Wednesday, December 28, 2016

PHOTO DIARY: Amazing Thailand

Thailand 2016


Last Christmas eve, while my other cousins were busy with the kids, my other cousin's wife and I had a deep conversation about one thing that we're both interested - traveling. Interestingly, she's from Thailand and obviously, we talked about the cultural differences between Thais and Filipinos. Traveling around southeast Asia made me realize that the Philippines is an odd man out in the group. I mean, we are the only predominantly Catholic country in the ASEAN region, and the western influence in our country is very apparent. It's like a third-world version of the USA!

Thailand will always be one of my favorite countries to visit. The food is delicious and cheap, the temples are stunning, and it's the perfect place for shopping! Let me share some of my favorite photos I took during my trip to Thailand. If only I had enough time, I wouldn't mind going back there and rediscover what Thailand has to offer.

Thank You, Twenty Sixteen



The year 2016 was a roller coaster ride. I have gained a lot of new experiences mostly in life but lost a few that were dear to me. This so-called adventure doesn't teach us to dwell and linger with our past, especially the bad ones, but to always to keep our steady pace as we gear towards the future. No matter how we carefully plan our paths, life will always give us surprises along the way.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Essential Carry-On Luggage Items for Student Travelers



Traveling is a big part of the student lifestyle. Every year, thousands of students travel halfway around the world in search of adventures in the sun, new experiences, and a chance to earn some money during a gap year. There are well-worn backpacker trails around Southeast Asia, Australia and South America, with backpacker hostels and cheap bars a plenty. Since most students working through a masters in computer science online don’t have much disposable income, it is essential that you pack the right things before your trip, as you won’t be able to afford to replace essential items once you arrive. Here is our guide to the most important items you need to pack in your carry-on luggage if you are heading off on a student travel adventure.

5 Awesome Jobs for People Who Love to Travel



For an increasing number of people, the drudgery of a nine to five job is simply not fulfilling enough. Being chained to the same place of work day in, day out can have a detrimental effect on those who are career minded yet prefer a little more freedom in their lives. If you are one of those people you may have considered a career that involves a bit more exploration of the world. Below are our five best jobs for those of you wanting to work all over the world.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Why the United States Is a Freelancer's Paradise - Living the Nomadic Life



When the bottom dropped out of the economy in the latter part of the last decade, many professionals were literally forced to become freelancers because their jobs were no longer available. Companies downsized, others went out of business and others still simply held the status quo, reluctant to expand with an uncertain future.

It was probably at this point that the nomadic lifestyle reminiscent of the late 1960s and early 1970s began to resurface, but this time as a means of survival rather than a cultural trend. The economy has long been on the road to recovery, but for those who have gotten a taste of the nomadic lifestyle, there is no turning back.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Travel OOTD



Traveling does not just give you opportunities to experience new cultures and see the world in a different perspective, it also gives you the opportunity to mix and match your preferred outfit, depending on the prevailing climate or weather. In this day and age, having a stylish outfit without compromising comfort is a must. Here are some of the outfits I wore in three different seasons.

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Trip of Wonders: Ain't No Bali Low Enough!

bali indonesia

Tucked away in the cerulean waters of the Bali Sea and the towering Mount Agung is an island blessed with fertile lands and rich biodiversity. Bali, with its varied terrain, numerous white sand beaches, picturesque temples, and standout local cuisines, has always been a favorite holiday destination for both local and international tourists.

When I found out I won a free trip to Bali, I got overwhelmed. I never thought I'd be back here so soon! For three days, we went to rediscover Bali, and to understand more about its culture.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya


I was still feeling groggy from last night's bar hopping activity at Sukhumvit, one of Bangkok's bustling night districts. At half past six, we drove north of Bangkok to explore the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam - Ayutthaya (or as what my travel buddy always say in our chat group, Uttaya LOL).

Unlike most cities in the world who were put under pressure to conform, this former capital of the Siamese kingdom remained immune to these sweeping changes. The vestiges of its past allowed us to understand its influence not just in Thailand, but also throughout southeast Asia.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Patta-yeah: Day 2 of Amazing Thailand



Two hours from the fervid sprawl of Bangkok, a four-lane expressway surrounded by wild grasses and weeds led us to another city off the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. We were driving at a speed of one hundred and twenty, an antithesis of what we had experienced in downtown Bangkok.

