Chasing Places

How To Make Money Through Blogging

2019-12-28T15:04:00.001+08:00

I've been blogging for over 5 years now. I got into this initially out of my love for self-expression and writing. In the long run, this helps me fund my travels and allows me to make money from home and spend time with my family.

FAQs About Making Money Through Blogging

1. Is it easy?
This definitely depends on your mindset.

If you have a growth mindset, you'll treat every new thing as an opportunity to grow and learn. Sure, there's a learning curve involved but if you're willing to learn and willing to improve your craft, it will eventually be 'easy' for you.

2. Do I need to spend money to make money?
All you need to get started is a reliable computer (or smartphone) and an internet connection.

3. What do I need to get started?
To get started, you'll need the following:

A portfolio of your work (here's a sample) This doesn't have to be fancy or a paid one. When I was just starting, I showed my personal blog posts (which also cover product reviews) to my potential clients. They liked it and hired me.

If you don't have any experience, I suggest you start writing about anything! You can start writing about your passion, your unique experiences in life, tutorials, etc. However, when you write, write for others.

For example, if I'm writing about solo traveling for women in the Philippines, I'll be addressing the common concerns of my target audience, such as where to stay, how to save money, how to make friends on the road, etc.

When writing, I usually follow this format:

a. Intro This is usually 2-3 sentences, which introduces (hence the name) your reader to your topic.

b. BodyThis is the 'flesh' of your article. I like breaking this down into short paragraphs. It makes it easier to read that way.

c. ConclusionIt's like a closing statement, like wrapping up your article in 2-3 sentences. You can also use this section to invite your readers to sign up for your mailing list (more on that soon) or hire you (you can then link it to your Hire Me page).

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW:

Sign up for a free account in Blogger.com or WordPress.com and start writing Write about something you know or passionate about

To find ideas on what to write, you can use Google (or any preferred search engine) and type any inquiry. It will generate keywords or phrases that other people are also looking up. Use those as a start.

If you want your portfolio to have 'Testimonials' (a form of social proof), you can try writing for someone for free in exchange for a testimonial or for a small amount.

Freelancing websites like Upwork have a lot of freelance writing gigs. Many don't pay that much but you can use that as an experience.

4. Where can I find paid writing jobs?
Now that you have built your portfolio, it's time to look for paid writing opportunities! These are the websites that I had experiences in landing writing gigs:

ProBlogger Jobs
Write Your Revolution (she also sends paid writing gigs opportunities if you join her mailing list)
Upwork (competition can be tough but I landed several writing jobs here including my first $1K proofreading project)
Fiverr (you can create your own packages but just like Upwork, competition can be a challenge)
Onlinejobs.ph (I’ve used this for years when I was still living in the Philippines)

5. How much should I charge for it?
When I was still starting, I was happy making $2-5/article (I was living in the Philippines then). But now, I consider that as a very low rate, unless you’re doing it for 3 initial work in exchange for testimonials (even then though, this is still very low).

For me, a reasonable rate as a start is $15/short blog post (300-500 words). If you’ve proven yourself, you can always negotiate your rates. I’ve read articles of writers earning over $300/post, which sends a message that if you work smart to hone this craft, you can make really good money!

6. What tools can help me with my writing?
My top 2 tools for starting out are Grammarly and Copyscape. As you progress and learn more about SEO (search engine optimization), apps like Ubersuggest and Keywords Everywhere can be helpful.

This is just a very short walk-through on how you can start making money through blogging. I hope you learn something from it!

If you’re interested, you can download my FREE guide on the following:

From the Philippines to the U.S.A

2019-12-22T01:04:00.000+08:00

Three years ago, I fell in love with someone who lives thousands of miles away. Despite the distance, we made it work! Now, we are a family of three :)

My family back in the Philippines

Traveling to the U.S.A

Traveling to the United States of America was a time of many firsts for me - first time flying first class, first time traveling for that long, and first time flying on a one-way ticket.

Flying First Class

My then-fiance (now husband) booked me a flight bound for the U.S. just days after getting my K1 visa by mail.

Since I was traveling alone at that time and pregnant (I was three months preggy then), he thought of making my flight as comfortable as he wanted it to be. He purchased a first-class seat for me.

Because it's my first time flying first class, I was nervous and excited at the same time.

These lights are so cool! They lit up at night, around bedtime.

The first leg of our flight was Manila to Taiwan, which was about an hour or so.

First Class Seat Impressions

The seat is amazing! It in itself is a treat! It can be adjusted in different ways, even a bed.
Food presentation is on-point! Taste-wise, it's okay but presentation and service-wise, they're superb!

Food - my favorite part of this first-class seat experience!

I placed so many exclamation points because I was really amazed :D

Arriving in the United States

The second leg of my flight was Taiwan-San Francisco and then the last leg was San Francisco-Denver.

I actually got lost in Denver Airport. After getting off the plane, I went to the bathroom for my much-needed pee break. When I got out of the bathroom, I didn't know which way to go.

Good thing I found an information booth and asked how to get to the arrival area. She told me about getting into the train and getting off at terminal B (I repeated this twice to make sure I got it right).

So I got into the train and got off to the terminal she mentioned. And there, I saw my fiance, with a bouquet of flowers and with the funny look (he knows that I'm horrible at directions). We picked up my luggage (which was the last piece of lugge on the conveyor belt) and headed home :)

First impression of Colorado? It's freakin' cold!

Home sweet home!

Solo Travel in Thailand

2015-08-25T15:42:00.000+08:00

After doing several solo trips in different provinces in the Philippines, I decided to go out of my comfort zone and try a solo trip overseas.

My country of choice? Thailand.

Why Thailand?

Thailand is the safest pick in my list of options. It's touristy, offers a variety, and it has the right balance of giving me an unfamiliar environment without completely throwing me off my comfort zone. After all, I'm still learning the art of traveling solo.

When planning for this Thailand trip, I didn't have Bangkok in mind. I'm leaning more towards Chiang Mai (because I'd love to meet digital nomads) and Pai (the Sole Sisters' post about it is so enticing!).

Preparing for First Overseas Solo Trip

I would be lying if I tell you that I wasn't nervous for this trip.

For one, I've heard a LOT of horror stories of Filipino travelers being off-loaded just because they weren't able to provide enough proof that they're only traveling.

So, the first item in my list is documents. I gathered bank certificates, my employment certificates (I worked with different clients online), round trip tickets, and printed hotel reservation.

Another worry I had is getting lost. You see, I'm not a huge fan of maps. It's one of my biggest struggles. And it doesn't help either to be an introvert.

Despite these uncertainties and fears, I went on and pursued this week-long trip.

When your initial plan didn't go well...

My initial plan was to travel to Chiang Mai the moment I land in Bangkok. But my flight got delayed so when I arrived in Bangkok, I'm so tired and all I just want to do is chill for a day.

Without a place to stay, I used the Couchsurfing app to look for recommendations. One couchsurfer suggested a hostel where he's also at. He said it's clean and just close to almost anything. Plus, it's less than $15/night.

Sticky rice with mango

So I took a cab and planned to stay a night there.

The hostel wasn't really visible from the main street. The driver dropped me off to the nearest possible location of the hostel.

It took me a while to find it so I was looking forward to take a nap once I get there. But surprise, surprise, they only 1 bed available and in a mixed dorm! The worse part? It won't be ready until a few hours (yes, bummer!).

I left my bag and told the receptionist that I'll be going around the city for a bit and will be back.

