Thank you, 2019

2020 is just around the corner, and I am grateful for all the things I've experienced this year. When it comes to my travels, 2019 is probably my most traveled year yet. It seems that every year, I'd try to exceed what I have achieved from the previous years. It's not that I'm in a hurry or in a contest, but I just grabbed the opportunity because they rarely come these days.

Anyway, I won't keep this long. Let's go back and relive the travel highlights of my 2019.

Journey to Halong Bay, Vietnam

It was one crisp morning when we left the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Aboard the bus, everyone has a hard time to hide their excitement. For the next four hours, we journeyed our way to the northeast part of Vietnam and explored the wonders of the emerald waters of Halong Bay.

Legend says that not too long ago, Vietnam was under war, and they had to ward off the invaders. To help the fighters, the gods sent the dragons. The dragons, possessing some magical powers, began spitting out jewels and jade. These precious stones then became islands and islets, linking with one another to form a wall of defense against the invaders. Several rocky mountains suddenly sprung underneath the emerald sea, causing the invader's ships to sink. The dragons decided to dwell on our world after winning the battle. The mother dragon was later named as Ha Long.

The Charming City of Hanoi, Vietnam

The moment I sat down on my assigned seat, I immediately fell asleep. Our flight took off minutes before five in the morning. I was seated at the window seat, and I thought of waiting for the sunrise at 36,000 feet above sea level. But no, sleep prevailed, and the next thing I knew, we were already on our final approach to Hanoi's Noi Ban International Airport. The queue to immigration and customs weren't that bad. However, it took me a while to realize that our hotel driver was already waiting for us outside the arrival hall! I should've gone there after claiming my local sim card. My bad, my bad.

Autumn in Tokyo: The Long Wait Is Over

I know, I know. I hate to write this sentence as an opener of my blog entry, but here goes nothing: It's been a while since the last time I updated this post. I felt like I was still in high school, feeling apologetic for not updating my blog regularly.

Eight Glasses of Beer

My friend and I went on a road trip and explored the towns of Bendigo, Echuca, and Ararat in the state of Victoria. These towns are at least several hundred kilometers away from Melbourne. They're so far that only a few foreign tourists know about these places–including me. Before this trip, he told me that life in the Australian countryside is so different from the big cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Aside from having a more relaxed environment and a laidback lifestyle, the locals are friendlier and love engaging in small talks.

We made a quick stop at Bendigo for a quick lunch before driving further north to the town of Echuca. Located near the border of Victoria and New South Wales, Echuca is an idyllic town. Rustic cabins and old but restored buildings no taller than three floors line up the town's commercial district. The place reminded me of a scene straight from an American Midwest film from the 80s, albeit the cowboys, tumbleweed caught in the desert wind, and guns. The shops close as early as six in the evening, and the only shops open for the rest of the night are pubs and Maccas.

Vivid Sydney 2019

I hate to write this, but it's been a while since the last time I updated this blog. Apologies, but I was too preoccupied about a lot of things lately–my plans for next year, new work environment, and a whole lot more. I was feeling anxious that I've lost my writing mojo. So not me. But I just realized that I am too blessed to be stressed! Last May, my mom and I went to Sydney, Australia. My fourth time, her first time. Thus, I became her tour guide.

Group Tour at Seoul, South Korea

The plane banked to the right as it prepares for its final approach. It was 7:30 in the evening and the twilight sky glowed propitiously. As we cleared the clouds, the entire expanse of Seoul spread below us. The world suddenly felt wide and open that I wanted to jump and taste freedom. The city lights started to glitter just like stars dropping to earth. Buildings big and small collided in a mixture of light, shadow, and geometry. Tiny vehicles rushing along tangled lines of streets and avenues creating twisting threads of lights–they all intertwined together in a magnificent mess of dream. I sighed, amazed at the view laid out before me.

Winter in Niagara Falls, Ontario

The sun didn't show up. My aunt told me that she would pick me up at past 7 AM. Thankfully, she showed up on time, and I was very excited to visit Niagara Falls. The steady and soft drops of rain started to fall from a sky of gray velvet. It softly hit the car windows as we drove south of Toronto. Despite the weather, the rain calms me.

The Adventure to the True Great North

Toronto skyline during sunset.

Traveling to Toronto was challenging to begin with. From the tourist visa hiccups to every traveler's nightmare named jet lag, It's hard to comprehend that this trip had finally become a reality. Back home, everything was green and cerulean. Here, it's all white, gray, and overcast. As the plane touched down Pearson International Airport's runway, I couldn't help but smile.

After almost 24 hours of flight and transit, I am finally on the other side of the world.