Friday, November 25, 2016

Thailand It That Way: Exploring Bangkok



One can easily fall in love with Thailand. You can never go wrong with their vibrant and multifaceted culture, their colorful heritage, and their food. History tells us that this country was once a powerful kingdom in this region, and had fought numerous tribes and neighboring kingdoms who had tried to claim their throne. Even after their beloved king's passing a few months ago, it didn't stop us from exploring this country in Southeast Asia.

For four days, we got awed by the stunning Buddhist architecture, idled inside our van as we endured the notorious Bangkok traffic, visited temples as if we were brought back to the golden era of Siam, and rode down narrow pathways on our bicycles through verdant orchards and appreciate Thailand's timeless beauty.

Interesting Vacation Ideas for Criminal Justice Students



What better way to break up the monotony of studying full-time than with a vacation in a far off land, where you can let all of your worries fade into the background. In reality, students don’t really need an excuse to travel, especially when they’re studying for their masters criminal justice degree. If your goal is to have an exciting vacation, first you have to be sure that you’ve chosen an interesting location to spend your time. There are museums abroad dedicated to criminal justice, as well as countries that have their unique ways of appointing peacekeepers and members of the armed services. While you really should spend most of your time relaxing while on vacation, learning a few new fun facts about your chosen course of study is always good too.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Photo Diary: Bali, Indonesia



Bali is an island province of Indonesia. Unlike its neighboring provinces, this region is predominantly Hindu, which is why this region stands out from the rest. After exploring the cities and towns of West and Central Java last year, I finally know why people keep on coming back to Bali. I love the diversity of Balinese culture. Not to mention, there are so many activities to do on this island alone!

I spent my 26th birthday here, and damn, I regret nothing! For four days, we went temple hopping, visited the sacred monkey forest of Ubud, and ate different Balinese dishes. That's why I got so thrilled after receiving an email from Wonderful Indonesia. I just won a trip for two to Bali, Indonesia! Christmas came early! I remember making a promise that I'll return to Bali, but I didn't expect I'll be back so soon. Mom and I will be there in the third week of November, just a few days after our Bangkok trip. Hahaha!

Here are some of my favorite photos on my first visit to Bali. I do hope I'd add more as I explore more of this famed island. Weapon of choice: Canon EOS 1100D, 50mm f/1.8 prime lens.

Sunday, October 30, 2016

4 Helpful Tips in Traveling to Philippines



Decades ago, exploring the Philippines can be quite challenging. Those were the days when the interconnectivity between islands aren't that extensive and a number of accommodations every city are only a few. But all thanks to the increasing interconnectivity between regions and islands, the growth of hotel industry, and the rise of technology, traveling around the archipelago has been easier.

Here are some helpful tips for exploring the Philippines.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

10 Things I Learned About Tokyo



A few weeks ago, I spent four days in Tokyo (with a side trip in the neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture), and as my friends are probably tired of hearing, I loved it. Absolutely loved it. Behind their towering skyscrapers and their disciplined culture, Tokyo still retains its charm. Here are the things I learned from traveling in this metropolis.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Exploring Laki Ashi of Kanagawa Prefecture



Last night was a blast. I was awake for almost 24 hours, but that didn't stop me from enjoying our first day in Japan. I can vividly still remember my first meal (a tonkatsu ramen), my first subway experience in Tokyo (which is, by the way, the most efficient and the most expensive mass transportation system I have ever ridden), and my first time crossing the most photographed intersection in the world. It felt surreal. Japan already gave me a very nice impression, and I can't wait to explore more of it!

On our second day, we explored the neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture to see Mount Fuji in person.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Day 1 in Japan: Exploring Tokyo



No matter how prepared you are for your trip, there will always be uncertainties that lie ahead of you. You don't have an idea what's in store for you in the next few days. Prior boarding our early morning flight to Tokyo-Narita, there were a few gaffes - the immigration counter opened thirty minutes late causing a long queue, and I was awake for almost 24 hours. Despite these, I still felt giddy and excited as we settled inside.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

What Tokyo So Long?


