Thursday, very early in the morning, found me stumbling around in an unfamiliar room, getting ready for the day while trying to shake away the last traces of sleep. It was the first day of the 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, and it’s one event you wouldn’t want to be late for.

Balloons!

I was lucky that I still managed to get some sleep, as Caltex, our host for this trip, billeted us at the Hotel Vida in Clark, so we can be at the venue before the crack of dawn. It was still dark when we pulled up to the field, but the traffic was starting to build and the parking lot was quickly filling up. Though there are activities almost every hour for the next four days, the highlight was the flight of the hot air balloons.

Watching these huge balloons inflate and take flight are worth sacrificing a couple of hour’s sleep. Hot air balloons are not a common sight in the Philippines, and seeing them just once a year brings wonder and joy, even to those just watching from the ground.

It’s a weekend of everything that flies

Caltex has been supporting the hot air balloon fiesta for years. On the eve of the first day, they launched the online game Captain Bubbly’s Enjoyable Journey, that lets players “fly” a balloon through the Philippines. Players earn points at each stage, which they can donate to a chosen charity: Project Seahorse Foundation (PSF) for environment, Smokey Mountain Team for sports and Hospicio de San Jose (HSJ) for education.

“We have been a partner of PIHABF for the longest time as Caltex’ way of supporting tourism in the country. This year, we wanted to leverage the hot air balloon festival to draw attention to non-profits that significantly help people lead better lives and reach their dreams. This air show is the perfect occasion to let dreams soar and Caltex is proud to be associated with the Philippine hot air balloon fiesta as it draws enormous attention to the country’s tourism industry.”

– Veronica Pangilinan, CPI Caltex Brand Manager

Taking his panda out for a walk

To play the game, just Like the Caltex Philippines page on Facebook, and then click on the Captain Bubbly tab. Full game and donation mechanics can be viewed here.

I like pie. Do you like pie? | This brain fart is brought to you by Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

It’s my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary next year, and me and the siblings are already planning how to celebrate it. My eldest sister suggested that we rent a house with a pool again, like we did years ago and stay for a night or two with the entire family. Sort of goes without saying that I’ll be the one searching for this house.

Pool!

Luckily enough, Gail invited me for a resort opening a couple of weekends ago. Turns out it was for the re-opening of the Blue Dolphin Resort in Balayan, Batangas.

The resort has both fan and air conditioned rooms, and a nipa hut that can house up to six persons. Rates start at Php 2,000 per night (fan room). For big groups, the resort can be rented to your exclusive use for Php 20,000. Not a bad rate if there are 30 of you using the facilities.

Open space for dining tables, programs and dance contests?

Food isn’t included in the rate, nor do they have a restaurant, but the kitchen is available for your use (stoves, pots and pans, dishes and cutlery included) for a minimal fee.

There are plenty of open areas if you’re going to be doing games or programs, and a sort-of promenade with a view of the beach. Balayan’s beach is black sand, which makes the water look dark and foreboding, but it’s actually pretty clean. If salt water isn’t your thing, you can dip in the pool instead. A bridge divides the pool — a wading pool for the kids, a bigger and deeper pool for the adults.

Sunset at Balayan beach

Are you a singer, not a swimmer? You’re free to use and abuse the resort’s karaoke machine that was strategically placed near a gazebo by the beach.

Balayan is about 3-4 hour’s drive from Manila. Though not one of the popular beach choices for Batangas, it’s great if you’re looking for that small-town vibe, away from the crowds.

Blue Dolphin Resort
Balayan, Batangas
Website: www.bluedolphinresort.net
E-mail: rea.pollard9@gmail.com
Telephone: +6325063525
Mobile: +639178439169

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

This is an advertorial

Last September, I wrote about how I deal with money when traveling. Last January, while in Boracay, I was finally able to try using a Visa debit card.