Winter Wonderland at Montréal, Quebec

The first time I experienced winter, I fell in love with it. It was love at first sight despite the biting cold and the occasional runny nose. The moment I went outside the terminal building of Pearson Airport, the cold wind struck without warning. I know it was almost March, but Spring wasn't around the corner yet. Canadian winters are known to last until May! Since my friend and I were itching for a new adventure, we decided to take a road trip up north to Montréal, Quebec!

6 Flourishing Provinces That Remain a Stronghold of the Filipino Culture

The Philippine archipelago is blessed with a cornucopia of fascinating wonders that seem to never run out. Aside from the globally known destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu, the rest of the Philippines promises a heartwarming experience in every province you go. With its rich wonderful culture and the kind gracious people, the country really leaves a mark in every traveler’s heart. 

If you want to experience more of the Philippines, here’s a list of provinces with exciting new developments and boasts true Filipino culture for you to discover. 

Hidden Gems Arising: New Philippine Destinations Worth Visiting

With a staggering 7,107 islands, the Philippines is undoubtedly packed with extraordinary destinations that would surely leave you in awe. And every month, newly discovered gems are frolicking all over the internet, inspiring travelers to see more of the astonishing beauty the county has to offer. 

Take note of these newest attractions that rightfully deserve a spot in your bucket list. 

Tried and Tested Tricks For Cheap Travel

Traveling may seem to be an expensive and luxurious hobby. But then why are there thousands of travelers who never seem to stop? It only means they do traveling very differently, they travel cheap, but still, create a fulfilling travel experience.

Don’t let money stop you from traveling. With the right tricks and mindset, travel is possible without breaking the bank. Here are a few of the tried and tested tips for budget travel you have to start doing now. Happy travels!

Why Your Travel Experience Should Start Online

The internet has changed everything about how we go about day to day life in today’s society and has opened up a whole new world of exciting services that can help us when getting things done, including planning an entire trip. Years ago, many backpackers would have just hopped on a plane with a map and no idea where they were going to go. While this would give you quite the experience, you can make things a lot easier nowadays for yourself and your worried mom at home thinking about you.

How I Dealt With My First Tourist Visa Rejection

I was overjoyed ever since I got my first tourist visa (Taiwan Visa) three years ago. For those who didn't know, the Philippine passport is not the strongest or weakest in the world - just right in the middle. After my first trip to Taiwan, I went to Japan, Korea, and Australia without encountering any problems with my visa applications. These countries granted me a multiple-entry visa in less than a week! With that, I grew complacent. Around November last year, I booked a roundtrip ticket from Davao to Toronto via Manila without securing a valid tourist visa first. I took the risk, but I still believe it won't be that hard since I already did this from my previous trips to Japan and Australia.

Little did I know that my overconfidence almost burned my upcoming Canadian trip to smithereens.

4 Enticing Philippine Destinations For You To Book This Summer

The Philippines is not only well known for its breathtaking beaches and beautiful landscapes but also for its amazingly rich culture and history, making it always the best place to spend a vacation.

With summer fast approaching, it’s smart to start planning on where to spend your summer getaways. Whether you only got a weekend to spare or a month-long rejuvenation, you can always find a place to explore, recharge, and learn new things about the country. After all, that’s what traveling is all about.

To kick-start your planning session, here’s a list of fascinating spots and historical places in the Philippines you should visit this summer.

Travel Essential: ZenFone Max Pro M2

In this day and age, smartphones are getting more powerful than ever, be in power, camera, or storage. Since the rise of smartphones, sharing contents online has never been the same, a game-changer in social media. Most millennials would always share their precious moments online, that's why it is paramount to have a piece of better equipment. But to have the best of the best, the cream of the crop, one must shell out heaps of money.

Worry not, my dear reader. Today, smartphones with powerful specs are more affordable than ever! Exhibit A: ZenFone Max Pro 2.

Dreaming of Osaka

Osaka is not your ordinary Japanese city. While it is one of the most important cities in Japan, Osaka enjoys a more laidback setting compared to Tokyo, or even Nagoya.

Singapore Airlines Economy Class Flight Review: Davao to Melbourne

For years, Singapore Airlines has always been on top of its game.

Months ago, it was named as 'World's Best Airline' in Skytrax's World Airline Awards. It also bagged three awards in other categories in the annual airline quality rankings namely World's Best First Class, Best Airline in Asia, and Best First Class Airline Seat.

With best services come at a hefty price. On average, a regular economy roundtrip ticket from Davao to Melbourne with a brief stopover in Singapore costs at least USD1,200. For a middle-class working millennial who loves to travel, that's too much! While Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have flights to Melbourne, Singapore Airlines is the most luxurious choice. That's why I immediately booked a flight with them when they had a seat sale last April. My roundtrip ticket to Melbourne only costs for USD550!

The last time I flew SIA was last February 2018. The services were great, although a shorter flight (MNL-SIN-KUL).

Read on as I experience flying with the World's Best Airline.