Wanderlust

Sunsets & Sunrises

2013-03-30T23:58:00.002-07:00

Sunsets & Sunrises always reminds me of the song 'Closing Time - Semisonic' in one of Mila Kunis' movies, 'Friends With Benefits'.

"Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." ♫

Yeah, I was a bit (absolutely) busy with med stuffs, I thought I forgot about this blog because of too much errands and demands of going into medical school. It's kinda' hard. Hard was an understatement! I am currently waiting for the results of my finals and hopefully, I get into second year this year. Just want to share some of the picture I took during my travels in the past several years, I'm planning have it printed and put these pictures in my wall.

Where everyone's (including couples) waiting for the sun to set. My favorite city! (Paris, France - 2011)

Nothing special in this photo, really. I don't know, I was just fascinated with this place. (Barcelona, Spain - 2010)

The photo is not that clear. I'm truly amazed with God's creation! (Tuba, Benguet, Philippines - 2011)

The island where you can do soul-searching, peace of mind and you'll be truly relaxed. (Burgos, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines - 2010)

I can't deny that I always astounded by the beauty of the sea of cloud above the sky! (Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia - 2011)

This has to be the perfect paradise for me. (Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte, Philippines - 2012)

Awed by the serenity of this place! (Lake Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland - 2011)

That supposed-to-be-photoshoot. This couple in the picture is really cool! (Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines - 2012)

Calm! (Seaside, Roxas Boulevard, Manila - 2011)

Definitely one of my favorite sunrise ever. Relaxing! (Lanuza, Surigao del Norte, Philippines - 2012)

This is my favorite sunset with the silhouette of the two young girls (Mabini, Batangas, Philippines - 2010)

My aunt & uncle was sitting near the bay. Almost an accidental shot. (Manila Bay, Roxas Boulevard, Manila - 2011)

After going through and roaming around the church with my sister, I took a shot outside! (Sant-Chapelle, Paris, France - 2010)

Up north! This trip was spontaneous one. With High school friends! (Santiago Beach, Ilocos Sur, Philippines - 2011)

What you see in the picture is a large tobacco plantation. (Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur, Philippines - 2011)

Another overnight memorable trip with family and cousins. (Subic, Zambales, Philippines - 2011)

I always get amused whenever I go to theme/amusement parks. (Enchanted Kingdom, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines - 2009)

This is actually shot at the top of the mountain in a mining area (Tuba, Benguet, Philippines - 2011)

“There's a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they're absolutely free. Don't miss so many of them.”

― Jo Walton

The kid who is always amazed with sunsets & sunrises,

Aaron.

Lovely Leiden (South-Holland, The Netherlands)

2012-03-29T03:38:00.000-07:00

So, yeah. I've been busy in the past months finishing some school stuffs and requirements for graduation. Finally, I'll be a bachelor degree holder. Anyway, I went to Leiden, 15-20mins. from Schipol (Amsterdam Airport) last March 26, 2012. The main purpose of my travel there is to meet my good friend, Sheila. I met her when we were freshmen in college, she's now staying in Stuttgart, Germany, studying Human Medicine at University of Heidelberg. I stayed there for 3days and 2nights. Let me just say this, lovely place. Good people. Epic adventure. I'm in love with Dutch girls. Everyone's nice.

You guys might want to check this compilation of clips I took during my stay in Leiden.

I arrived at the airport almost 3 hours prior my flight. Better be sure, this is actually my first time to try a budget airline in EU. Check-in time is too easy and quick. I haven't checked-in online, so, I fall in line and got the boarding pass. The good thing about easyJet is that you don't need to worry about the weight of your hand-carry luggage, as long as it follows the IATA (International Air Transport Association) Rules and you can fit your stuffs in 1 bag/luggage. The size of the bag/luggage should be 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22" x 17.7" x 9.8")

While waiting for my flight. I was bored at the airport. Almost 3 hours earlier prior to the scheduled time. This is the timetable and the schedule of flights.

I bought this Blueberry Muffin and Hot Cocoa for €5.00 at easyJet flight from Milan to Amsterdam. This serves as my lunch during that day.