The hostel is pretty much what you would expect in a hostel. It's crowded and people there seems to know each other.

Around Bangkok

After having my first meal of the day (of course, I had Pad Thai and sticky rice 😋), I took a tuk-tuk and went around nearby tourist spots, mostly visiting temples.

An hour or so after the tour, I felt so tired that I can just fall asleep right inside the tuk-tuk. Fortunately, when I got back to the hostel, my bed's ready. So, I changed clothes quickly, ready for my much-needed nap!

One of the temples we visited during that short tour

In the middle of my restful nap, I heard voices, rowdy voices of men! That's when I realized that I'm definitely in a mixed dorm, with me as the only female in the room (crappy choice Joann!). Tried to go back to sleep but I can't. I kept on thinking about my sleeping situation.

I stayed in this lower bunk.

I got up and decided to go for a walk. I got a message from the Couchsurfer who suggested the hostel. He asked me if I wanted to go to the bar with his friend. I don't drink so I declined.

I went to nearby Khao San Road, enjoyed the lively scene of vendors, street food, and people. I found a small restaurant with an outdoor seating area and had another Pad Thai.

The busy Khao San Road

I didn't stay there for long as I wanted to sleep before my dorm mates get there and make a lot of noise again.

When I got to my room, I found a dorm mate. He said a cold 'hello' and went back to browsing his phone. He sounded drunk so I didn't bother. But all throughout the night, I could hear him going in and out of the room, probably throwing up?

As expected, I didn't get enough sleep that night. Different scenes were playing in my head, especially that I'm sharing the room with a male who's apparently drunk! So I made a decision to leave Bangkok the following day and head to Chiang Mai.

How to Travel by Bus from Davao to Brgy.Dahilayan, Bukidnon

2013-03-05T11:05:00.002+08:00

Brgy. Dahilayan in Bukidnon is the place to be if you're looking for an out-of-town experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and a whole lot of fun!

What's in Brgy. Dahilayan?

Dahilayan Adventure Park to unleash that daredevil in you (check out the Dropzone)
Forest Park - perfect for families and groups
Dahilayan Garden - great place to commune with nature

How to get to Brgy. Dahilayan from Davao City?

If you're from Davao City, get a cab or jeepney (SM Ecoland, Ecoland) and tell the driver to drop you off at the bus terminal. Fare for cab rides may vary from your location.

Check out buses bound for Cagayan de Oro.

Tip: If you're traveling in the wee hours of the morning, you may opt to ride the non-airconditioned bus. You will appreciate the cool wind and the amazing view as you will approach Bukidnon.

Tell the driver to drop you off at Manolo Fortrich.

Fare: P380

We left Davao City by 2am and arrived in Manolo Fortrich at around 8am, with one stop for breakfast. So, it's around 6 hours of travel.

From Manolo Fortrich, you have to ride a motorcycle (locally called habal-habal) to get you to Dahilayan Adventure Park. We paid the drivers P350. That's the roundtrip fare. They took us to Dahilayan Adventure Park, Dahilayan Garden which is just a few meters away from the Adventure Park, and then to Camp Phillips.

The Art of 24-Hour Travels

2013-03-03T07:42:00.000+08:00

If you've been itching to go somewhere but is held back by the common excuse of having a full-time job, then this series of 24-hour travels is a must read for you. Back then, when I was still holding a full-time job in a healthcare facility, I find means to travel despite my schedule. I travel with people who also have a full-time job to make a living. We may hold different careers but if there's one thing we have in common, that would be our love for traveling.

Here's a list of the places we've explored while still having a full-time job.
Details of each place (how to get there, expenses, etc) will be posted this week, so stay tuned ;)

Adrenaline Rush at Bukidnon

November 21, 2012

First Water Tubing

November 30, 2012

Beach bumming + Road Trip at S.Cotabato

December 08, 2012

Series of Misadventures in Davao Oriental

December 22, 2012

Year Ender Trip at Epol

December 31, 2012

Food Trip + Amazing Zip at Lake Sebu

January 27, 2013

How we do it:
I check my schedule beforehand, jotted down my off-days. Most of these trips are done after my 3-11 shift. I go home to take a quick shower, pack my bag, and meet my travel buddy/buddies in the bus station. We catch some sleep while in the bus and take our breakfast there too.

After the day's trip, we all go home and prepare for the following day's work. That's how we make traveling happen.
Tiring? YES but we get a whole LOT of fun, adventure, and LOTS of good memories to look back.

You, too, can do this.
It's really just a matter of setting priorities.
Tara, let's travel!

Camotes Island One-Day Tour

2013-02-27T04:09:00.004+08:00

Just a few hours away from the city of Cebu, Camotes Island provides a great place for the weekend warriors. It has a laid back atmosphere, perfect for those who are seeking a place away from the noise of the city. So, if you want to re-fuel again, feel refresh, and recharge yourself for whatever life throws at you, head to Camotes Island. And don't worry if you just have a day to check it out. You still can enjoy it as we did.

Here's how you can spend your one day in Camotes Island:

1. Reflect in the Green Lake

While you can't really do a lot of things here, there's one thing that this place is known for - its view of the tranquil lake. Whether you're a reflective person or not, the place will force you to think deeply. The place provides the right view and silence for helping you think things through.

2. Kayak in the Blue Lake

If you've been wanting to do something fun and healthy at the same time, then you better try kayaking in the Blue Lake, also known as Lake Danao. And do not just aim to kayak for a few minutes. Challenge yourself to reach that mini island in the center of the lake. It'll definitely put into use your biceps and triceps :)

3. Explore the Timubo Cave

Timubo Cave is one of the famous spots in Camotes Island. If you've been to Hinagdanan Cave in Bohol, then you will observed that both caves have similarities - the improved 'trail' going into the deeper part of the cave and the clear blue water inside it.

You shouldn't go out of the cave without having a dip into its water. It's one of the best things to do if you're there. The water will soothe you and will make you appreciate the cave even more. And if you have goggles with you, PLEASE, please use it. You will be amazed by the rock structures underneath.

Note:

If you'd like to go around these places with ease, you can hire a motorcycle. My friend and I split the costs.

You can contact this driver (failed to write down his name) to be your guide - his rate is good enough: +639436466891

Things to Do in Santiago Bay Garden and Resort

2013-02-07T15:26:00.002+08:00

Located in the village of Santiago in Camotes Island, the Santiago Bay Garden and Resort provides a relaxing place for those who are looking for a sweet escape. We arrived in the resort at around 4 in the afternoon. The headache that I felt during the entire duration of air, land, and sea travel came to a stop when we've finally reached the resort.

The warmth of the greetings of the staff made me forget that I was cold due to being soaked in the rain. We didn't waste not a single minute. We signed up and went with one of their staff to our room accommodation.

Our room is pretty decent for the price we paid for it. It is a two-bed room, with a single fan and own bath/toilet room. I've been staying in budget rooms for most of the time so the room itself is quite refreshing for me.

our cozy room

We are like kids on our first camping activity, like every little thing matters.

We change our clothes, arrange our stuff in the room, then immediately head out to explore the resort itself.

We are indeed lucky to got the room.

Its location is just perfect.

It's just meters away from the stairway heading to the beach and it's a few steps away from the resort's restaurant. What a life! :D

We were expecting it to be a high tide since it's already late in the afternoon. Yet, we find ourselves walking a few more meters away from the shore just to have the right place to have a dip. It's not that I'm telling you that Santiago Bay is not a good place to swim because you still can swim there; it's just that you have to prepare to walk a few more meters from the shore.

