleep! Really enjoyed the rural scenery...too bad I did not have enough time to take photos.

CAMSUR is a must place. "One of those 100 Places to Visit Before... thingie". Will go back to try out wakeboarding...and visit more islands in Caramoan!..soon...soon...

Facts:

Accommodation: Starview Hotel in Naga (P1,999 and up)
CWC has several types of accommodation (P1,500 and up)
CWC info: www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com

Total estimated cost of the whole trip (excluding food): P5,000/person (details to follow) for 4 days.

CAMSUR Roadtrip Day 2 - Caramoan here we come!

2012-12-29T06:34:00.001-08:00

Lahus Island

April 10, 2009
Good Friday

We left Naga around 7am for the 66km drive to the Port of Sabang (nope! not the Sabang of Puerto Galera), the jump-off point to Caramoan. Took us about 1 1/2 hours drive.

Good thing I was able to find a safe parking for Pinay and found very helpful porters. After buying our fresh fish for lunch, and after a slight delay, we were off to Guijalo Port in Caramoan for the 2-hour ride by 11am.

Makeshift waiting area at Sabang

The ferry is almost the same as those in Puerto Galera. Only thing is, Sabang does not have a decent port, so the ferries dock on the beach.Thus, passengers are carried by porters on the shoulder to and from the boat! Pretty scary experience you know...

Guijalo Port, Caramoan

As we arrived Guijalo Port, it was already low tide, so we have to take another little banca ride (one were you use an oar---no motor) to the port. whew...! But....our sundo made up for it. We were surprised to find out that our service car (yes, car, not tricycle which is the mode of transportation here) is a red Ford Escape!..what can you say...an SUV in the middle of nowhere!

West Peninsula Villas

We reached West Peninsula Villas in no time. The place is in the middle of rice paddies and has only a few rooms and most were taken up by Survivor crew. Our room was impressive for such a small place. Clean, fresh sheets, aircon and cheap too (by Manila standards)...what more can you ask?

Since we arrived past 1pm, we decided to have our fresh fish cooked and took our lunch in the "resort". By 2pm, we were on our way to Bikal port by tricycle on rough roads. Bikal is where the bancas for hire are for island hopping.

By 2:30pm we were off. We visited 3 islands and passed by 2 more: Sabitang Laya, Lahus, Matukad and forgot the rest. Too bad, wse could not stop at the other islands as Survivor was currently filming.

one of the islands on the other side; possibly Lahuy Island

Sabitang Laya

One side of Lahus Island

Matukad Island

We crossed the channel so we had a scariest ride...riding the rough waters as it was high tide already. Unlike El Nido & Honda Bay, the islands in Caramoan are far apart. Suggest you choose the area where Lahus Island is. Better sand, closer islands. Wished we had more time to swim and shoot. The water was soooo inviting!

Caramoan has more than 10 islands begging to be explored...and 1 day is not enough to explore all of them...