First photo I took in Leiden. Somewhere around the "centrum", Shopping vicinity.

Every streets in Leiden has few quotations on the walls. Poetic city.

You can find some fast food chains around the city. It's best to try the local foods.

Since, Leiden is a part of The Netherlands, smoking weeds is legal here. See that girl? :)

This floating restaurant amazed me. So, I though I might give it a shot.

This photo was located right beside the photo above. Nice place, isn't it?

Facing the city center.

There are many coffee shops around the city. this one's different, it's really a café.

This is gothic church situated somewhere at the city center also.

Infront of the gothic church.

Like, yeah. Traveler mode.

The body of water in Leiden is quite large. This is one of the bridge somewhere at the town center also.

Caution: You might hit by a bike. Lol. Better watch out.

Enjoying the view, eh?

Smilin' like a dork.

This is the town municipal of Leiden.

A typical Dutch bike.

Notice the size of the buildings. All of the sizes are almost the same.

Cannabis.

Valk Windmill. I believe, it's now a museum.

My beautiful friend, sheila.

Trying to smile in front of the sunlight. Lol.

Dutch pancakes and a glass of sweet wine.

Where I actually stayed in Leiden. This one's Ollie's flat. Sheila's bf.

Preparing the bike taht we are going to use.

Living, Young, Wild and Free. Lol. Biking aroud the city is awesome.

Bikes are everywhere. When I said everywhere, it's really everywhere.

Had garlic mussels for dinner and a glass of dark Belgian sweet beer.

So, yea. Meet Ollie. The oher guy in the pic. Shei's great bf. He's also cool.

The lightning is nice. The old Belgian ambiance was astounding.

Belgisch Bier Café Olivier.

Outside the Belgian restaurant. The dinner was terrific. Fine dining, really. Thanks for the treat, shei.

Good coffee for the day. Cappucino.

Shei prepared our English breakfast. I'm full, just looking at this picture.

On the way to Amsterdam.

Next Post: Legal Amsterdam

The kid who had the time of his life in Holland,
Aaron.

It's More Fun in The PHILIPPINES.

2012-01-09T04:06:00.000-08:00

Got inspired by the new slogan of the Department of Tourism to boost the tourism industry in The Philippines. Did some typo in some pictures I took through my travels in The Philippines. Check out: Anton Diaz's compilation in Pinterest.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez defended the slogan by tweeting, “The line isn’t a manufactured slogan. It’s simply the truth about our country. Don’t be swayed by people who are trying to punch holes in it.” (Inquirer.net) Also, in Lonely Planet's description "The second-largest archipelago in the world, with over 7000 tropical islands, the Philippines is one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia."

Truly, It's more fun in the PHILIPPINES. Visit The Philippines.

Back rides in tricycle in the Philippines is fun. Go north. Yes, North Luzon. Visit Vigan, Ilocos Sur. More fun in Vigan.

Wanna go caving and boating at the same time? Wanna see one of the New7Wonders of Nature? Trust me. This place is one of the best in The Philippines. Visit Puerto Princesa Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Hiking and seeing the magnificent crater of Taal Volcano in Taal, Batangas. It's more fun to see the volcano's mouth in The Philippines. See my related post: HERE.

Astounding view at the 2000 year old Banaue Rice Terraces. It has also been recognized as one of 8th wonder of the world. Carved on the mountain side by hand, an engineering marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (PhilippineCountry). Visit Banaue. See my related post: HERE.

Wanna try the "Wheele of fate"? Amusement park in The Philippines? Visit Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna, Philippines.

Also, please include the hashtag's #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines and #1ForFun on Twitter. You can also visit DOT's itsmorefuninthephilippines website. Thanks!

Check out this video:

The kid who always having more fun in The Philippines,
Aaron.

7 Ways To Survive Long Flights

2011-12-17T06:34:00.000-08:00

Being on board for about one (1) hour or two (2) is good, but after that?... It kills us... to boredom. Many of us don't like staring at those back seat screens with flight map on it. It's terrifying! Btw, I just survived a long flight from Manila to Abu Dhabi for about nine (9) hours from Manila, then, another connecting flight from Abu Dhabi to Milan for six (6) straight long hours to get to my final destination which happen to be in Italy. So, let me share to you guys my own seven (7) ways to survive long (terrifying) flights (these tips are quite effective for me).