If you're not just after a good swim, here are a few more things that you can do in the Santiago Bay and Garden Resort:

1. Have a tour around the resort

our so-called Island Hopping activity

While my friend and I were having a good swim, we saw a couple in what seems to be a boat for a mini island hopping activity. With that perception, we approached the boatman and asked him of his service. He is asking P500 for a brief 'island hopping' activity. We were thrilled because it's so cheap. Without hesitation, we got our cameras and hop into his boat.

I don't know if I can just easily be pleased. I'm constantly getting awed with the rock formation and the clear blue water, like you can see what lies beneath the boat. It also amazes me to see houses settling just a few meters away from the beach (I want to have one someday). We asked the boatman if we could stop for a while to enjoy the water. We swam as if it's our last day on earth and as if we have gills. This is the life! I keep on exclaiming that to myself. Well, that tour ends in that one place alone. We didn't expect that as we thought it is an island hopping or resort hopping activity, turns out we're some sort of scammed. Well, we still enjoyed the place though that other side of the resort can be reached by swimming alone.

2. Enjoy the food

nom nom

The prices of the food in the resort are neither expensive nor cheap. The meals are priced just right. That night, after swimming at the beach and at the pool (maybe we're fish in our past life), we satisfied our gastronomic cravings with the resort's version of adobo, chicken lollipop, and their special pizza. We just had a festive dinner good for a family of four! That's how hungry we are that time.

3. Watch the amazing sunrise

Just look at that!

One of my favorite things to do in life is to watch the sunrise. Sunrise has this special effect on me, like it's telling me that I'm heading towards something new, something better than yesterday. It gives me a glimpse of hope and strength even during the most trying times. We were dead tired that night from swimming, eating, and watching a pageant show (yes, we're lucky to have that event that night); yet, we still manage to set our alarm clocks at 5:30 am to witness the sunrise.

This is the life :)

Hitting the snooze button is not an option. The moment our phones set the alarm, we woke up excited for the sunrise. We immediately head to the beach and it was AMAZING. The view of the beach early morning is one of those best moments in the resort. It's invigorating.

We were lucky that time 'cause there were just a few people (around 3 or 4) wandering around. We took the chance to take as many pictures as we can.

We then had an early morning swim (not advisable for those who hated cold water) before we had our breakfast and tour of the Camotes Island.

4. Do nothing

I brought my laptop with me that time to work but due to problems with internet connection, I wasn't able to complete not even a single task. Thus, I ended up doing nothing. Contrary to what I believe, doing nothing is also a form of therapy. It relaxes your mind and makes you more focus on things that matter. So, I guess I have to think the lack of Globe signal that time :)

Camotes Island: A Not-So-Hidden Paradise

2013-02-06T10:08:00.006+08:00

It was Thursday evening. A high school friend, who I have been hanging out lately, asked me if I can come with her on her upcoming Cebu trip. At that time, I was bombarded with online projects. I asked her where exactly in Cebu will she be staying and she told me 'Camotes Island.' I google it immediately and much to my surprise, the island is a paradise.

She's supposed to travel with two of her colleagues, but they backed out due to work and other responsibilities. Awed with google image results of the island, I sent her a message telling her that I'll think about it. That night, I have conflicting thoughts and emotions. I wanted to go but I was thinking of my work. Can I still enjoy the place while being busy with online projects? And oh, the finances. I was waiting for the pay of my online projects that time. I set a deadline for myself to decide: Friday.

Friday came and I just found out that the flight to Cebu will be the following day (Saturday) at around 8am. Therefore, I need to decide ASAP.

I checked my bank account and the pay has arrived.
I worked my ass off to finish whatever pending tasks I have. Although I didn't manage to finish all of them, but at least, I have slash off 50% of the tasks in my to-do list. The ending? I said YES.

Even with doubts and hesitations, I packed my bag that night and prepared myself for an adventure.
This gonna be good...

How to get there:
It was almost 10am when we reached the city of Cebu. We had a quick lunch in SM, board a van heading to Danao Port (P50). From Danao port, we immediately rode a trike to reach the port itself. The schedule for the roro trip to Camotes is this: 10 am, 12 noon, and last trip is 5:30 pm. So just imagine the things that we have to go through in order to catch the 12 noon trip. We ran, rushed to buy the roro tickets (P200 + environmental fee of P5) - parang nasa Amazing Race lamang.

We were relieved when we made it, just 5 minutes before its scheduled trip.

sea sick!

The situation in the roro isn't good.
It was raining that time and we find ourselves nauseous in the middle of the trip. Yes, we were seasick.

To find comfort, we went out of the airconditioned room. The open area of the roro helped. But I still feel nauseous that time. I kept on exclaiming to myself, Camotes, you should be worth it.

The nausea and headache we felt that time came to a temporary stop when we've finally had a glimpse of the island. That moment was priceless. It's like seeing an oasis in the middle of a desert.

We prepared our bags, got off the roro, immediately hired a motorcycle and give the driver instructions to take us to Santiago Bay, our home-to-be for 2 days in the island.

And our adventure begun...

Getting Touristy in Camiguin

2013-01-27T04:28:00.002+08:00

Unshaken by the previous day's traumatic flight, all of us woke up early to have our breakfast in a nearby restaurant. The great thing about traveling with my parents is the fact that we almost have the same travel principle. That is, to travel as cheaply as possible without compromising comfort or experience.

After checking in in GV Hotel, we then went out to have a sumptuous breakfast in a family-oriented restaurant in the heart of the town, the Parola. Naming it as such is no brainer because just a few meters away from the restaurant is this old lighthouse (in Filipino, it's called Parola). It was drizzling that day so the park behind the parola seems like a ghost park that time.

I personally booked this trip to give my parents some time to relax, to break free from the daily stress of work and city traffic. Thus, I gave the entire 3 days to them, no adrenaline-rushing activities, just the typical tour that anyone would like to have. :)

And here folks, how we get touristy in Camiguin:

1. Learned a historical event in Camiguin through the Old Church Ruins

The Old Church Ruins of Catarman will remind every visitor of one of the tragic events that took place in Camiguin long time ago. Walking around the place will make you wonder the intensity of the volcanic eruption that swept away the entire town and this church.

2. Went on a spiritual retreat in the Walkway

This is not your typical Stations of the Cross. It looks easy but the walk to complete all stations, which I mistakenly thought is only 12, is tiresome. It challenges your endurance. If you want to go mountain climbing one day, this definitely will help you train.

This view from the top makes up for hours of trekking ;)

It feels so good to be in this place at that moment!

3. Remembered the past with the Sunken Cemetery

Aside from the Old Church Ruins, this Sunken Cemetery is one of those structures in Camiguin that will remind its people and visitors of the tragedy that took place in this town.

To get into this marker, you have to ride one of those small boats that locales rented out for a P100. You can also go snorkeling around the place. When we got there, there were a few tourists in the actual spot who went snorkeling after.

4. Had a relaxing afternoon dip in Ardent's Hot Spring Resort

It's a good thing that it was raining that afternoon or else, we wouldn't be appreciating the warm water in Ardent's. This small pool here is said to have a temperature of over 30 degrees. Now, who would want to have that in a scorching day? ;p

If you're not a fan of warm water, you can opt for the cooler one behind this mini bridge.

5. Sun worshipped in the White Island

This is not really an island but just a sandbar. If you wanted to feel like it's summer again, then you better head here. Its awesome view of the volcano, white sand, and the clear blue water will put those beach resorts in your list on a shame.