Works as well as a credit card, but without the absurdly high interest rate

It indeed, worked flawlessly like a credit card. After a sumptuous meal at Lemon Cafe in D’mall, I realized that I didn’t have enough cash with me to pay for my meal, so I paid using the card, knowing that this is one of the establishments in Boracay that accepts credit card payments. I was worried that their machines wouldn’t support debit cards, but turns out I didn’t have anything to fret about. The transaction went through without a hitch — I didn’t have to wash the dishes to pay for what I ate, and didn’t have to worry about credit card bills and interest rates.

After dinner, I made sure to stop by the ATM to make sure I have enough cash to last me until Kalibo and Manila. Again, my Visa debit card is out my wallet and fed into the ATM’s card slot. I was able to get my cash, the only charge was for using another bank’s machine — no cash advance fees to add to my bill.

Works great as an ATM card too!

I was already quite satisfied with the card by then, but the biggest surprise came when I came back to Manila. As you know, the Philippine Blog Awards has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build the “Bahay Blogger” to benefit the homeless people of Navotas. Unfortunately, the donation page only accepts credit card payments. I was in a pickle because I wanted to help out, but at the same time, I don’t want to use my credit cards anymore. I took a chance and keyed in my Visa debit card number. Much to my delight, the payment went through!

If I’m able to use the card on one website, I’m guessing I can use it for a handful more. Would it work on online airline bookings? Dundundun! Let’s wait and see, shall we?

Visa believes that one of the most important financial tools is not a product but knowledge. That is why Visa has been developing financial literacy programs that teach individuals how to spend, save and budget responsibly. In 2009 Visa committed to reach 20 million people worldwide with financial education by 2013. For more of Visa’s financial literacy materials visit http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com.

Originally published at Justwandering.org

My backpacks have taken a backseat last year. In my major trips last year (Guam, Morocco and Kuala Lumpur), it was my bright red luggage that accompanied me. It’s not that I’ve stopped backpacking; more like traveling to places where walking around in t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops is not the most practical thing to do. I love the mobility I get with my backpacks, but there’s something to be said about the simple joy of throwing your clothes into an empty suitcase.

My new travel buddy

That’s what I did a couple of weeks ago. The wonderful people at Delsey gave me a lovely token: a 65cm 4-wheel expandable trolley from their Fiber Lite line, just in time for my week-long trip to Kalibo. Yeah yeah, I know it’s absurd traveling with a suitcase that can carry up to 20 kilos just for a 7-day trip, but it gave me the freedom to pack stuff I wouldn’t have been able to if it was just me and my backpack. See, I was traveling with my dollie friends and also working the rest of the week. Three big-headed dolls each approximately 12″ tall, a 15-inch laptop, a week’s worth of clothes (mine and the dolls’) — they can’t all fit inside Viktor.

To say that I was happy upon being given a Delsey bag is an understatement. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Delsey, mainly about their super light luggage and their Zip Securi Tech system. The former is easy to understand: lighter luggage means lesser chances of going overweight at the check-in counter. As for the latter, you’ll understand after watching this video:

That happened to me last year in KL. I stupidly locked BOTH my bags with my key cards inside the luggage. I remembered this video and was able to open it. Actually, I was even able to open it without using a pen or anything — the zips didn’t align properly in one corner and I was able to pry it open using that tiny gap. I was grateful that I was able to open it, but in hindsight, it’s worrying because if I can open it that easily, other people can, too. Worse of all, they can even do it without leaving any visible trace. That made me think about investing on a new set of luggage that gives my things better security.

In comes Delsey, almost right on cue! (Thank you universe!) The Fiber Lite is one of their lightest luggage, the 65cm luggage weighing only 3.6 kilos or 7.9 pounds. It also features Delsey’s latest innovation, the Zip Securi Tech system, which consists of two layers of zipper that makes it sturdier and almost impossible to pry open. The double zippers have some resistance when opening or closing, but not so much that it requires a lot of effort. A small sacrifice for the sake of security.

This is my first time to own a four-wheeler and I have to say, it’s going to be tough going back to the two-wheeler. I’ve always wondered what the big fuss is about the four wheels and when I was rolling the bag after it was packed, I finally understood: it really is much more convenient to use. Having four wheels meant it’s easier to maneuver your bag in the crowded airport, but better still, it meant no strain on your shoulder and arm when you’re moving from one end of the terminal to the other. I’m a notorious over-packer; I know that walking around and dragging a 15-kilo carry-on trolley is just as strenuous as with a heavy backpack. With the Fiber Lite, I just adjust the handle to a comfortable height and lightly pull it along as I walk.