Travel.

7. Use your camera. (I always bring my camera whenever I go to a certain place or another. I capture everything. Except those in immigration. Take note: It's prohibited to use camera in immigration's. I saw a woman being scolded by an immigration officer for taking photos of the immigration office in Sabah, Malaysia. Never use camera in immigrations. Moving on. So, I use my camera whenever I'm in the airport waiting for flights, documenting my meal at the plane and capturing one of my favorite thing in this world. The sea of clouds above the skies. I use my camera to capture everything. Anyway, it's my hobby.)

Yes. I capture everything.

When I say everything. I mean it. Haha. Yes, even my shoes. This was taken in Abu Dhabi International Airport.

That. Sea of clouds.

6. Get to know new people. (This may be awkward to some of you guys, but, yeah. this can sometimes be a good good way to kill boredom and meet new friends. Be approachable. Get to know your airplane seatmates, or some people in the gate before the boarding. I met some few good people before, during long flights whom I treasure until now. When I was a little bit younger, whenever I travel, I always accompanied and taken care of by some stewardess and airplane crews. The good thing that time is that I always met cool people at my age. During my flight to back to Manila, I met Steffi, we met when I was 13. And, she was 14 then, I think. The wrong pronunciation of Chinese ground steward of my name *read with a hard tongue* 'ehy-rown-dah' instead of, Aaron Dave, that is written - misspelled on the boarding pass; led us to become friends, along with others. Yeah, you can also gain friends through long flights.)

Steffi. Photo from her fb. Haha. (Hindi ako nakapagpaalam.)

5. Play games. In-flight games. (This might be too child-ish but, it's effective to kill boredom. I sometimes play interactive in-flight games such as bejeweled, hangman, ect. This is sometime quite entertaining too.)

Photo by: Arcade Playa

4. Listen to music. Good music. (There is available in-flight music - entertainment sometimes in the airline. Also, your iPod, mp3, ect. would be a good friend during long flights. It's necessary when you're into music.)

Good music. Photo by: Anya Clowers Jet With Kids, 7 Tips for In-flight Entertainment.

3. Write your travel plans. (If you're not a fan of plans, it's ok. I just did it twice the last time I got bored from a long fourteen (14) hours flight from Manila to Amsterdam. And, this recent long flight from Manila to Abu Dhabi. I sometimes don't do this too. I just let things happen and follow where my feet takes me.)

PLAN-e. Haha. Plans.

2. Watch in-flight movies. (If it's available. Usually this is available in airline that offers long flights internationally.)

In-flight movies.

2. Bring and read books. (I prefer travel books. Novels are my second. If you finished this books, you can browse also the in-flight magazines.)

In-flight magazines sometimes has information about the place where your are going.

In-flight magazines.

Novel.

While waiting for the boarding.

1. Think. Just think about things that is going through your life and what will happen next. (This is what I usually do after getting bored watching those in-flight movies and after getting and itchy eyes reading books. Think about random things, like your plans, goals, dreams, dream big. And, Pray.)

Think. With this astounding view.

The kid who has love and hate relationship with long flights,
Aaron.

Unplanned Night Out at Kaytsan (Malolos, Bulacan)

2011-11-13T10:50:00.001-08:00

Had an unplanned night-out with friends in high school. If you happen to visit Malolos, Bulacan and want some good music, cold beers and arcade games. You should visit this place. Kaytsan Bar & Grill - Cabanas. The location is along highway. so, it would be easy for you guys to locate it. We really had a good time! If you guys love good music, cold beers and arcade games, this is the right place for you. I recommend. Visit: The Cabanas.

P.S.: Please, forgive my night photography skills. I'm not good with low lightning shots. ;(

Entrance.

The place to be. Kaytsan.

Acoustic bar inside and a cool arcade outside.

Bought some chips at 7-11 Cabanas infront of Kaytsan.

This is outside the bar. You can chillax' on that wooden couches and have a good time with friends.

