7 Life Lessons I Learned in 2014

Leaving the footprints behind, and creating new ones as we move forward.

Now, where do I begin?

For years, I have been asking myself what do I really want in this world, and which one's really better: the road traveled by many or the road less traveled. The year 2014 is not just about a story about how I made bold decisions and taking the less familiar route, but it is about how I fell and stumbled along the way, lost a number of significant things, and picked myself up.

Truth is, 2014 had made me more resilient and more prepared as I continued my journey on this road less traveled.

The White House Dining Experience

Nom nom nom.

For some, it was just an ordinary night. But for the Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2014 participants, it was a night to remember. We were all gathered in a dimly lit room, seated at a long table like King Arthur and his men. But, instead of planning for our next fight, we were there for one important mission: to eat as if there's no tomorrow.

The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge apparently knew our weakness - FOOD.

(DAY 1) Gastronomic Adventure: Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2014

Ceviche!

I used to be an organizer of this gluttonous event in Davao. I admit it wasn't easy but the experience was fun nonetheless. Last year, I didn't attend the event due to my busy schedule. This year, I didn't let it pass and decided to join as a participant. I was really looking forward to be part of this food tour since the line up of this year's food tour was new.

And besides, I really miss everything about Davao - the people, the food, the culture, and its laidback lifestyle.

Of Living and Working In Metro Manila

Makati City, Philippines

I used to wake up at five in the morning, braved the running, cold water from the shower and occasionally fought indolence. There was no time for breakfast because I have to leave the house at around quarter to six to catch up the early ride to my work station. A carton of milk and a bite of biscuit was already enough, or so I thought. And as always, the 6AM traffic jam is always unbearable most especially on weekdays. It seemed like people magically come out of nowhere and instantly fill the jeeps, taxis, and buses. And by the time I finish my work, I'd go home and experience the same stress ALL OVER AGAIN.

That's how I'd like to describe my life in Metro Manila and I didn't expect that I'd survive that way of life for almost two years!

Ramen Party at Kichitora of Tokyo

Ramen Night!

Eating noodles (or let me just write 'ramen', for fancy writing purpose) for lunch or dinner is not really my thing because the only people who do that are those who are sick and require urgent TLC - no, not the tomato-lettuce-catsup, but Tender-Loving-Care. Lol.

My good old friend (yes, emphasis on OLD) invited me on his post birthday celebration at a nearby ramen house in Glorietta 5. Quite a bit excited though because I am tired of eating the same food all over again whenever I'm home.

How To Turn Any Foreign Visit Into Home

Photo of a homestay outside of Jodhupur by travelwayoflife via Flickr

Visiting another country doesn't always mean you have to feel like a visitor. Thanks to sites like Airbnb and CouchSurfing, international homestays are helping travelers connect with the culture by blending in and living like a local.

Relationship with your Smartphone

Photo by: http://www.forharriet.com/2012/10/smart-phones-killed-dating.html

Do you ever stop and think, “Am I in a relationship with my phone?” Okay, not literally. But if you look around you, you’ll see more and more people engrossed in the little black boxes in their hands. At the mall, at a restaurant, at a bar, even at the movies - you can see people tapping away. Eventhough it could cost you a laptop such as iPhone 5 and BlackBerry Z10 price. And what are they doing? Updating Facebook, IM’ing with friends, and looking stuff up.

For many people, the relationship they have with their smartphone is kind of like one they would have with a significant other. They go out and appear absorbed by these gadgets’ every need and digital shout (beep!). Some people even sleep with their smartphone in their beds!

While things like internet addiction is becoming more and more recognized, you have to admit that smartphones can be just as addictive. This is especially true since the phone can allow you to access all sorts of addictive digital media, like social networking sites, unlimited television programs, and (dare I say it?) porn. And soon you find yourself missing out on real-life social interactions just to play with your phone. It can become so time-consuming that it can feel like a romantic relationship at times.

Yes, You Can Be a Germophobe and Enjoy Your Holiday - Here's How

With all the horror stories out there about hotels filled with bed bugs, hot tubs teeming with germs and restaurant meals causing food-borne illnesses, what's a germaphobe who wants to go on holiday to do? If you're hyper-vigilant about germs, you may think it's impossible to take a trip and relax without worrying about catching an odd parasite or dealing with pests. While no plan works 100 percent of the time, there are things you can do to minimize your risks.

The Best Careers for Adventure Junkies

Lovers of travel made the industry sing to the tune of $564 billion in 2011, according to USTravel.org. Although most of us enjoy the occasional foray to visit grandma or lay around on the beach, some of us crave more. What if you could make money traveling instead of being another part of a spendy statistic? You could experience the highs and lows that the world has to offer with the spirit of adventure blowing your sails onward. Or, you could pursue a career in one of these fields.