The only way to get into this sandbar is thru small boats that can carry around 4 persons each.

6. Got to know the different clam species in the Giant Clam Sanctuary and Nursery

My mother mistakenly thought that she can buy pearls from this place, which obviously, is the opposite. This sanctuary showcased the different clam species that you can find. Some are still alive while clam shells of the dead ones are kept for display purposes. By visiting this place, you will learn that a single pearl takes years to develop and to get one, people have to destroy one clam. So, before you buy those pearls, think of what it takes for them to land in your hands. Think nature!

7. Had a festive lunch at J&A Fishpen

How does a seafood lunch in a breezy cottage near a fishpen sounds to you? Good, better, or great? Well, it was fantastic for all of us! Not only did we had sumptuous food at J&A, we also had fun feeding those fish.

Excited to head to Camiguin?
Let me know how your vacation goes ;)

Camiguin: A Sweet Escape

2013-01-14T10:58:00.009+08:00

The daily grind of life can take away that zest and passion in you. This is why I value 'microvacations' or getaways spread all-throughout the year than a grand annual vacation. And this time it's a great escape to be with those people I treasured most - my parents.

It is my second time, my mom's nth time, and my father's first time to be in the Island Born of Fire. Excited and elated - these are what we felt the moment we board the plane bound to Cagayan de Oro City. Although the flight isn't something we expected (it's like being in roller-coaster ride), we still looked forward to finally reach the island.

It took us more than an hour to reach Camiguin thru a ferry. The blow of the sea breeze, the smell of its salty water, and the sight of the turquoise water are enough to set our mood for a great adventure that lies ahead. In the ferry, we meet a bicyclist who passionately shares his plan to bike around Tagbilaran. It's inspiring to meet such people, who have that overwhelming desire to do that one thing that excites them, that makes them fly inside ;)

Mr. Sunshine hid away as we reached the island. It was drizzling and we're a bit clueless what jeepney to take. We are like being on an amazing race family edition, hehe. We asked around and glad to have people who are willing to help us out, without asking for anything in return.

After taking a jeepney and tricycle rides and a few turns, we finally reached the hotel that will be our home for 2 days in the island. We checked in, unloaded our bags, and rested for a few minutes. The sweet escape has just begun.

What a Year!

2013-01-05T09:01:00.002+08:00

I hope it's not yet too late to have this year-ender post. At least I'm able to write this before I turn a year older :)

To say that my 2012 is my hyperactive year is an understatement. It's a year of whirlwind romance with traveling, conquering more fears, and doing what they say is impossible. I learned a lot from the people I traveled with and met along the way, realized a lot of things, got more inspired from the places I've been to, and able to come face-to-face with some of my deep-seated fears.

February

We've been planning this for so long and finally got the chance to conquer the rapids of the Tamugan river. Those hours spent under the scorching heat of the sun, paddling to keep us from capsizing (fail! lol), and laughing our hearts out for those crazy moments when we capsized and hold unto the dear raft to be bruise-free are something I wouldn't trade for anything else!

You can read about it here.

March

What started out as a simple brainstorming leads us to this epic North Luzon trip. We've been awed by the beauty of Ilocos, Benguet/Baguio City, and Manila. Months of planning, booking, and adjusting with our budget had helped us in this trip. And yes, we've been blessed with those angels we met along the road.

Ilocos is more than just home to the tastiest empanada and vinegar, it's a place where you can get in touch with your roots (hello Vigan and Laoag!) and to unleash the adrenaline rush (Pagudpud and Paoay, anyone?).

We eat, we walk, and eat again - Baguio is perhaps one of the places you can check out if you wanted a laidback atmosphere without totally escaping the comforts of the city. The cold weather and its rich culture and history can bring out the fashionista and geeky side of you.

There will come a time when you have to face those fears and I think exploring Manila on our own is one those. I guess part of that fear stems from media and what we hear from people. But coming to Manila and exploring it for a day and a half proves to be beneficial. Not only we're able to appreciate its historical part, we also have proved that people are innately good. We got lost, struggled with the rush hour, and almost fought (hi Grace! haha) but nevertheless the experience was worth a try.

July

It really doesn't matter where you go, as long as you head out and explore. This month, we went for a day trip in Island Garden City of Samal. Instead of the typical, beach bumming, we get in touch with nature by checking out the Hagimit Falls and the Bat Cave.

Hagimit Falls is a beauty!

The sight of millions of bats is creepy but hey, it's worth checking out

Monfort Bat Sanctuary.

August

Out of curiosity, I traveled solo for the first time this month and explored Ph's Last Frontier: Palawan. I met a lot of people from all walks of life and from different countries, had those bloopers, sleepless nights, and occasional disappointments with self but nevertheless, I will still recommend traveling solo. It's something that you just have to try, at least once in your life (btw, will be traveling solo again this year!).

They say if you have gone to Palawan, you will have this 'come back-come back' syndrome. I can now understand why.

El Nido is a piece of paradise! I don't mind being stuck here for years. If you've been dreaming of El Nido, then please go. Trust me, you don't have to splurge just to be in this awesome place ;)

September

We didn't intend to have this annual trip but it seems that my parents especially my father have been bitten by the travel bug too.

I may have to tame down the adrenaline junkie in me to give my parents a good time but I still had fun!

One day, if I'll have a family of my own, I will definitely make traveling as part of those bonding moments.

Note: I am still working on the backlogs, hehe.

Mt. Puting Bato

This minor climb happened too soon. Now, I have high respect for hardcore mountain climbers! Ang umakyat ay 'di biro.

October

I have zero plan this month but an invite to Camotes Island is something I couldn't resist. With just the right amount of funds, I flew to Cebu to experience the island's beauty. And yes, it didn't fail us. The weekend trip seems crazy at first but I ended up with no regrets.

November

One of the most common excuses I hear from people why they are hesitant to travel is that they have a full-time job. During this month, I started with a full-time non-homebased job, yet, I still managed to find time to travel. If you come up with more excuses like bills to pay, etc, let me tell you that I and all those people I traveled with also have those 'responsibilities.' If you really want something so bad, you can come up with means to do it. :)

The trip to Bukidnon is the beginning of those 24-hour trips, hehe. We zipped and experienced the thrill of Dahilayan's dropzone (and yeah, the chadang Camp Phillips).

This almost didn't happen. Good thing, we invited the right people :) Though a bit tired from the previous day's shift, the rapids took away the weariness (weird but true).

December

I couldn't let this month pass without exploring another place. More brainstorming and we ended up with this South Cotabato trip.

Though we only intend to visit the Tuka Marine Park in Saranggani, we ended up with a road trip to Marbel-Surallah-Lake Sebu and back to General Santos. Tiring? Yes. Fun? Oh YES! We may not able to explore the seven falls in Lake Sebu but the journey makes up for it (almost got scammed, that creepy seatmate of Grace, and helpful people in South Cotabato who could be angels in disguise).

Not all trips will end up to be a good one. During the second week of the month, Toni and I planned on exploring the Cape San Augustin. But the weather and other circumstance didn't allow us to see the lighthouse, amazing rock formation, and that lovely beach. We head to Mati with high hopes of washing away the frustration thru surfing but the angry waves and sky prohibit us to do so. Thus, we ended the day with a lot of stories shared over a hearty meal in the city.

To make up for the misadventures in Davao Oriental, we decided to end the year by exploring Epol in Marilog District. This almost didn't happen due to holiday rush but we wanted it so bad so we take the longer route not known to many, hehe. The natural beauty of the the underground cave and the falls completed our 2012.