Growing up, Japan was always on my side. There were anime shows dubbed in Filipino to keep me entertained after school. Before the K-Pop bands invaded the airwaves, there was J-Pop. I could still belt out the lyrics of Sweet Soul Revue and Feel Like Dance flawlessly. To tell you the truth, Japan was never part of my 'countries to visit this 2016' list. I was planning to go there two to three years from now but I scored a cheap fare earlier this year.

For four days, we explored Tokyo and the neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture. Japan did not fail to mesmerize me. Everything is organized and every corner of the city is very clean. Now I know why Japan is one of the most sought destinations in the world.

Friday, October 14, 2016

Chasing Security as a Travel Blogger




Being a travel blogger is a job that values freedom more than security. You can’t really expect a steady stream of income and to spend most of your time traveling the world. Don’t get me wrong, travel blogging can be a very rewarding occupation. Some famous bloggers even earn six-figure incomes on a regular basis.

If you still want security, however, there are some additional things you would want to do as you travel to the best destinations in the world. We’re going to take a look at those extra things right here in this article.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Seven Asian Dishes You've Never Tried But are to Die For



With such a diverse and expansive selection, it can be easy to bypass some of the culinary delights in Asia. However, to truly immerse yourself into the cultural and take advantage of everything available, why not try some of these lesser-known Asian dishes?

Monday, September 26, 2016

Last Day of Cebu Food Crawl 2016



And finally, off to the last day of this sinful adventure in Cebu. We are now down to the final three: Choobi Choobi Restaurant, Cebu City Marriott Hotel, and Ayala Center Cebu. 

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Chill at Gusto Mare



Cebu's economy has been on a steady rise. The South Road Properties (SRP) used to be a sprawling land with just a highway connecting to the Talisay City, another thriving city of Metro Cebu. Today, more and more establishments had sprung out like mushrooms in this area alone. The same scenario goes to the food scene of Cebu.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

How to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines



Japan is the home country of Godzilla, Hachiko, Maria Ozawa, Doraemon, and Son Goku. It's also a great gastronomic destination. No wonder why Japan is one of the most sought after destinations among Asians, particularly Filipinos. Apparently, there's one thing that keeps us from visiting this country. Unlike our neighbors in Southeast Asia who only require a valid Philippine passport, Japan requires Filipinos to have a valid visa before entering their territory.

Here are the steps and a few reminders on how to successfully obtain a Japanese tourist visa.

Friday, September 16, 2016

The Sugbo Mercado Experience

Sugbo Mercado Cebu


Have you watched the movie, Matilda? There's this particular scene in the movie wherein a young boy (Bruce Bogtrotter) was forced to devour a large chocolate cake as a punishment. The poor boy was about to throw up yet he has still to devour the scrumptious chocolate cake. In the end, he managed to finish the whole cake. I feel uncomfortable every time I watch that scene. I know for a fact that I have a big appetite but I know my limitations.

To cap off my 2nd day in Cebu Food Crawl 2016, we went to Sugbo Mercado. Little did I know that something big awaits us.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

#SparkSamar: Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge

Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Samar


Exploring my own country is not that easy. It is very challenging for us to travel around due to its geography. Living in Tacloban City for more than two years had given me opportunities to explore Region 8 and I am really thankful for that. I never had the chance to visit this region prior my deployment due to limited choices of transportation.

Last week, my colleagues and I explored Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge in Basey, Samar. One shouldn't interchange this with Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande in the province of Surigao though.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

It's Always a Feast at Golden Cowrie



My brother and my dad aren't really that adventurous when it comes to food. They prefer eating Filipino food for obvious reasons. So much for being nationalistic. Haha! They frequent the SM Ecoland branch of Hukad. I can't blame, though. I mean, who says no to crispy pata, patatim, and kare-kare? After feasting myself with Lechon and Italian food, we went straight to Salinas, a concept restaurant by the Golden Cowrie.

We didn't know what was in store for us, but I'm sure it's gonna be grand and festive.

Monday, September 5, 2016

We Are Davao



As the cloud of dust and smoke settled, it became clearer that this was an act of terror. Lifeless bodies whose faces were beyond recognition lay scattered from where they once stood. Those who survived managed to shamble off the road, looking for help. The street that was once full of life became sullen and eerily quiet. Fear reeked in every crevices and corner of Roxas Avenue. The bomb not only took the lives of many, but it also quivered our hearts - the heart of every Davaoeño.