Speed limit, 25 kph, eh?

It's my good friend again. Janie. She's always featured in my post. Hahaha. To: Janie, you owe me.

Yeah! We know the band. Citrus band. Tin-tin (Jenica's best friend) and her hubby. They're good on-stage.

What? Hahaha.

Took some 'bokeh' shots, becuase the Christmas lights looks amazing.

Outside the bar.

There are several shops, clinics at the right part of the Cabanas.

Had some snack after. Then we all went HOME.

My favorite shot tonight. The Menu. I don't know, I just like the bokeh and lights.

The kid who have always been amazed with 'bokeh' shots,
Aaron.

Sky Lanterns: 11.11.11 at 11:11 PM (Pasig, Philippines)

2011-11-11T20:34:00.001-08:00

When I first heard of this event, one thing that flashed to my mind is the article that I've read about the sky lantern festival in Chang Mai, Thailand (Northern Thailand) that originally and traditionally used there, also last week, I saw the Lonely Planet Guide Book, Thailand at National Bookstore also that it covers the lantern.

That night was a blast. Went to Banchetto in Megatent, Ortigas Center, Pasig City with some college friends. Went there to try the foodtripping they offer. The food was a little bit pricey compared to the normal price of goods outside, but not much. Let's say the Isaw (Chicken Intestines) on stick costs 25 pesos /per stick. The juice on plastic cups costs 30 pesos. It's actually my first time at Banchetto. Heard many good feed-backs about Banchetto from some of my friends back in highschool. We went there actually to see the said Sky Lantern - Wishing Lantern"Event" which you can put your wishes on a wishing paper and you can attach it with the lantern; they will light up all of the 1,000 lanterns altogether at exactly 11:11 PM in the same date, 11.11.11 which happens once in a lifetime. Unfortunately, the said event was cancelled due to some 'safety reasons' daw. But, yeah. they lighted up one sky lantern for testing and for media exposure.

One of few sky lanterns they light up.

An, it goes up. The normal sky lantern goes up to maximum limit of 500 meters, as they said.

Food-tripping, puto bumbong, anyone?

Tired. The whole group, except me. L-R: Karla (Lovely's cousin), Lovely, Lesyl, Frenniel, Marx and Mik.

Went to Metrowalk after, chilled at Starbucks. Banchetto is full-packed that night.

There's this one group who light up their sky lanterns at the parking lot near Banchetto.

Capturing low lightning shots is hard, you know? Haha. Forgive me, I didn't brought my tripod.

Yeah. With flash on.

It's magical when you see these lanterns up above the skies.

Went to Starbucks Metrowalk after 11:11 PM.

Those wiring-look-like is actually sky lanterns, it's magical.

Mikhail and I, look at the crowd at our back.

Yeah! Sky lanterns. Up close.

Tired.

Exhausted. Going home that time.

The kid who appreciates the sky lanterns when together above the skies,
Aaron.

Lost in The Mountains (Benguet, Philippines)

2011-11-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

It was an unplanned trip. Last minute talks, last minute decisions, it was all planned the night before we depart from Manila. It was 4 years ago since I last went to Baguio for a field trip, I guess. This time, the mountainous Benguet is our final destination, I was with my High School friends, it was my good friend, Bryan's treat. No expenses. No cash-out's, only the 340 pesos discounted bus fare onward. Luckily, I was able to come with them. (October 31-November 03, 2011)

On our way to Tuba, Benguet. Philex Mining Corporation.

We arrived at Philex Mining Corporation at about 6:00PM, we decided to just roam around the whole town.

Boy's room. Our rooms are separated with girls. Good morning!

We're off to Baguio City. Our place in Benguet is an hour drive from city proper. We enjoyed the road trip!

Fresh air. Breath-taking scenery. Good people. Priceless experience.

Forgive the shot. My lens is broke that time. No auto focusing. Yeah! We're in a mining site.

After an hour drive to Baguio City, our first stop was "Bell Temple" in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Yeah! My good friends, Bry and Roice.

The Bell Temple. This place reflects Chinese culture and history.

Bell Church & Temple Entrance. Sacred place.

Going up. We reached the top.