I started this year with confusion but ended up gaining some clarity, fulfillment, and direction.

Special thanks to those whom I traveled with:

Grace, Manny, Toni, Zaldy, Shing, Judge, Crisline, and Bella.

What's in store for 2013?

I made some plans but who knows, life might surprise me just what it did last year.

Climbing Samal Island's Highest Peak

2012-12-21T10:39:00.001+08:00

Realizing that our Ropes Course in Outland Adventure is not feasible (they require 25 persons for this - it's a corporate package), both Grace and I thought of getting into mountain climbing. Since we both dreamed of climbing Mt. Apo one day, we thought that it is the best time to climb. With Zaldy and another friend Shing, we set a day to conquer Samal Island's Highest Peak: Mt. Puting Bato.

the weekend warriors

We board the bus bound for Penaplata at 6:30 am. Reaching Penaplata, we immediately asked the motorcycle drivers around for our starting point for this minor climb. Don't worry if you're a first timer as almost all drivers here know which way to go. But PLEASE, when you decide to climb, be with someone who has been there. Good thing, Zaldy's with us. He has been climbing for years though his last climb in Mt. Puting Bato was like 4 years ago!

That's where the adventure lies, lol.

Days before, our guide (Zaldy) informed us to do a bit of 'training.' I thought it was just like a walk in the park so I didn't take that seriously. The only 'stretching' that I did was done minutes before we start the climb. So, lesson learned: train your body, stretch those rarely used leg muscles.

on action!

For the first few minutes of the trek, we are still laughing and talking about those 'stretching' exercises. However, as we get deeper into the woods and as we sensed that we are taking the trail less taken, we realized that the climb is way more than just a walk in the park.

There were those moments when I come to ask myself if I still can make it on the top. I was sweating profusely and I'm starting to feel the impact of trekking on my legs. Nevertheless, what keeps me motivated is the thought that we're heading up and in no time, we'll reach the island's highest point.

take a break and smile :)

Most of the times, we find ourselves clinging closely to the soil, like almost hugging it, just to keep ourselves on foot. I slipped many times and touched a lot of spider webs but it was fun! Of the three of us, it seems that Shing's the only one who didn't get tired with the trek. She still even got the chance to post a Facebook update (amazing!).

crossing Biak na Bato

One of the challenging parts of the climb is crossing Biak na Bato. It's scary to look at but we got no choice but to cross it. And glad, that we did though it takes a lot of encouragement to convince Grace,hehe.

We were relieved when we finally reached the hiker's camp. We registered and paid a minimal amount. It was purely a laid-back place where we spent minutes doing nothing but admiring the green fields, the mountains around, the birds (and the dogs??).

When it's almost 1 PM, we went on..

A few more trek and occasional cuts, before this! (drum roll please)..

FINALLY

Reaching the peak is like tasting iced cold water in the desert. It pays off to persevere ;)

A lunch at the peak is incomparable.

The view from the top makes you feel thankful for being alive, for exactly being there.

We were laughing that time of our experience on our way up.

At the same time, we keep on talking of having an iced cold Coke!

I guess that motivated us to head back to the city as fast as we could, haha

heading back

In times of uncertainties, you hold on to yourself.

And there, you find hope, you find courage.

Reaching a dream is like reaching the peak.

You have to struggle and though unsure whether you can make it or not,

you keep on moving because you know (and believed) that it'll be all worth it.

Note:

You have the choice to stay there for a day or overnight.

How much you should bring?

P300-P500 is more than enough :)

Bring along your food and water too.

What to wear?

Appropriate hiking gear (wear your most comfortable and trusty shoes), arm protector will be helpful as well as long pants and headware.

What to expect?

Tiring YET fulfilling.

Don't forget to stretch before you climb!

We were able to head back to Penaplata by around 4PM.

Have you climbed a mountain?

How was your experience?

Thoughts of a Newbie Solo Female Traveler

2012-12-17T07:31:00.002+08:00

Why do they travel solo?

What do they get out of it?

Is it really worth a try?

These are just some of my questions before embarking on this solo trip to Palawan. These questions and the idea of going solo has been resonating in my head since December of last year. Thus, as early as February, I already booked my ticket to Puerto Princesa via Cebu. That time, I was thinking of going to Palawan and Bohol after that. However, plans have changed when Cebu Pacific launched a new route from Davao a few months after I booked my ticket.

Since I'm confident that my schedule's free that time, I didn't hesitate to book my Davao-Puerto Princesa trip. I didn't inform anyone form the family yet as I could foresee their reaction especially from my parents who have been protective of me. That time, I've only informed a few friends who also have this HUGE passion on traveling. Just like me, they couldn't contain their excitement on this solo trip.

I spent weeks planning my itinerary and working around my schedule. It was hard but fulfilling.

A few hurdles came along.

I was called for a training and job offer.

I refused.

This time, I'm fully convinced

that I'm passionate about traveling.

August 19 arrived.

I couldn't explain what I'm feeling that moment.

It's like being a kid all over again.

The thrill, the call for adventure is something that makes me fly inside.

And just what I've envisioned it, my first solo trip turns out to be a great adventure!

I met angels along the road.

I realized that people are innately good,

the world isn't as dangerous as what other people think it is,

it's ok to be alone 'cause being alone isn't synonymous with being lonely,

people from different countries may be raised in different culture but in some ways,

we are the same,

that being in a relationship isn't a foolproof way of being happy,

that happiness is a choice,

that the world doesn't focus on you,

there are bigger issues out there that need to be addressed and in little ways,
you can be part of the solution, and

life is not perfect but you can always find means to make it worth living.

Thus, I'm looking forward for more solo trips :)

If you're contemplating on trying this solo adventure, go and take the plunge. You'll really never know unless you try. You have to experience it firsthand.

Have fun solo traveler and see you on the road!

El Nido: Package Tour A

2012-12-04T09:37:00.001+08:00

Waking up in the wee hours of the morning isn't that hard to do in El Nido. For one thing, the town stirs a different kind of excitement inside me. Maybe it's the thought of heading to its awesome limestone formation later that day or just the fact that I'm finally in one of my dream travel destinations.

After finishing some online projects, I took a quick shower just before the lights turned off as a result of the rotational brownout. I was just that thankful to be almost done in dressing up when the brownout occurred. When I'm done with all the bag and stuff transferring from my huge room in the ground floor to my 'real' room accommodation in the second floor, I head out to have a quick breakfast.

Contrary to what others thought, staying in El Nido isn't expensive. You can have it the cheapest way possible. Did you know that you can have a filling breakfast at less than P100 here? Yes, it's possible! You simply just have to find ways to do it.

How I did it?
I stick with the local eatery. I have a cheap yet filling meal comprise of freshly cooked rice and pork adobo at P65.

Since it's too early to head back to the inn, I roamed around the town for a few minutes. In a bakery, I have the chance to engage in conversation with locales and migrants alike. If you've been reading my previous blog posts, you know how much I love talking to people. I may be an introvert but cultural exchange is something I couldn't resist :)

After a quick conversation and purchase of bottled water, I went back to Tay Miloy's to wait for the boatman who will also be one of the guides in the island hopping activity. I was scheduled for Tour A island hopping activity with the Servant Tours. It has been taken care of the owner of Tay Miloy's. As much as I'd like to try all package tours, I couldn't mainly due to time constraints (have to head back to Puerto Princesa the following day).