This is the place where people from all walks of life consider it as their refuge. This is the place where people enjoy local shopping and delicious but affordable food. This is the place where some law-abiding citizens work hard every night just to provide the basic necessities for their families. This is also the place where the dreams, aspirations, and hopes of many vanished in one blast.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Rico's Lechon: Da Best Gyud



Lechon (roasted pig) is officially Cebu's staple food. I mean, your day in Cebu would not be complete without devouring even a small portion of this delicious roasted pig. The second day of our food crawl got even better. We started our day by stuffing ourselves with Cebu's best lechon and ended the night with more of it.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Destination Food: Day 1 of Cebu Food Crawl 2016



The weather was fine when the plane took off Tacloban's Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport. Prior to that, I only ate 3 pieces of pandesal and drank a cup of brewed coffee to fuel my brain for work. In less than 20 minutes, we landed at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and I am hoping that I'd still be able to catch up with the food crawl. I was sulking because I missed a lot during the first day of food crawl due to work. #Priorities.

As I hailed a cab, I only wish to have a good food experience despite mingling with people whom I barely know. The introvert in me is challenged but you can't say no to good food, especially in Cebu.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Cebu Food Crawl 2016 in a Nutshell



Now, look who's back? I just recently came back from Cebu and whoa, I just had the most sinful weekend with my blogger friends. Together, we traveled around Metro Cebu to discover the region's best food. True enough, our gastronomic adventure in Cebu was not only limited to lechon and mangoes.

Friday, August 26, 2016

Photo Blog: Davao's Roxas Night Market

Roxas Night Market Davao City


The Roxas Night Market has been drawing attention not just to Davaoeños but also to visitors as well. This particular night market located in the heart of Davao is a one-stop shopping and dining destination. Here, you can savor the local favorites such as barbecue (chicken, pork, tuna panga, and chicken innards), chicken skin, butchi (the matcha butchi is the bomb), Mang Danny's ice cream (became an overnight sensation; people are willing to queue for up to hours), and a whole lot more. If you're into thrift shopping, the whole stretch of Roxas Avenue is all yours.

A few weeks ago, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte ordered to cease the operations of the night market. She found out that some tenants became abusive, causing too much traffic in this major thoroughfare. With that, the local government decided to impose stricter rules and eventually reopened to the public days before the Kadayawan Festival. It was my first time to squeeze in the crowd to search for the best food that Roxas Night Market could offer. However, we settled in a barbecue place because we were all hungry. Even at night time, it was sweltering hot and humid. But hey, if you're with a good company, you wouldn't mind the discomfort. According to my friends who frequent Roxas Night Market, the revamped layout of it is more organized and less chaotic.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

#BisayaNaFood: Cebu Food Crawl 2.0



It's the time of the year again when bloggers all over the Philippines gather at the Queen City of the South to feast some of the best Cebuano cuisines and local dishes. Last year, I was fortunate enough to attend the first Cebu Food Crawl and it was a success! On its second year, the Cebu Bloggers Society welcomes more hotels and restaurants as they continue to showcase Cebu's best food scene.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

The Temples of Bali

Temples of Bali


The last day of our Balinese adventure was dedicated to the temples of the island. Coined as ‘Island of the Gods’, the revered island province of Bali is known for its verdant forested mountains, iconic rice paddies, and beaches and coral reefs. Unlike most of Muslim-majority cities of Indonesia, about 85% of the total population of Bali adheres to Balinese Hinduism - a combination of local beliefs and the Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

This is just one of the reasons why Bali stands out.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Photo Blog: San Juanico by the Bay

San Juanico Leyte Tacloban


My supervisor who happens to be one of the project coordinators of developing some tourist spots in Samar invited us to sail around Cancabato Bay, San Juanico Strait, and visit the floating restaurant in Sta. Rita, Samar using the 350-hp speed boat serviced by Aqua Momentum of Leyte Park Hotel. It felt like I was one of the Somalian pirates in the Captain Phillips film because we were sailing to fast (and furious lol). We even got the chance to view the airport from the sea, and sailed below the majestic San Juanico Bridge. The San Juan Floating By the Bay is managed and supervised by both San Juan Boardwalk Women Association and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. The place is accessible through speed boat from Leyte Park Hotel or by land travel to Sta. Rita, Samar. At night, the mangrove forests shine like distant constellations as thousands of fireflies light up the surroundings. This is a perfect place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Monday, August 15, 2016