The last temple at the top. This place has a rich Chinese culture and tradition.

Notice the two dragons at the entrance.

Trying our Chinese 'Kung fu' inspired poses.

Went to Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club. This is located somewhere there. Statue of Liberty's replica.

Burnham park. Rate: 100 pesos for 30 minutes.

Bry is the photographer + paddler.

This is the man-made lake with rowboats.

The park beside the man-made lake.

Had lunch at Jack's Restaurant. Bought some street foods, Isaw (Chicken Intestines), Binatog (Boiled Corn) and Suha (Pomelo)

At around 5:00PM, we headed back to Benguet. Arrived at Philex after an hour. Had dinner, bought some cold beers. The only available beer at the store near Bry's house is San Miguel Pale Pilsen. It was actually my first time to try that beer, it was quite bitter than the usual San Mig Light. Tita Grace (Bry's Mom) prepared some pulutan for us. Anyway, ice is not uso in Benguet.

"Heart's all over the world tonight." With You (Chris Brown) Unexpected shot!

Taco's, Tofu and Beers. The best!

Pepperoni Pizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzaaaaaaaaaa.

Played different card games. Pusoy dos, pequa, ect. Consequences to losers.

Pequa, Kings was also played. We enjoyed that game.

This is the result of that consequences.

DANGER!

Overlooking, Lingayen Gulf. The skies is touching the mountains. Breath-taking!

Morning jogging?

Peace, yo! We're chillaxin' after a long sleep.

After lunch, We went to the plaza. There's an on-going event there. Philex corporation invited Talk 'n Text PBA players. We decided to go trek first. Hiking, eh?

This was taken somewhere at the top of the mountains. Pine trees all over.

Up, up, here we go, go, up, up here we go, go.

Yeah! Preparing for a trek?

Nice outfit, Roice. Never thought you're gonna trek with that bag.

Watch out. Falling rocks.

What are you doing there, Aaron? Join them.

First few attempts to trek.

Best view. Philex dam.

How to do that?

Priceless!

Beautiful skies.

Peace again, yo.

On our way down. We weren't that exhausted. Thanks to Benguet's climate.

Idol Alapag. With Janie and Roice.

We played tennis after. Nice move, Bry.

What am I doing? Hahaha.

Then, Billiards after. Hahaha. Sexy ni Roice.

Bry, Janie and I.

Street lights.

Merienda. Fish balls, mozarella balls, banana-q, ect. Fresh fuit juice with sliced fruit, eh? HRM, friends?

Group picture. From Left to Right. Bry, Roice, Aaron, Janie and Sephy.

After the dinner, we headed to Manila.

The kid who got lost intentionally in the mountains,
Aaron.

Beginning Vigan, Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region, Philippines)

2011-10-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

There is something in that place that keeps me coming back for. Ilocos region has been my favorite destination up north, why? That's because the places in the north gives me memories that I can treasure for a lifetime. I have been invited by my good friend, Janie to spend three days there to celebrate her twentieth birthday celebration with her college friends at her Mom's province. It was totally a province life experience. (October 20 - 23, 2011)

Ilocos Sur:

After chillaxin' for several hours at Sta. Lucia, we traveled to Vigan and stayed there for overnight. Went to Baluarte Zoo.

I wasn't able to capture the whole BALAUARTE word. Since, I'm using my 50mm lens, I can't zoom the objectives.

I'm always interested in knowing facts about the 'Avian' world. These parrots are located at the railings near the entrance of the zoo.

I believed, this is a Philippine Cockatoo. (If I'm not mistaken)

This one is a Great Green Parrot. (Free to correct, If I'm wrong.)

After that tiring visit at Baluarte zoo, we went to Janie's relative who sells Vigan Empanada and Okoy. It is best when combined with Sukang Ilocos. Food tripping is always best when you're with friends.

Ate Florence, she's good in cooking sumptuous Vigan Empanada.

Since I'm not a fan of Empanadas, I was hesitant at first to try their version of it. Surprisingly, I liked the taste of theirs.

I ordered Special Vigan Empanada which contains the wrap, egg, papaya shreds and the delicious Vigan Longanissa.