Package Tour A covers the big and small lagoon, the secret lagoon, the Shimizu island, and the Seven Commandos beach. I paid a total of P900 (P700 for the tour itself and P200 as environmental fee) for it.

At exactly 9 am, one of the tour guides fetch me from Tay Miloy's. I took the chance to ask him about my companions. He told me that I'll be joining 8 other people from Europe: 5 from Spain, 2 from France, and 1 from Russia. This is my 1st solo travel and I can't exactly describe to you how I felt that moment. It's a mixture of excitement and anxiety for vague reasons.

Before we head to the boat, we had our stopover in a local outdoor shop where we have to pick our snorkeling gear including the flippers. There's this funny incident before we board the boat. I almost tripped over! You can classify that as excitement blooper! :p

One thing I could commend on our tour guides are being very friendly and accommodating. To make me feel more comfortable with the group, they keep on engaging me in their conversations. And just like my previous encounter with the locales, they popped the million-dollar question: 'why am I traveling alonge?' I couldn't give them a specific reason. I just said, 'because no one wants to tag along' which is partly true.

The weather that day wasn't good. As I've mentioned in my previous posts, it's raining cats and dogs in El Nido for almost a week. It's still raining when we head to our 1st destination, the small lagoon. That time I was worried with my things and secretly wished I bought that dry bag and waterproof camera case before I started this trip. Good thing, the boatmen have a brilliant idea of keeping our things dry - keep them in garbage bags and stow them in the boat's storage area.

one of those awesome views as we go along our tour

There are these moments when I badly wish I have a waterproof/underwater camera with me. This instance is one of those moments. Because it was still raining that time, I couldn't bring my camera along the small and big lagoon.

This is I think one of the best shots I took during this tour. I took this while we're leaving the big lagoon. (Pictures aren't enough to tell you how surreal the experience is!).

Aside from the only Filipino in the tour group (aside from the guide), I'm the only one who can't swim. So, I have with me the trusty life vest and the tour guide ;) It's really not easy to snorkle/swim with the life vest on so I promised to myself to sign up for a swimming lesson once I arrive in Davao.

After the small and big lagoon, we then head to the secret lagoon. According to our guide, the visit to the secret lagoon doesn't happen all the time. The weather condition will be the one to decide whether to push thru with this lagoon or not.

That time, the sun's already showing up though the current is still strong. Nevertheless, we push through despite the risk. It was one of those rare moments when I got really scared. We're in the midst of the sea, with the strong current rocking our boat and me with zero knowledge on swimming, not even on floating (who wouldn't get scared with that?).

The lagoon is named as such because you have to squeeze yourself to get into it. One by one, we try squeezing ourselves into that hole leading to the lagoon. The view, as expected, is beautiful. It's like being in a secluded ~~place~~ paradise. It's amazing and puzzling at the same time how this place used to be a cave.

We spent a few minutes there, talking, swimming, and floating? Yeah, that's the best thing to do with your life vest on! haha

a random shot taken from the Shimizu Island

Hungry from trying out different water activities from the 1st three destinations, we went to Shimizu Island. According to the locales, the island is named after a Japanese diver who unfortunately, died in the area (such a sad plight).

Shimizu Island

We were given time to swim and snorkle. You don't have to go further to find Nemo and friends. I snorkle near this area and met a bunch of marine friends here ;)

When it's time to have lunch, we were greeted by a set of sumptuous meal - seafoods, rice, and fruits. I don't know if it's true to all tour package providers but Servant Tours have crew with amazing skill on food presentation. It made the meal more special!

lunch time!

Our last stop for Package Tour A is the Seven Commandos Beach. It's a great place to hangout, swim, and meet both locales and tourists alike. We have actually spent more time here than in other destinations.

Seven Commandos Beach

I was envious of those people who were cliff diving that time (the downside of lacking the swimming skill). But instead of letting myself get bored, I enjoyed the rest of my time here watching these men playing volleyball. It's amazing how they're able to communicate with each other despite the fact that they come from different countries.

traveling breaks the boundaries

This is more than just paradise.

Trust me, El Nido is worth that 6-hour bus ride.

You don't have to ask me if I'm going back for definitely, I WILL.

Walking Around El Nido Town

2012-12-03T03:40:00.003+08:00

I was relieved when the driver finally said we've reached El Nido. There's just something about the town that'll make you want to explore it ASAP regardless of the sore butt from the 6-hour bus ride and from being hungry from the trip.

Out of excitement, I immediately hopped out of the bus, hired a trike and told the driver to take me to Tay Miloy's Inn. It didn't occur to me that the owner of the inn could have been there in the bus station. When I've reached their place, his wife told me that he went to the bus station to fetch me (oh gasp!).

After getting acquainted with the place and meeting the owner with an apologetic smile, I went around the town to ask people around of interesting places to see and things to do in their town. It was I guess untimely as just before I head to Squidoo's, it rained so hard.

My impression on the town of El Nido:

It's a laid back town where you can unwind. You don't have to worry about places to stay as almost every house, carenderia, and outdoor shop will offer you a room to stay. You also don't have to fret over food as you have tons of options. You can have a budget meal in a carenderia or spend an extra amount for a nice seafood dish. As with transportation, there are tricycles (minimum fare is P8) all over the place. You can also explore the town on your own by renting a motorcycle.

I went back to the inn earlier as what I've planned. I immediately hit the bed right after working on some online projects as the next day's my schedule to explore the paradise ;)

Tips:

*There are no ATM machines in the town so make sure you bring enough cash. There are however facilities for sending and receiving money (like Cebuana Lhuillier).

*There's currently a rotational brownout. It starts at 6am in the morning. According to locales, it usually ends at 12nn.

When Traveling Captured Your Heart

2012-11-07T05:22:00.003+08:00

It's just been days since I arrived from the Camotes trip yet I find myself thinking of going in another place again. I am at this point, in one of life's challenging days. I wanted to travel and pursue my Bacolod trip with some soul searching to do. I know what I wanted and I don't know why I keep on screwing things up with bad decision-making.

Each time I look out of the jeepney, I imagine myself doing the same thing in another place - feeling the blow of the wind, smelling the rice fields, and witnessing life's beautiful moments. Those moments are simply priceless!

I just missed you. That's all.

Squidoo's To-Die-For Stuffed Squid

2012-11-03T11:36:00.001+08:00

The moment I stepped out of Tay Miloy's Inn to have a short walk around town, it started to rain. Good thing, I brought a raincoat. Because it was raining cats and dogs and realized that I'm already starving, I look for Squidoo's.

Squidoo's is a small restaurant with a tropical feel. I have read so many positive reviews about this restaurant so I tried their best-selling stuffed squid (P170) and paired it with garlic rice (P40) and a tall glass of mango juice (P40).

The smell of the garlic rice and stuffed squid is irresistible. The moment I got my order, I immediately take a bite of it. And true enough, their stuffed squid is SO good! No wonder, locals and tourists alike head in this restaurant.

Don't worry if you're not a fan of stuffed squid as this restaurant also serves other meals. They even serve pasta.

Squidoo's - I'll definitely be back!

Tay Miloy's Inn: A Budget-Traveler's Home

2012-11-03T06:48:00.005+08:00

"Ma'am Jo, i-text niyo lang po ako 'pag nasa bus station na po kayo" (Ma,'am Jo, just text if you're already in the bus station), that was the SMS I received from the owner of Tay Miloy's Inn as I approached El Nido.