Feed Your Mind at The Mind Museum

Inside the geeky museum.

I cannot deny that I love science; it is one of the reasons why I took a degree in Biology back in college (don't ask why I didn't pursue a medical career, you already knew that). Ever since grade school and high school, science has been my favorite subject and I do remember one time back in third grade, my classmate and I had a heated argument about whether Mercury is the hottest planet in the solar system or not. It took us an hour inside the library to discuss about it. He thought that Mercury's the hottest while yours truly firmly believed it's Venus (naks palaban). Well.... Uhhhh.... that's adorkable, and at the same time, scary. Normal nine year old kids should be out, playing under the heat of the sun rather than discuss about the solar system!

I miss having heated debates related to science though because I only know a few people who are sooooo engrossed with it. But a visit to The Mind Museum last weekend brought me back to my first love. Ahhhh, those good ol' days.

It's The Final Countdown!

The Original Approachables

A lot of things had happened in the past few weeks, and this post is just an update about my not-so-awesome life outside my comfort zone. Heh!

 

Travel Essential: Smartphone

Photo by: thetechblock.com

Roughly three years ago, when the term "Smartphones" was new to me, I thought that it was unnecessary to own one, especially when you live in a third world country. I thought that touch screen phones were way too fancy for my taste, or a Wi-Fi/3G enabled phone was already too much for me. And besides I have a laptop. I could always go to a coffee shop or any Wi-Fi enabled shops for me to access the realm of internet. Or so I thought.

I never thought that I'd own one sooner than I thought and I really valued its importance.

 

For The Love Of Instagram (and other photo apps)

Follow me: @rmbulseco

It has been a year since I downloaded Instagram on my iPod Touch (which now belongs to my brother). There's so much hype about this app even up to this date. The interface is very simple: take a photo of anything that fancies you, apply a desired filter, then voila! You now have a "vintage-y grungy-ey looking-ey" photo. No need to post process photos on photoshop! Even the most mundane thing on earth, say a trash bin or a silly photo of you could turn into an extraordinary one with the help of the available filters.

Tips to Save on Small-Business Travel

From keeping track of expenses to taking advantage of hotel freebies, these tips can help you save money on business traveling.

The longer you wait to book your flight, the more expensive it will become. Understandably, some trips are last minute, but when you know in advance when you'll be taking a trip, plan accordingly. Businesspeople avoid winter months. Stay away from holiday weeks, such as Labor Day and President's Day.

Since airlines started charging for checked baggage, every passenger is allowed one carry-on and one additional bag for free, so when traveling (especially for a weekend trip) you can easily pack all the essentials and necessities into one bag. Trying to cram huge-sized carry-ons into tight overhead spaces will not help you when traveling for work so plan ahead.

My Gastronomic Adventure in the Philippines

I am a certified food junkie. Aside from visiting the must-see places as well as discovering the unexplored part of our country, I would always take note of the food that I eat. Food is the most important thing in traveling aside from accommodation. And because Philippines is a very diverse country, embarking on a gastronomic adventure is truly an exciting idea. First time travelers wouldn't know what's in store for them as they fly from one province to another.

Tokyo Tokyo Finally Invades Davao

I love Japanese food. Yes, I do, I really do! In fact, I would crave for Sushi, Sashimi and California Maki whenever I'm stressed. But usually here in Davao, Japanese restaurants are too expensive. But, I shouldn't worry about it now because Tokyo Tokyo, the country's number one Japanese fast food chain is now here in Davao!

Fiesta Dabaw Native Restaurant

And for the final leg of the Sooo Pinoy Davao Food Trip, we went to the food court of Gaisano Mall of Davao and ate at Fiesta Dabaw, a native restaurant that serves native Filipino delicacies.

Tuna Overload at Yellow Fin

Yellow Fin has been around Davao for a long time. I do remember eating their when I was still young. This restaurant serves delicious Filipino cuisine. And for our second to the last stop of the Sooo Pinoy Davao Food Trip leg, we visited their Quimpo Boulevard branch and tried some of the local dishes.

Chippens: Delicious Buffet at the Heart of Davao

Try their Buko Pandan!

After searching some valuable crafts of Mindanao at Aldevinco Shopping Center, satisfy your enormous appetite at Chippens Buffet Restaurant. Chippens is located at Roxas Avenue and it is only a few meters walk from Aldevinco Shopping Center. The restaurant is known for its buffet that offers a variety of dishes from appetizers to main courses and mouth-watering desserts.

Penong's: Barbecues, Unlimited Rice, and Etc.

When in Davao, you will notice that there are lots of barbecue restaurants within the city. I think Davaoeños really love everything that is charcoal grilled. But in Penong's, it's more than chicken and pork barbecues and unlimited rice!