I I first tried this Special Vigan Empanada, last summer. When I went to Vigan with High School friends. Since, then, I keep craving for more. And, that food would be one of the reason why I will keep coming back to Vigan.

Others ordered, Vigan Okoy. It contains flour, shrimps, veggies. It's also good!

After filling out our tummy, we visited the famous Historic Town of Vigan - UNESCO World Heritage. Walked at Vigan Heritage Village. I fell in love with this old place since my first visit with family way back in 2003, I think.

I always find myself going back to this place. It's actually my third time here. VIgan Heritage Village.

This is a typical "Tricycle" in Vigan. They have that plate number. It's cool!

There's this "newly opened" super club in Vigan Heritage Village.

The best part of this village = Street lights in ancestral houses during night time.

Janie's good friend, and my new friend also, Billie, nice cam!

Janie with Preciel, her college best friend.

Vigan always looks good anytime of the day.

The kid who always wants to know history,
Aaron.

Beautiful City of Kota Kinabalu (Sabah, Malaysia)

2011-03-26T05:04:00.000-07:00

So, this was a post from my Facebook. I just posted it here in my blog, anyway, it's a travel blog. Everything's in detail and brief. Forgive my poor writing skills.

This is near their City hall. I think this is located at the center. Left side is the Kota Kinabalu City Hall.

This is the guard's quarter in the hotel.

Had a great time with Grandma (I call her Mama) at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (East) last March 23-25, 2011. We booked online 2 months earlier because of the airline promo. Got to book a good hotel also for not-so-expensive-price, my Lola's right knee is not in good condition that time when we traveled, we even asked for special assistance (wheelchair) for her to become much more comfortable during our travel. Fortunately, we haven't had a hard time passing through immigrations and all. I enjoyed the whole time I spent with her, even if she just stayed in the hotel for like two days and went out on the last day.

Inside our room. It's a two single beds. Please visit: Hotel Eden54. For more information.

I checked this hotel through Tripadvisor, it was Best Hotel in Kota Kinabalu. We had a pleasant stay at the hotel.

Day 1: We arrived at the city at around 8:00PM, went to the taxi booth, paid MYR30 to take us to the Hotel Eden 54. Went to the supermarket beside the hotel. Chat with my Dad and Alessia. Slept at around 12MN.

The Mango shake I bought on streets.

The Suria Sabah mall is located near our hotel. It's across the street.

Day 2: Went to the Suria Sabah mall. It's just a 5minutes walk from the hotel. Bought some KFC foods for our Brunch. Took pictures of the cool graffiti art. Went to Wisma Merdeka to change our Peso to Ringgit. Walked through the Gaya Street, took some pictures of the Kota Kinabalu City Hall, City Bus, Ect. Bought a Mango shake. Unfortunately, our own (Mango Farm or Fruitas) shake version is way better. Tried the Hailam Chicken at The Chicken Rice Shop and the huge donuts at Big Apple Donuts & Coffee, also bought a massage oil (cheap MYR 5) at Guardian. I went to the Night market at around 9PM while my Gran's having a cool talk with Ted (Born-again Malay staff) we've met at the hotel. Saw the Atkinson's Tower that was existed during the WWII, got to see also the City park and the Filipino Market (where I bought some pasalubong). I also even tried the Satay and Hot chicken wings, masarap! Malay food's good. I just don't like that distinct-ginger-taste in their rice, it's better to order "white rice" instead of that "chicken rice" (for me). Went to a supermarket beside the hotel, grabbed a canned milo and a strawberry yogurt. Slept at 11PM.

Monetary in Malaysia is called Ringgit or Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). 1 MYR = PHP 13.76

Had sumptuous breakfast at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Wisma Merdeka alongside with Suria Sabah.

Went to the port at the back of Wisma Merdeka mall, the port is facing Sout China Sea.

My favorite 3 layer tea at The Chicken Rice Shop in Suria Sabah Mall. Here's how to make the 3 layer tea.

City bus. Transportation information in Kota Kinabalu.

Somewhere at the center of the city.