My gadgets bag, dollie bag, clothes and waterproof bags, and my Delsey toiletry kit, which also came as a surprise — a Christmas gift from my accountant that arrived the day after I got the bag!

Inside, it’s roomy (as is all empty suitcase). However, what stood out for me is the inside pocket. Unlike my old luggage that features just one big mesh pocket, the Fiber Lite has two compartments, which is perfect if you want to keep some stuff separate from the others, and within easy reach. There is also a separate pocket outside, which also rather common, but what really stood out is that Delsey made sure that the zips have these lock holes so you can also make sure that nobody will be opening this compartment and getting — or worse, putting — stuff inside without your knowledge.

Speaking of locks, the Fiber Lite comes with a TSA combination lock, so you won’t have to worry about forgetting to get one for your luggage. I’m using the Delsey lock for the front pocket zips and put my Pacsafe lock in the main luggage compartment zip. I just have to make sure never to lock my keys inside again.

Delsey Premium French Luggage is available in all The Travel Club Stores, Duty Free, selected SM Malls, Robinsons and Landmark nationwide.

Delsey will be holding a “Break-In Challenge” on February 16-22, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia. Anyone who will be able to open a Delsey luggage with a pen in under 10 seconds will win Php 50,000 cash. All who join will be eligible for a raffle to win a Delsey luggage worth Php 15,000. Not willing to try your luck? Bring your cash because there’s going to be special discounts on Delsey luggages on those dates!

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org

Thanks to everyone who tweeted their destination list for 2012! Reading your tweets made me wistful for places I’ve visited and hopeful to see the ones I’ve yet to strike of my list.

Unfortunately, I only have one Wanderlust travel planner to give out and it’s going to:

Congrats Shiela A, who plan to wander to Ilocos Norte, Siargao, Zamboanga City, Palawan, Surigao, Eastern Visayas, Batanes, Singapore, Baguio, Thailand, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Kota Kinabalu, Bukidnon, General Santos City, Manila, and Cagayan de Oro! I hope the journal would help you plan for those trips and keep you company while you’re wandering

Blogging and other forms of social media is a great way to share information. With our blogs, Facebook and Twitter, we can share our joys and lament our misfortune. In the recent years, we’ve witnessed how the online community banded together to report on the current state of the country after a typhoon has hit and how it inspired people to take action.

In 2011, the Philippine Blog Awards has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build the Bahay Blogger or the Blogger House for the residents of Navotas, who have lost their homes when typhoon Pedring battered Metro Manila. In the spirit of Bayanihan, we’re calling on everybody to donate to the Bahay Blogger fund or if you’re strapped for cash, help us spread the word.

If you have a blog, you can post a badge similar to what I have on my sidebar simply by posting this code on your site:

<a href="http://www.habitatyouthbuild.org/member/clairealgarme/bahayblogger"><img title="Blogger for Habitat for Humanity Youth Build 2012" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/406881_345536932132514_149792695040273_1387267_2035662265_n.jpg" alt="Build a Bahay Blogger at Youth Build 2012" /></a>

No blog but on Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, Google+, and other social networking sites? Share the link to the Bahay Blogger fundraising page (http://www.habitatyouthbuild.org/member/clairealgarme/bahayblogger). The future residents of this house will surely appreciate your effort!

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org

At the start of every year, people make up resolutions. A number of these resolutions are travel related, as evidenced by the spike of traffic my travel blog (as well as every other travel blogs and sites) receive this time of the year. There’s also a spike in the sales of planners and organizers (and coffee/tea). There are already too many planners out there, but friends Andrea and Faith came up with one with the traveler in mind: the Wanderlust Journal.

Where will you wander this year?