If you've been traveling on a budget and you happen to search for the most economical accommodation in El Nido, Palawan, you probably have came across Tay Miloy's Inn from backpackers, budget travelers, and even from travel bloggers. It is definitely one of the cheapest accommodation you can find in the paradise of El Nido. At P300/night for a single fan room with common bath/toilet room, you already have a room to stay in this town.

I arrived in El Nido at 5 pm. Unsure why the owner sent me an SMS, I hired a trike for P15 then head directly to his place. Almost all trike drivers know where it is so you don't have to worry. When I arrived, the owner's wife informed me that her husband went to the bus station to fetch me (oh gasp!). She then handed me the key to the family room. Before I could utter a word about the probable misunderstanding, she informed me that someone else's occupying my room so for the meantime, I'll be using this huge family room ALL BY MYSELF (lucky, eh?).

True enough, if you're deprived of something for a number of days, you can't help but appreciate even the most mundane things. I find myself excited for staying in a room with private bath/toilet ;) This happiness though is short-lived as I have to transfer to my room the following day.

I didn't find myself disappointed though as my room has spacious bed, working fan and good lighting. In fact, it's more than enough for P300/night room.

Tip: If you want to stay here, you better book earlier as Tay Miloy's Inn has limited number of rooms. You can reach the owner at this number: +639297955756

Solo Traveling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

2012-11-01T04:04:00.002+08:00

Because I was so dead tired from the previous day's activities, I ended up sleeping earlier than the usual. The following day, I find myself panicking for the undone tasks for my online job. When they say worrying won't do a thing, it's totally true 'cause I regretted having spent some minutes worrying instead of doing something about it.

I originally planned to head to the Roro bus station at around 5:30 am but because I have some unfinished tasks to do, I ended up heading to the station at 8:30 am. Although you can head directly to the bus station through a tricycle, I opted to take the cheaper route through jeepney. A tricycle ride to the Roro bus station will cost P100, too pricey compared to the P12 jeepney fare from Rizal Avenue. And although it pains my back to carry my kilos-worth of backpack from the Duchess Pension House to Rizal Avenue, I still opted to do it.

When I arrived at the Roro bus station, there were already a number of passengers waiting. After checking out the schedule for the bus heading to El Nido and reserving my window seat, I chose a comfortable spot to wait for the 10 am bus. While I was busy looking at their huge Sabang jeepneys and wonder if someone had been in an accident for top loading on it, the boy who was seated beside me asked me of my destination. From there, we had an interesting conversation about him, his reason for visiting Puerto Princesa, where he's heading, etc. I am truly amazed with kids who can manage to travel from one province to another without even that tinge of fear on their faces. Kudos to you kiddos! May you keep that courage as you grow up. :)

The scheduled 10 am bus didn't arrive on time. I'm close to getting impatient but kept still. Someone seated beside me and engage me in a conversation again. This is when I thought of one of the advantages of traveling solo: you get to talk to many locals! What the person asked me caught be by surprise: kasama niyo po mister niyo ma'am? (Are you with your husband ma'am?) For safety purpose, I let him assume that. It was interesting to talk to a local about the current issues that they're currently dealing with, mostly environmental and political issues. It opened my mind about the mining problems Palawan is currently facing. I do hope that the government will be aggressive enough to do something about it. Lives were taken just to pursue a good cause :(

Not to make this post melodramatic, let me move to 11 am when the bus finally arrived. I hurriedly went to my seat, maybe excited with the scenes that I'll be seeing (I'm like a kid when riding a bus especially when seated near the window). After paying the fare, P483, I made myself comfortable. Because of the ample leg room of the Roro bus, it isn't hard to do it.

The road going to El Nido is a combination of smooth and rough roads. We had our stopover lunch in a town (I forgot the name) of which I find myself engaging in a conversation again with locals (one from Cuyo Island and the other one from Taytay). It was a feel-good conversation and again, I'm amazed when I found out that the little girl from Taytay is traveling on her own (girl power it is!).

After 2 more hours, I can sense that we're nearing El Nido because of the limestone formation I can see from afar. These limestone formations, rice fields, and even the simple mountain and river scenes made up for the 6 hours of butt-numbing ride. And yes, those conversations with the locals made my day.

If you're curious with the schedule of the Roro bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, here it is:

Exploring Palawan's Underground River

2012-10-31T17:11:00.000+08:00

Still groggy from getting insufficient sleep, I hurriedly took a shower to get rid of my sleepiness. I can't afford to be late for the highlight of the day's activities: the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour. I booked this package days before my scheduled flight mainly for convenience. When I went to the reception area, our tour guide is already there but we waited for a few minutes for the driver to arrive.

While inside the vehicle, I couldn't help but feel giddy inside. I've been curious with what the Underground River looks like. Although I wanted to do it the DIY way and badly wanted to trek the monkey trail, I find this package tour good enough.

It took us more than an hour to reach the Sabang Beach. It was scorching hot that day and although it isn't summer, the ticketing office and the waiting area are jam packed with tour guides and guests. Because I don't want to look completely lonely that day, I talked to these people who are selling pearls. I asked them about getting to Tabon Cave and San Vicente. From them, I found out that it's quite a feat to visit the Tabon Cave, San Vicente, and El Nido in 2 days.

After almost an hour of baking myself under the sun, we finally had our turn to board the boat that will take us to the Underground National Park. It took around 15 minutes before we reach it.

Because each group has its priority number, we didn't immediately rush into the mouth of the river. We spent a few minutes admiring the well-conserved area.

When it was our turn, we grabbed hard hats and life vests for safety. I chose to be seated on the second row so as not to be the torch guide (I'm bad in following instructions, hehe). Those who are seated in front of me were handed the lamp to be used inside the cave.

It was so dark inside that I hardly can capture decent photos. Our guide spoke so softly that those of us who are seated in the first few rows have to ask each other what he is saying. The torch guide rarely hit the right spot so the underground river tour wasn't really that educational for me. Nevertheless, I was filled with awe with amazing rock formations inside.

Although it was said that the tour lasted for more than an hour, it seems that we're there for just a few minutes. It's probably because when you're too engrossed with what you're seeing, you really can't tell how long you've been there.

If you happen to be in Puerto Princesa, PLEASE find time to check out the underground river.

I tell you, it's ALL WORTH IT!

What's Inside the Vietnamese Village

2012-10-14T05:17:00.001+08:00

If you happen to be in Puerto Princesa then don't miss the Vietnamese Village. Located at Sta. Lourdes, the place has been home to over a thousand Vietnamese refugees who have sought asylum during the Vietnam war in the '70s.

We passed by this village while on our way to Sabang for the underground river tour. Although not part of the itinerary, we were able to convinced the tour guide to drop us off here after the Ugong Rock Cave Adventure.

My companions in this group tour mainly wanted to drop by here to taste the Vietnamese food. While I'd also thought of trying authentic Vietnamese delicacy, I still couldn't get over the experience that I had at Bona's (spicy chaolong + garlic bread which made me quite dizzy after the meal). So while they're chilling out in this Viet Ville restaurant, I went around the village in the hope of finding some interesting spots.

The village has turned out to be some sort of a 'ghost town' as the original settlers here have migrated to the US where they have been granted free entry. Some of them went back to Vietnam while there are also those who have found home somewhere else in Palawan.

The place is a fusion of the settlers' native and adopted culture. I found this adoration hall a few meters away from the restaurant. The caretaker noticed me when I went inside and encouraged me to light an incense stick (which I did).

