Q&A: What I've Been Up To Lately

Hey, y'all! Since it's my day off, I'm going to answer a few queries about traveling. Actually, I was planning to make a video blog about it, but I realized it's more complicated and time-consuming to edit and render videos than just to write a blog post. Haha!

Here we go!

How's your #30BeforeThirty project?

Uhm, eto, wait... HAHAHAHA. My pamilee is da most important persons in my layp. Thank you.

HAHA! Kidding aside, I'm halfway done with my personal project. I'm on my way to my 15th country this year, but I only have less than four years to finish it. Regardless of the result, I'd still consider this project a success. I've learned a lot of lessons on the road, and it somehow made me a better person. Completing thirty countries before I turn thirty is just a bonus. Don't worry, I'll still work hard to meet my personal goal if time and work, and leave credits permit.

What camera do you use?

I just recently bought my Canon EOS M10 last month. It's an entry point level of mirrorless DSLR. I have been a DSLR user for six years already, and since I am venturing to video blogging this year, shooting videos using a DSLR can be quite challenging. The Canon EOS M10 is just perfect for my travels and video shoots. It's relatively powerful, capable of transferring files through Wi-Fi, and above all, it's lightweight.

What app/s do you use for editing videos and photos?

For quick edits, I use Afterlight (I bought this app for only PHP 49). Their filters look great. When I use my laptop, I edit my photos using Adobe Photoshop CC 2014. There are several presets that are free to download online. For my video blogs, I use iMovie and Final Cut Pro X. It's very easy to use. All you have to do is drag your video and sound clips to the timeline, do some tweaks for the transitions, and you are good to go.

Name the top five cities abroad that you absolutely love.

Tough question. Hmmm. Well, here we go!

5) Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat, the largest religious moment in the world. It is also one of the UNESCO heritage sites in the world. The city is small and primitive in some ways, but I really love its character. The locals are all accommodating.

4) Bali, Indonesia

I spent my 26th birthday here. Bali is different from other Indonesian cities - from its culture, the food, and the temperament of the locals. I won't bother visiting Bali over and over again. No one gets tired of visiting this beautiful Indonesian island because there are so many things to do here in the first place!

3) Singapore

This is my closest first-world destination. This is the only place in southeast Asia where everything is organized, almost spotless, and easy to navigate to around. The only drawback in Singapore: It's quite expensive.

2) Taipei, Taiwan

Ah, Taiwan. Where do I start? Hmmm. This is one of the most underrated destinations I've visited in Asia. I did not expect that Taiwan is a beautiful country to explore. Despite being a small island nation, there are endless ways to experience Taiwan. I suggest watching my Taiwan video blog and read my posts about my recent trip to Taiwan. I've been there twice, and the country never fails to amaze me. Taiwan it that way. Tell me why? Ain't Taipei but a heartbreak!

1) Tokyo, Japan

Prior my trip to Tokyo, I have already high expectations about it. When I went there, the place itself even exceeded my expectations. Despite its ultra modern lifestyle, Tokyo still retains its charm. I really love how they restore and preserve their heritage. Like Singapore, everything in Tokyo is expensive, but I tell you this: IT'S WORTH EVERY PENNY!

What was the most expensive city you've visited so far?

Tokyo, Japan.

How about the cheapest city you've visited?

It's a tie between Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Your US Dollars will go a very, very long way.

Name three countries that have the best street food.

3) Bangkok, Thailand. Don't miss their pad thais and milk tea.

2) Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam. My personal favorites: Pho Noodles (with lots of Sriracha sauce), Milk Coffee, and Bahn Mi.

1) Taipei, Taiwan. Taipei is best known for its street foods. When in Taipei, don't forget to try their stinky tofu, hotpot meals, candied strawberries, xiao long bao, dumplings, custard pies, and a whole lot more. Your trip to Taipei is not complete without visiting their night markets.

Name three of the best and worst airports you have visited.

My top three best airports that I've been so far, in no particular order: Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali, Indonesia), Changi International Airport (Singapore), and Seoul-Incheon International Airport.

My top three worst airports that I've been to, in no particular order: Adisucipto International Airport (Yogyakarta, Indonesia), Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta, Indonesia), and Siem Reap International Airport (Siem Reap, Cambodia).

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If you have more questions about traveling, tips, tricks, and everything in between, hit me up on Twitter (@renzybenzy), or Instagram (@rmbulseco).