The planner highlights Philippine festivals like the Sinulog (Cebu), Aurora day celebration (Aurora), Pintados de Passi (Iloilo), Bangus Festival (Dagupan), Pahiyas (Quezon), Baragatan (Palawan), Sandugo Festival (Bohol), Kadayawan (Davao), Feast of the Lady of Penafrancia (Bicol), Masskara (Bacolod), Higantes (Rizal) and Balabag Festival (Boracay). Even if you’re not a festival-going traveler, there are tips from travel bloggers Chichi, Mica, Melo, Dong Ho, Enrico Dee, Mary Jane and someone who goes by the name Nina. There are even discount coupons for accommodations and tours in Puerto Galera, Boracay, Bohol, Batangas, Ilocos, Palawan, Cebu, Mindoro, Zambales and Albay.

Oh lookie here…

Once upon a time, I was a planner user. Granted, I was in school then, so most of my activities happen during the week. However, once I started working from home and traveling, it’s my weekends that are packed. That’s why when I saw that the weekends have a bigger writing space than the other days of the week in the Wanderlust planner, I had to smile.

The planner that puts an emphasis on the weekend. I like!

But alas, my planner keeping days are long gone. Andrea and Faith gave me a complimentary journal, and as much as I would like to keep it, I think it would be put to better use by others. So I’m raffling off my Wanderlust Journal to one lucky (or exceedingly competitive) reader. To join, simply tweet this:

Hey @NinaWanders, this year, I plan to wander to (insert destination here)

So simple, yes? You can even raise your chances by tweeting as many destinations as you want. One destination per tweet, please. Winner will be picked through Random.org’s randomizer, and will be announced on January 28, 2012. Contest ends on 11:59pm, January 27, 2012.

Don’t want to take your chances in the raffle or want your planner now? Wanderlust Journals are available in Powerbooks, Fullybooked, A Different Bookstore and Sketchbooks (Greenbelt 5) for Php499.

I like pie. Do you like pie? | This brain fart is brought to you by Justwandering.org

It doesn’t take much to make me want to visit a place. A video or a photo is sometimes enough to make me fixate on a destination or event, and I will do what I can to go there. In this case, it was a tarpaulin.

Mababaw lang ang kaligayahan namin

Back in December 2010, Cla, Chris and I were driving from the Kalibo airport and into the town when we saw Jenny’s sign near the plaza. For some reason, we fixated on it. It didn’t help that Chris and her family, who have been living in Kalibo for years have no clue who this person was. It was easy enough to search for information on Facebook, but unfortunately, Cla and I weren’t able to come back to Aklan for the 2011 ati-atihan festival, and Chris was running a fever and therefore wasn’t able to look for her.

This year, we were all set for ati-atihan, but Chris sadly reports that there was no tarps announcing her return to this year’s festival. Once again, Facebook comes to the rescue and we found out that Jenny will be parading with her band of super heroes.

The downpour throughout the afternoon put a damper to our spirits. After the rain has stopped for some time, we ventured out, hopeful but not entirely optimistic. We were swept away by the music and the energy of the crowd, and as we rounded a corner, Cla suddenly yells that she has spotted the Wonder Woman of Aklan.

It may seem weird that we’re fixating on this person dressing up as superheroes, but there’s something about her that makes us happy. Different strokes for different folks, and if there’s something that you know would make you happy, go out and go after that something.

Kalibo is already in fiesta mode, even if the main event isn’t until Sunday. Every afternoon, there are activities around the city that goes on until late in the evening.

If you are flying into Kalibo enroute to Boracay or flying out of Kalibo from Boracay, bear in mind that a portion of the main road is closed to vehicular traffic. Give plenty of time allowance if you will be catching a flight. The weather forecast for the next couple of days is rain, so come prepared with your rain gear and waterproofs if you want to take photos or participate in the festival.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org

Though Casablanca was our port of entry in Morocco, we considered Meknes as our first city. We merely transited in Casablanca, never going out of the airport and the train station enroute to the old capital.

Bab Mansour

Meknes wasn’t really in our original itinerary. We wanted to go to Volubilis, and according to research, day trips from Meknes can easily be done. Though it can also be done from Fes, there was something about Meknes that called to us. Maybe it’s the prospect of adding another notch to our Unesco Heritage Site list, or maybe I was just easily swayed by a blog I read about how laid back the city was that greatly appealed to me. Nevertheless, it was one of the best decisions we made because Meknes was a great introduction to Morocco.