The Monkeys of Ubud

Monkey Forest Ubud Bali

The Bali adventure wouldn't be complete without visiting The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. I never had close encounters with numerous troops (group of monkeys) until recently in Batu Caves and Uluwatu Temple. Despite their obnoxious behavior, these animals are considered sacred in the island's religion. The Monkey Forest of Ubud has numerous temples and pillars dedicated to them.

Out of curiosity, I channeled my inner monkeyness (Merriam-Webster's furious right now because lately, I've been inventing words) and mustered enough courage to interview some of the inhabitants of the sacred forest.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Exploring Kuta Beach and Uluwatu Temple



Our plane took-off at exactly four in the morning and I fell asleep ten minutes after. The next thing I knew, the sun was already up and we were already banking to the right, preparing to land in Bali, Indonesia. Honestly, I kept my expectations low as I didn't know what was in store for us in the next three days!

Monday, August 8, 2016

My Offload Experience with Cebu Pacific




Disclaimer: Before anything else, this is not a rant post about the airline. Rather, this experience was actually the highlight of my recent trip in Bali, Indonesia!

We were scheduled to fly back to Manila from Denpasar at around 8:45AM. Since our hotel is conveniently located right in front of Denspasar's Ngurah Rai International Airport, we left our hotel at quarter to seven in the morning. Besides, we have already checked-in online, so we were pretty much confident with the check-in procedure. The process was quite slow but we didn't care. Besides, we're flying home.

The moment we presented our passports at the check-in counter, we received a disheartening news from the airport ground staff.

Sunday, August 7, 2016

The Bali Adventure: Overview

Exploring Bali, Indonesia

It's been a week since my Balinese adventure and yes, I still can't get over with it. If only I had all the time in the world, I'd spend at least two to three weeks just to explore the entire province and its neighboring islands! I celebrated my 26th birthday here and I really had a great time in Bali. For four days, we went temple hopping, shopped at several local handicraft stores, and immersed in Hindu culture and traditions of the island.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

The Davao Pub Crawl Experience



Years ago, the local city council of Davao amended the ordinance no. 1627, series of 1994. This particular city ordinance states that drinking, selling, serving, and consumption of liquors and alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited from 1am to 8am. For some who aren't from Davao, this is a bummer. How can a big metropolitan city like Davao have this kind of silly law?

Believe it or not, I just had my first pub crawl experience not in Manila or Cebu, but in Davao.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

12 Unique Things to Do While Traveling Around the UK



If you have decided to take a trip across the UK, there are some obvious attractions that you would be almost expected to visit. The London Eye, Brighton Pier and Chester Zoo all offer great days out, but there are hundreds of unique and quirky alternatives to keep you busy.  To give you a helping hand, we’ve rounded up twelve of our favorite things for you to try.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

President Duterte's Favorite: Sana's Carinderia



If you're an avid fan of House of Cards like me, you'll notice that Frank Underwood frequents Freddy's BBQ Joint. Aside from sarcasm and grave threats, he eats a huge slab of mouthwatering barbecue ribs for breakfast. He usually goes there before the restaurant opens, and Freddy cooks it for free! Sometimes, Freddy delivers the barbecue ribs to Frank's office at the White House. Frank's daily routine continued until it finally closed down at the end of the second season (the same season when Frank became the POTUS).

Here in Davao City, we have the same story to tell.

Day 4 of DFAT 2016



Three days of nonstop eating was not a joke. On top of that, we drank lots of booze as if there's no tomorrow. It seemed toxic but we're actually having the time of our lives - spending quality time with old and new blogger friends over delectable dishes of Davao with booze.

And with that, we started our day right by eating and drinking healthy.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Day 3 of DFAT 2016



The fun didn't stop at Primo Cafe.