What to do in Vietnamese Village:

*Taste authentic Vietnamese dishes

*Study the lives of the Vietnamese refugees (there's this bulletin board where you can read some interesting news clips)

*Enjoy the quaint atmosphere

Living Life in Reverse

2012-10-14T03:20:00.001+08:00

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time pause and reflect."

-Mark Twain-

While most of people of my age are busy getting married or working their ass off for their next promotion, I find myself getting busy in fulfilling my life's bucket list. At a closer look, my life today seems like a reverse of the conventional life most people have. I don't really have regrets as I am happy and I am living a fulfilling life. However, there are these times when this chasing dreams journey make me feel like an 'alien' in the society.

In our culture, it's not typical for someone of my age to travel first before getting into the real world of one's profession. What is most common here is the work hard now - save a lot - get married - retire - travel process. Most of the times I thank myself for being and thinking differently but there are these times when other people's opinion successfully get into my system. Then I begin to question my decision of traveling first.

Whenever I think back of the consequences of my decisions, I could not help but be proud of myself. I am fulfilling my dreams despite the odds. I may still be miles away from my RTW dream but I know that living this life in reverse is a good start.

Spelunking at Ugong Rock Adventure

2012-10-07T22:05:00.000+08:00

My companions in the Underground River tour wanted to stop by the Ugong Rock Adventure. I was actually quite apprehensive in joining them as I thought that would be our last stop. I was thinking of heading to the Vietnamese Village instead. Good thing, our tour guide was kind enough to adjust our schedule to include both places ;)

Minutes before reaching the Ugong Rock Adventure, I told myself that I would just wait for them in the van. Having realized that I haven't tried spelunking before changed my mind (I hope I didn't give our guide a headache, hehe).

The place is name as such because the rock formation inside the cave give a distinct sound when you hit them.

Most of my companions are more excited with the zipline than the caving itself. Spelunking in the cave costs P200 but if you want to do both (spelunking + zipline), you have to pay P600. Having tried zipline in Davao and trying to be money savvy, I opted to skip the zipline part though it would mean that I have to go down by foot using the same trail in climbing up.

We are given a brief overview of the place and then the guidelines in spelunking. As part of the precautionary measures, everyone is subjected to a short health assessment (blood pressure is taken). Caving could be hard especially for those who have health issues.

I wouldn't say it's easy because clearly, it isn't. I wouldn't also classify it as difficult since you could get by as long as you can walk well and consider yourself as physically fit.

Reaching the peak and seeing this amazing view makes this over 30-minute trek/climb all worth it! Ada and I spent a few more minutes here before climbing down.

If you're in Puerto Princesa and would like to experience some adventure, then you better try the spelunking activity in Ugong Rock. Challenge yourself by skipping the zipline and reach the starting point by foot. This experience taught me not to say 'no' unless you've tried it.

To our tour guide, if you happen to read this, THANK YOU! I would definitely regret it if I stay in the van and bore myself to death if not with your convincing power (and sorry too for being a prick).

Food Finds in Puerto Princesa

2012-09-26T10:34:00.004+08:00

One of the things I greatly enjoy when being out of town is the opportunity to taste local food. I'm a self-proclaimed foodie and traveling presents a great opportunity to go on a food trip. There's so many restaurants to explore in the city of Puerto Princesa (bet you've read/heard of Kalui) and though I've never been to all of them, my tummy is still happy to be satisfied with the following:

1. Pastries from Baker's Hill

Before Baker's Hill become known to be home to statues of Disney characters, it is first and foremost a place for yummy baked goods (hence the name). When I went there, I didn't have high expectations for their pastries as I thought people are just exaggerating about their products. Their store is located near the entrance gate (you can ask the guard and some trike drivers near the place). You'll know that they really have good products because of the long queue inside their bakeshop.

It offers a variety of baked items like brownies, crinkles, loaves of sweet bread, and their to-die-for hopia (and I am not exaggerating). I bought a total of 4 boxes of hopia: 3 boxes of ube flavored and 1 box of their hopia haba-haba. Would you believe that I consumed 2 boxes of hopia ube and almost half the box of the hopia haba-haba? That's how good their hopia is. They're also reasonably priced (cheap even for some). A box of their hopia (8 pieces I think) costs P45.

Baker's Hill

Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa City

How to get there:

Unfortunately, public utility jeepneys can't take you there so you have to hire a trike to take you to Baker's Hill. You can negotiate for the price though (I paid the driver P300 but that's for the entire city tour).

2. Chaolong + Spanish Bread from Bona's

If you find yourself craving for something warm and spicy then you might want to head to Bona's. They specialize on a Vietnamese noodle soup called chaolong and Spanish bread. There's a variety of options that you can choose from. I had buto-buto beef soup (P80) and garlic Spanish bread (P20) that night for dinner.

Tip: Be careful when eating their chaolong especially this buto-buto beef as you'll end up with orangey splashes on your clothes (just what happened to me - poor white shorts).

Bona's Chaolong

Manalo St., Puerto Princesa City

How to get there:

Pretty easy. You can ride any trike and tell the driver to bring you to Bona's. Almost all drivers know where it is. Fare is P8 if you're just within the city proper.

3. Seafood meals from Kinabuch Bar and Grill

I intend to dine in Kinabuch not for their seafood meals but for the tamilok. Unfortunately, tamilok isn't available for 2 straight days. Thus, I ended up ordering a rice meal from them (sizzling Tanigue for P150 and garlic rice for P30). This restaurant isn't one of those that I'd highly recommend for budget travelers though it's good to indulge once in a while. The food is really good and that's how I realized why their food is priced that way. :)

Aside from being a restaurant, Kinabuch is also some sort of a bar. If you're with friends and feel like chilling out for the night, you can stay in the place and enjoy some bottles of beer.

Kinabuch Bar and Grill

Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City

Pros and Cons of Tour Packages

2012-09-25T15:38:00.000+08:00

One of the things that I see to it that I do before leaving Puerto Princesa is to have the underground river tour, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Days before my trip, I was contemplating whether to do it on my own or to avail of the tour package offered by the pension house that I'll be staying in. At the end, I decided to take the tour package.

If you'll ask me if the P1,400 is worth it, yes it is considering the time I saved plus the convenience.

Here's what I think about tour packages (this is base from my recent Palawan trip and some past experiences):

Pros

Convenient: you don't have to think of the itinerary yourself. Everything is prepared for you, from food (depends on the tour package) to itinerary. So basically, you simply just have to pack your stuff, prepare yourself, and join the group.

Can sometimes be economical: there are tour packages that let you save more. With the booming tourism industry, travel agencies are giving generous offers to travelers who will be traveling in big groups.

Meeting more people: if you travel solo and join a tour group then you're most likely to meet more people. During the underground river tour, I've met these amazing people who didn't make me feel like I'm alone ;)

Well, for me, it's more on the convenience part as I still have to work after the tour (yes, the workaholic in me).

Cons

Fixed Schedule: one thing that I don't like with tour packages (except for the Ilocos tour we had months ago) is the fixed schedule. You can't stay longer in one place because you're following a schedule and it can be pretty frustrating.

You go where the group goes: no matter how you hate going to zoos, you can't skip it unless you want to bore yourself in the van simply because it's part of the itinerary.

Spontaneity is inexistent: compared to DIY trips, tour packages can be boring at times. You can't change routes or your itinerary. There's no freedom and for spontaneous travelers, this can be a bit irritating.

So that's it! I'm not really a fan of tour packages but whenever I find myself too busy to plan the trip on my own, I don't hesitate to sign up for one.

How about you?

What are your thoughts on tour packages?