Locals either watching a demonstration or a snake charmer

It was indeed laid back. Though there were touts calling out to us at every turn, after a day in the medina, they started ignoring us. There are a lot of people around, but it doesn’t feel crowded. Well, it was nothing that we couldn’t handle anyway.

Our first (of many) tagine

Our taxi driver from the train station dropped us off across Bab Mansour and gave us vague instructions on how to go to our riad. We traveled for more than 20 hours, and we were just looking forward to a warm shower, a soft bed and a filling meal. We walked right into what travelers have always cautioned others about Morocco: getting lost in the medina. The path twisted and turned, each narrow path looking just like the others we’ve passed. Luckily there was a sign every couple of meters, pointing us to Riad Hiba.

The Meknes outside the medina walls

We finally found our home in Meknes, relieved to stop walking, only to be led up a spiral staircase made of bricks of uneven height. After struggling through the last couple of steps leading up to our room, we flopped down on our respective beds and napped.

At Moulay Idriss and the army of grand taxis waiting to whisk you off to Volubilis or back to Meknes (or Fes)

We woke up recharged and refreshed, but also famished. We asked the reception for restaurant recommendations and was directed to a cafe that overlooks the square. Our first Moroccan taste was of khubz — bread that we would have in every meal. It was eaten with tagine (also first of many) and pastilla, a flaky pastry filled with savory meat, fried and sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Our first look at Volubilis

After our meal, we decided to check out the medina. We just started walking — no maps, no GPS. We followed the locals and ended up outside the medina walls and gaping at the picture the ville nouvelle (new city) presented, contrasting greatly from the medina we just emerged from. We delved back into the old city, taking a different way and still managing to find our way back. That’s what I love about traveling: getting to explore and making your own path.

Mosaic tiles that was laid there centuries ago

The following day, we made our way to the holy town of Moulay Idriss. It’s funny because when we were asking our host in Riad Hiba for directions, we would ask in English, he would answer in French and we’d understand each other. I don’t know how that happened, but it really made sense. We managed to get ourselves to the bus station and into the correct bus. The bus had no air conditioning, but the weather was cool enough that it wasn’t really uncomfortable (though I dread to think what it must be like at the height of summer). It was a pleasant one-hour ride past fields filled with olive trees. It really shouldn’t have been a surprise when we ended up at a roadside cafe whose specialties were olives.

Where chariots once passed

From Moulay Idriss, it was a short drive to Volubilis. An old Roman town, Volubilis is now one of the best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Though it may seem like it’s just a pile of rubble, it’s astonishing to stand there and realize that these buildings have been there for more than a thousand years.

I went to Morocco wanting to see a different landscape. It was very different alight.

We headed back to Meknes afterwards, making our first foray into the souks and trying out more Moroccan dishes that would be our staple for the next two weeks.

View more photos from my Moroccan trip over at the Just Wandering Facebook page.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org

I had to restrain myself from saying good riddance, 2011. It was a great year, travel wise, but in other aspects of my life, it hasn’t been all that good. Still, I have to look past all the crap I’ve felt and realize that life really isn’t that bad.

Love this relaxing weekend with the dollie friend at Casa San Pablo

First, there were the trips I never blogged about. This year, I never really traveled alone, except for a couple of days in KL earlier this month. My first trip for 2011 was to Hong Kong with Cla, where she said the statement that started it all: “I want to go to Morocco.” We went to a couple more trips with other friends, to Casa San Pablo and Casa Ibiza, and that’s when I started to try to just enjoy the place and the company and not mentally blog it.

There are a lot of things I did not blog about this year. I never told anybody this, except for a couple of friends, but I gave four other talks aside from the one I did for the Sole Sister’s From Glampacking to Poorpacking series. One was for tourism students at UP Asian Institute of Tourism, two for two different session for students of De La Salle University (Blogger’s Congress was one of them) and also for Belle de Jour’s Summer Rendezvous. Public speaking is one thing I never thought I would willingly do, and I surprised myself by accepting the challenge and actually giving a talk. I can safely conclude I am not good at it.