Day 3: This is our last day in Kota Kinabalu, woke up at 9AM. Went straight to a nearby coffee house without taking a bath first (LOL.), has some scones witth strawberry jam and a large hot dark chocolate. Went to the seaside - Near Jesselton port. At 11AM, my Lola and I decided to have an early lunch because we need to check-out at 1PM, we roam around the Suria Sabah mall. Had lunch at the Chicken Rice Shop, met some locals. Bought some sabah teas and some consumables as pasalubongs. Went back to the hotel, at the reception area, they have this cool area wherein you can actually swap or exchange your book, there is a pile of good book selection (you can choose from). I exchanged mine with an intersting book about 'Rabbit Stew and a Penny or Two'. After that, we waited 'til 3:30PM, called a taxi, pay MYR 30 then, went straight to the airport, checked-in (ang sungit nung malay lady sa check-in), asked for a special assistance for my Lola, and she was like "We can let you borrow a wheelchair, but, you'll be the one who will take your Gran to the gate." and, I was like "Yea, I know right. Easy!" (In a good manner), As expected, our flight was delayed. Thanks, Cebu Pacific for an hour and a half delayed. My kwento was Detailed. All in all, I enjoyed this trip. Definitely, going back and explore more about the city and their good aqua sports and activities there. Thank You, God for this opportunity to travel.

On our way to Manila. It's always nice to see the sea of clouds above the skies.

The kid who have always been in love with the sea of clouds above the skies,

Aaron.

Revisiting Banaue With Batad Sidetrip (Ifugao, Philippines)

2011-01-19T01:53:00.000-08:00

Second time in Banaue has never been this good. Booked our bus tickets day before our journey. Thanks to my good friend, Frenniel for helping me to find the Florida Bus ticketing office. The time of the trip to Banaue is usually Midnight. So, it's a night trip. The bus usually arrive in the morning. Florida Bus doesn't have a website, you can try to contact and locate them here.

Banaue View Point. This has the perfect rice terraces in Banaue. But, yea. There's more!

Before checking in to the inn. We had breakfast at Las Vegas Restaurant.

It was considered as one of Banaue's Must Try! as written in Lonely Planet Philippines Guide Book. The food was great! Lovely Banana Pancakes. I always love to try Banana Pancakes in any place. And, listen to Banana Pancakes By: Jack Johnson.They serve wide variety of foods. From Filipino to American foods.

While waiting for our breakfast to be served, a woman uproached us and offered us some tours.

She didn't gave that map, so we took a picture of it instead. Anyway, we contacted her and tried her tour to Batad.

We rode a tricycle to reach Ilob Village Inn. We were supposed to stay at this native ifugao house. But, we assumed that too much cold weather might make us uncomfortable to sleep.

The room is nice. Good for 4 persons. We were charged 800 for the whole overnight stay at the inn.

After resting for several hours, we contacted the lady who offered us the sidetrip to Batad and meet her up outside the Las Vegas Restaurant where we met her first.

The native ifugao house. I stayed in this house when I first visited Banaue in 2007, I think.

The skull of a carabao outside an ifugao house. I just took one photo. They're many! They have some beliefs and explanation why they're hanging these outside their houses.

The road to Batad.

We weren't able to try the top load on our forward trip.

The sidetrip to Batad were joined by old Italian couples, a Chinese and an Irish backpacker. And the four of us, my cousin Roch, her boyfriend, Jason, my goodfriend, Janie and I.

Muddy trekking!

That was a long trek. I didn't notice that I'm overcoming my fear of doing these kind of activities. I was overwhelmed. But, tired. Anyways, it's all worth it!

Notice what I'm wearing. Slippers again. I always fail in bringing trek shoes. Anyway, all of my treks are unexpected.

The Italian couple decided to go to Tappia Fals. Our group decided to have our ate lunch at a restaurant downhill.

On our way to the start of the saddle, we took short cut. This 34678613746895483473 steps is just tiring but much nearer.

Yes! Topload, baby! Like a boss. Priceless experience, you guys should not miss this when you visit Banaue-Batad or to Bontoc-Sagada. v.v.

We saw this cool local who even offered us to drink some beers and wine with their group. Rice wine, it is! Had dinner at Las Vegas Restaurant again, and went to the inn. The brownout that time was around the whole town.