I do not know with the others but I had a bit of a hungover from last night's pub crawl. I think I drank too much of Budweiser and mojito (by the way, it's really delicious). Good thing, the first stop of DFAT was BluGre Coffee, Davao's homegrown coffee shop.

Monday, July 11, 2016

Day 2 of DFAT 2016



And the oinkfest continues.

Chez Nous

The second day of DFAT 2016 was made even more exciting as we continued our gastronomic adventure at Chez Nous (pronounced as shey-nou), formerly known as Chippen’s Cafe. It is a charming and cozy cafe restaurant that serves international fusion cuisine (that’s the new trend in food these days).

Friday, July 8, 2016

Day 1 of DFAT 2016



I will never regret joining food tours, especially DFAT (Davao Food Appreciation Tour). Aside from the fact that I don't get fat easily even if I eat a lot (LOL #blessed #bitokon), Davao's food scene has a LOT to offer. More so, this is the newly elected President's crib! Through the years, Davao's gastronomic avenue has grown so much that four days of oinkfest wasn't enough to cover the entire city. Let's take a look on what really happened during the first day of DFAT 2016.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

How To Apply for Taiwan Tourist Visa



Taiwan is an island country off the northern coast of the Philippines. It is only an hour and a half away by plane from Manila but unlike other Asian countries, Taiwan (Republic of China) requires Filipinos to have a valid visa before entering their territory.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

DFAT 2016: An Overview



It's the time of the year again when bloggers across the country gather in Davao to discover and appreciate the city's growing food scene. On its ninth installation, the search for Davao's best continues as we enjoy good food while catching up with old blogger friends and establishing connections with the new ones.

As of this writing, I still can't get over with it because it was one of the best DFAT I've ever attended as a participant. Haha! Arise, gluttons! Your diet plans will fail you because of this!

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Photo Diary: Vietnam



Vietnam will always have a special place in my heart. It all started with my penchant for Miss Saigon. I would always listen to all of its songs whenever I'm bored and I got more curious about this country after studying its history back in high school and college (see, I was really a nerd). Two years ago, I got the chance to visit Vietnam twice on the same period. I was in awe. Saigon is beautiful. It's actually a beautiful mess - motorcyclists who were ready to bend traffic rules, buildings haphazardly built in the central district of the city, and huge sequoias beautifully lined up along the city's narrow streets and public parks.

Okay, I'll just keep this short, Here's my Vietnamese photo diary. Places visited: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), and Mui Ne. I am hoping to explore Hanoi, Hue, and Da Nang in the near future.

Photo Diary: MNL, PH



There is something about Manila. As much as I hate experiencing its notorious gridlock traffic, I will always keep on coming back to Manila. Heck, I wasn't even born and raised there! My recent trip in Manila wasn't really part of my original plan but, yeah, you figured it already. Talking about spontaneity.

Friday, June 17, 2016

The Necessary Ski Gear for Any Wannabe Professional



As with any sport, you need the right gear if you want to practice it safety and correctly. Skiing is no different and if you’re thinking about hitting the slopes anytime soon, you’ll need to be outfitted correctly. Would Batman fight the Joker without his suit? No. Will you tackle the Matterhorn without your helmet? No, you will not. Here’s what you’ll need.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

10 Telltale Signs You’re Actually a Davaoeño

Believe it or not, this paradise is only 15 minutes away from Davao by boat.
See also: Another unrelated cover photo but this looks beautiful.

Everywhere you go, you’ll encounter this formidable creature *ahem*. Well for one, you won’t notice that they’re around until they start talking about their preferences in food or anything about their local pop culture. If you’re unsure you’ve met one, here are the 10 signs that your officemates, housemates, or your friends are from Davao. Or maybe you're starting to become one.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Photo Diary: Wonderful Indonesia


I'm itching to travel again and I can no longer contain my excitement for my upcoming birthday trip! And for my photo diary series, I'm going to feature our neighboring archipelagic country - Indonesia. This country is more than just a chain of active stratovolcanoes with exotic animal and plant species thriving around it. Like the Philippines, it is home to millions of multicultural communities, historical architectures, local languages, and local cuisines. Last year, I explored Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor, and Yogyakarta.

Here are some of photos that I truly love from my Indonesian adventure last year. Weapon of choice: Canon EOS 1100D.