Go Team Philippines! With Erwan, Jenni, Camie, Badet, Laureen, Camille, Helga, Kring, Tipsy and Ponggo

Still, it prepped me up for another big thing that required me to talk in front of an audience of 500: my acceptance speech at this year’s Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards. Completely unexpected, but I feel so honored to be given this recognition, specially since I was up against one of my blogging idols, Kenny Sia. It was a big night for the Philippines as well, since we brought home four of the heavy glass trophy.

Others who brought home the bacon, as my friends have been fondly calling it were:

Best Photography Blog – Photoblog.hk
Best Geek Blog – Geekout.ph
Best Food Blog – LadyIronChef.com
Best Fashion Blog – Cheeserland.com
Most Original Blog Design – EatShowandTell.com
Best Parenting Blog – Childhood101.com
Best Travel Blog – JustWandering.org
Best Entertainment Blog – Beautifulnara.com
Best Lifestyle Blog – Jenniepperson.com
Hidden Gem – Googlygooeys.com
Best Micro Blog – KennySia.com
Most Influential blog – XiaXue.sg
Region’s Best blog – XiaXue.sg

Aside from the trophy (and the trip to Malaysia), we also got cameras from Olympus, the XZ-1. AirAsia X gave a special prize for the winner in my category as well: round trip tickets to Osaka, Japan. That made the win all the more delicious.

After writing all that, I'm not in a bad mood anymore. I guess 2011 wasn't so bad after all.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org

When I published my Morocco travel expenses, friends started messaging me expressing their surprise at the figures I presented and asked for tips on how to plan a trip to Morocco.

I promised them I’d give a copy of my spreadsheet, which has our itinerary, budget, list of accommodation we considered staying at and links to various resources. Since it’s Christmas and all, I decided to share it with everyone! So here’s a little something from me to you: Project Morocco (1151).

It’s nothing fancy, but it should be enough to get you started. It’s my way of saying thanks for all sticking with me through all these years

I like pie. Do you like pie? | This brain fart is brought to you by Justwandering.org

I’m back in Malaysia to attend the Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards 2011. The event is only happening tomorrow, but I requested to fly in early so I can meet with my brother and his family who are also in KL this week.

KL must-do: chicken rice.

On the flight over, I realized this is the first time I’m traveling solo this year. I love my friends and I also love the opportunities I got to travel to places I never would have thought to visit, but traveling solo is something that I equally love.

This is also the first time that I’m in KL with lots of time to veg. I had nothing planned for this trip, except to eat some char kway teow, go to Kinokuniya and maybe head out to Ikea. I’ve done all but for Ikea, as the rain is making me want to just burrow under the covers all day.

I’m staying at Bukit Bintang – right smack in the middle of the shopping district and just a couple of steps from the foodie paradise of Jalan Alor. Tourists and locals alike come here to shop and dine. This place is so alive and there seem to be a never ending stream of people walking in the streets. Cars also fills its streets, but there’s a monorail to help you get to other parts of Kuala Lumpur easily.

Tomorrow I pack my bags once more to head to Putrajaya, where I’ll join the rest of the group for the weekend.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org

Cue the cliché: Christmas is fast approaching, and if you’re still wondering what to give your traveler friends, here are four items you might want to consider.

Leyende Holiday Travel set

It’s organic, eco-friendly and best of all, it’s less than 100ml!

If your friend has been bitten by the travel bug, she’s probably got a pile of tickets bought during one of the seat sales. Some budget airlines charge for check-in luggage, so if they’re traveling on a shoestring budget, they would only be toting carry-ons. There’s a 100ml limitation on liquids you can bring on the plane, so this set is a great gift for the kikay traveler. The Leyende Holiday Travel set comes with either a shampoo and conditioner combo, shampoo and shower gel combo, or shower gel and massage oil combo. All sets come with a lip balm (cleverly labeled “Kiss kiss balm balm”) in a handcrafted box made of recycled materials.