We were bored that time. It's cold. Then we decided to play cards, much some chips and some beers! My cousin Roch and Jason, teach us a new card game. 'Gin Rummy'. It was an epic night, indeed. Went sleep after.

The morning after, we hired a tricycle to tour us. We went to different view points to see the rice terraces and to have an up close encounter. Hahaha.

Banaue Tour Map. We also stopped at the Banaue Tourist Information Center.

Went to Banaue Museum also. The culture of the indigenous Ifugao tribe were brilliant and abundant.

My good friend, Janie. To Banaue Museum?

With mg 1000 peso bill, showcasing the actual site. The fog that time was getting heavy!

This is the site. 1000PHP.

Outside the Banaue Museum. Truly, an educational trip also. Hahaha.

Posing with an old ifugao man.

The old ifugao ladies.

With the two Old Ifugao Native Woman. Happiest persons I've met. They produce the sound "Ahihihihi" when you take pictures with them (Facts: the Old Woman on the left is 100 years old.)

Bought some pasalubongs, what can you expect? Wood materials. Hahaha.

The kid who never miss Banana Pancakes in a certain place,

Aaron.

Reaching The Taal's Crater (Luzon, Philippines)

2010-09-11T22:54:00.000-07:00

The itinerary of this trip was originally staying in Tagaytay only. We rented a 15 seater van for the day, while we're waiting for our friends who tried the zip lining at Picnic Groove in Tagytay we were approached by Manong who offered us a day trip to see the peak of Taal Volcano. We were somewhat hesitant at first because it was almost past 12 in the afternoon and our stomachs are empty. Manong said that we can have lunch at the resort. My college friends are adventurous so we gave it a try. Apparently, we're not prepared to do some hiking and stuff. Actually, we weren't able to bring anything for hiking, take note: What we're wearing for a day tour in Tagaytay is all we have and an extra shirt. So here it goes:

This how we looked like inside the van, I'm at the last seat.

Some of us were sleeping because we departed in Manila at around 7am in the morning.

While waiting for the van, we paid some entrance fees and other fees.

Some of my adventurous classmates tried the Tagaytay Ridge Zipline.

Saw this little insect at the railings of the stairs. "Life's hard, y'know.?"

Creepy abandoned old structure.

On our way to Batangas. We're getting ready to conquer Taal's trek.

We rented two Bancas. Yes, we're getting close to the volcano.

We always thought that this is the Taal Volcano. The Taal Volcano is actually the Volcano beside that. That is active.

Yeah! Almost there.

And yeah. We finally reached the start of the saddle.

Let the trekking begins. Notice our outfits: slippers, shorts, ect.

The trek would normally consume 40mins. to 1 1/2 hour. Depending on how fast you are. I was dead tired at the first half. Thanks to the people who sells bottled water at the start of the saddle. Note: Don't rent hats. It's sometimes useless. The stick or tungkod is better.

We reached the mouth. We were on the peak of Taal Volcano. Magnificent!

Our good friend, Mik. Took us some group pictures.

The actual peak/mouth of the Taal Volcano. It's actually look like a big lake surrounded by islets.

My good friends, Vanessa and Sexy (Rose Anne). On our way down, we rented the horses for 100 pesos /per one way. Horseback riding, baby!

The kid who have been astounded by the magnificent Taal's peak,
Aaron.

Wanderlust

Sunsets & Sunrises

Aaron.

Lovely Leiden (South-Holland, The Netherlands)

It's More Fun in The PHILIPPINES.

7 Ways To Survive Long Flights

Top 10 Books to Read While Traveling - My Own List

Unplanned Night Out at Kaytsan (Malolos, Bulacan)

Sky Lanterns: 11.11.11 at 11:11 PM (Pasig, Philippines)

Lost in The Mountains (Benguet, Philippines)

Beginning Vigan, Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region, Philippines)

Beautiful City of Kota Kinabalu (Sabah, Malaysia)

Revisiting Banaue With Batad Sidetrip (Ifugao, Philippines)

Reaching The Taal's Crater (Luzon, Philippines)