Speaking of handcrafted, Leyende products are all handmade, uses organic and eco-certified ingredients and yes, Philippine made. I’ve used the shampoo, conditioner and the shower gel and I love it. It doesn’t dry out the scalp, hair and skin and smells pretty good too.

The holiday travel set retails at Php 350. Leyende is sold in select stores in Metro Manila and around the Philippines. List of their distributors and resellers available in the Leyende website.

Cuddle Up travel pillow

It’s furry!

I love my Muji Neck Cushion, but Go Travel’s Cuddle Up travel pillow is a close runner up. The clear advantage this pillow has over my cushion is that it’s inflatable — less hassle to tote around when you’re traveling. So how does this differ over other inflatable travel pillows? While the general shape is the same, there are indents in the middle, so it doesn’t puff up like the others. It’s more comfortable on your neck — provided you positioned it properly (or however is best for your body). And it has a fur cover. Feathery soft fur. Cuddle Up retails for Php 990 at The Travel Club and R.O.X.

Ounce Smart Tubes

Squeeze it!

I have a collection of Muji P.E.T. tubes that I use for my toiletries, but my biggest frustration is that if I lose them (I’ve already lost 2), I’d have to ask friends and families from overseas to buy them for me as it’s not available in the local Muji stores. Here’s a good alternative: the Travelon Ounce Smart Tubes. Each tube can contain up to 90ml of liquid (just under the 100ml limit) and thanks to its lid design, there’s very little chance of it spilling or squirting too much. It’s also very squeezable so you can get all of those cream or gel out.

Travelon products are available locally in The Travel Club and R.O.X. stores.

Shoulder Wallet

I’m not that paranoid

For the paranoid traveler, gift them with a hidden travel wallet. A variation of the money-belt, the shoulder wallet is a pouch that can carry your extra money and documents under your clothes. This gives assurance that your cash and passport remain in a secured place. As paranoid as I am, I never really warmed up to money belts. After five years of traveling, I’ve managed to keep my wallets and passport even without using them once. If you think this can bring peace of mind to the first time traveler and get him out the door and into the world, the Go Travel Shoulder Wallet is available in Travel Club and R.O.X.

Thanks to Leyende, Go Travel and Travelon for providing the products!

Originally published at Justwandering.org

I had another week of doing nothing before going back to work after a month’s leave. When the invitation came, I jumped at the chance, wanting to make the most out of my leave before I plunge back into the grind. Besides, how can I say no to a weekend at Misibis Bay?

Lagoon pool and villas

Located in Cagraray Island in Albay, the resort is far enough from the city to make you feel you’re away from everything, but not too far to make traveling there uncomfortable. The drive to the resort from Legazpi takes about 1 hour of driving through (good) roads that wind along the mountains and a short ride on a barge to cross to the island.

Segway lessons

A warm welcome greeted us upon arrival at the resort. A lei was placed on our necks, a cold towel placed in one hand and a refreshing drink in the other, then we were led to the reception to check in. While waiting for our room assignments to get sorted, a hotel staff sped past the reception building on a Segway.

ATV trail

The resort offers various activities to guests, including Segway tours around the resort, ATV tours that passes through the ecopark, windsurfing, jet-ski and Hobie Cat sailing. Parents traveling with kids will surely appreciate the kid’s indoor play area and the outdoor playground. There is also the ubiquitous spa and gym, as well as an infinity, lagoon and children’s pool.

Misibis Bay beachfront

All our meals were had at the Spice Market, where F&B manager Rex Cortez plied us with stories and drinks. For a non-drinker, he sure can whip up some pretty good cocktails. Be sure to try out his Lemon Drop, frozen margarita and coconut lychee martini. If alcoholic drinks aren’t for you, try the Cagraray Sunrise, a refreshing drink with cucumber and carrots.

Yummy frozen margarita

The buffet selection wasn’t as extensive, but there is a good enough selection of meat, fish and vegetable dishes, and of course, Bicolano favorites like laing and Bicol Express. There is also a good variation of the buffet offerings so you don’t see a repeat of any meal during lunch or dinner. Dessert lovers will surely be delighted with the array of sweets offered.

One-bedroom deluxe villa

We stayed at two different rooms during our stay. On our first night, we had one of the villa rooms, One-bedroom deluxe by the poolside. Upon entrance, we were greeted by a small table with a plate of fresh fruits and cookies. Further in was a huge couch that transforms into extra beds, and a terrace looking out towards the lagoon pool. The bedroom was huge, and instead of having the desk pushed up against a wall, it’s located right at the headboard so you’d have an unobstructed view when working or laying on the bed.

Inside the bathroom

The bathroom was huge, which is a big plus if you’re sharing the room with four people. It has two sinks so you can brush your teeth while your roommate puts on make up. The toilet has its own enclosed space, and the tub was bigger than the average. Best of all, the shower is separate.

Garden view room

On our second stay at Misibis Bay, we were assigned to the Garden View rooms, which were opened just last June. Decorated with colorful accent colors, these rooms have a completely different vibe from the villa rooms, but still maintains the same level of comfort and service. Though the bathroom is much smaller, it is still roomy enough for two people.

Garden view bathroom

Misibis Bay is perfect for those who want to take it easy and relax. True, it’s rather pricey, but it’s a pretty good splurge. The resort’s 3 days, 2 nights package is all inclusive of all meals, non-motorized activities and certain motorized activities. The only thing you have to worry about is how to divide your time between lounging in the pool and doing all those activities.

More pictures on the Just Wandering Facebook Page.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org

Another birthday has come and gone. I celebrated it by staying at home all day, since I’ve been traveling on and off since October. There wasn’t much fuss about the day itself because I felt I already celebrated it in Morocco. You see, before I left, I asked my friends and family to give their birthday (slash-Christmas) gifts early through a travel registry.

Just Wandering’s Travel Registry

Much like the gift registries malls offer, the travel registry gave them the option to gift me with tours, accommodation, meals, train tickets — the things I would need for my trip to Morocco. The great thing about the registry is that both parties are happy: they know I’ll enjoy their gift and I’m getting something that I need.

Thank you Rotch and Rael!

Actually, the reason why I came up with this travel registry is so that I can have a working example of one. The first time I wrote about this was back in 2008, when a newlywed couple created their online travel registry and gave a talk about it. The website is not accessible anymore, so I thought I’d put something up that would remain up as long as this blog is. Getting gifts out of it is just a happy side effect, really.

Thank you Karla!

This is one way for you to raise money if you are planning a big trip. Not a lot might understand why you’re doing this, but those who know your love travel will surely be delighted to be contributing and somehow being a part of your epic journey. Making one is actually quite easy: Paypal supplies the codes needed, including the shopping cart. No coding knowledge necessary. It’s as simple as putting that Paypal donate button, but instead you’re setting an amount for items in your inventory (which Paypal can also keep track of). The big difference from a donate button though is that Paypal charges a fee for each transaction, so you won’t be getting the full amount. Since not everybody has Paypal, you can also offer alternative ways of getting the money, like bank deposits or just plain cash.

Thank you Sha!

Some tips when setting up a travel registry:

• Be specific about things you really want. If there is an activity you really want to do like a hot air balloon ride or a trek in the desert, highlight it.
• Be general about certain things. One mistake I made with my registry was that I specified different food items that we find cumbersome when we were actually in Morocco. It’s not that we didn’t enjoy those meals — it’s just that we don’t want our food orders to be dictated by a list.
• Keep the prices reasonable. The common comment we got from friends was that the prices we set aren’t too bad — it’s almost like buying us a meal in Manila. Watch out though because when you get to your destination, the prices would vary depending on where you eat.
• Offer something in return. People love to receive as much as they love to give. Offer to give something for high ticket items or be open to accept requests from your sponsors. That’s how I ended up with a Ziplock bag full of Saharan sand.
• Continue saving up. Just because you set up your registry, it doesn’t mean that you can start shopping again. Unless you’re celebrating something big (like a wedding or a graduation) or you’re insanely popular and lovable, there’s a chance you’ll only be getting a 30% response rate.