A Glimpse of Guiuan, Eastern Samar

Guiuan, Eastern Samar

Last month, I got a message from my senior. She told me that I was one of those people from the tower who will be sent to Guiuan, Eastern Samar for a special assignment: To facilitate the take-off and landing of Kalayaan One (the callsign of PNoy's flight).

With only a limited time, I immediately packed my things and off we went to the easternmost province of Visayas.

The Much-Awaited Tagaytay Adventure

12th of January, 2014

After the grand announcement of our place of assignments, my batch mates decided to bond for the last time before reporting to our respective facilities tomorrow (huhuhu #SeparationAnxiety). 30 new ATCs (too bad, not all of us didn't attend this grand getaway... we're 53 by the way) of the country invaded Tagaytay!

Not to mention that almost all of us were Tagaytay virgins. Oops.

Why You Should Road Trip Instead of Flying

Road trips over flying the plane.

While flying in an airplane to get to a destination can save you on time, taking a road trip is a viable option for those who have a bit of extra time to spend. Better yet, the road will provide you with certain advantages that a flight will never give you. Here are some reasons why you should road trip instead of flying.

Skip The Airport Process - All in all, the process of getting a flight can be a terrible experience. First of all, you have to pay a load of money way in advance for a ticket. But what if you want to simply go on a spur of the moment adventure this weekend? Then you’re going to have to pay even more just to go. A road trip doesn’t require all that planning and you can live as spontaneously as you’d like. Furthermore, going through security and checking your bags is a stressful pain at the best of times, especially if they get lost. But when you hop in your car and go, you don’t have to worry about any of that. Save yourself money and headaches, with road trips instead of airplanes. And if you are in any doubt that airports are stressful, a 2011 report called them ‘more stressful than moving house’.

Throwback Thursday: First Travel Experience

I miss college!

While reading some posts of this blog, I came across with some of my field trip photos back in college. I couldn't help but smile. Awwww.

For those who are still unaware about my "awesome" life, I am a BS Biology graduate and I took Ecology as my major but took a few elective subjects from the field of Cell and Molecular Bio. One of the mandatory things that a Bio major should comply is to conduct field works, especially in selected Ecology subjects. Despite the fact that my current work is not related to my college degree (Air Traffic Service and Biology? How's that!), I still did not regret of spending my four years in college just to study all aspects of life - from Virology to the entire Biosphere. Biology had indeed brought me to different places in Mindanao. It was one of the best days of my life.

Best Waterfalls To See

Tinago Falls of Iligan City

A trip or vacation to the Philippines is incomplete without taking a dip at its finest and most majestic waterfalls. Apparently, the Philippines is not just about powdery white sand beaches, as the entire archipelago also offers an overwhelming number of alluring and breathtaking waterfalls. If you have not been to any of these alluring and enchanting waterfalls, now is the time to get airline tickets from Airphil Express, and explore the country's hidden gems and natural wonders.

Road Trip: Northern Mindanao

One of the requirements of becoming an Air Traffic Controller here in the Philippines is to take their qualifying exam; much like a college entrance exam. But unfortunately, Davao was not chosen as one of the exam venues. Cagayan de Oro was the nearest one. Thus, I had no choice but to travel all the way to the City of Golden Friendship together with my supportive parents.

A Quick Visit to Baguio City and La Trinidad

Baguio City, as well as La Trinidad, Benguet, has never been part of my itinerary for my first ever solo trip (which eventually became unsuccessful). I was actually planning to explore Alaminos, Bolinao and some parts of La Union. But because Mean had to visit Baguio for her job interview, I decided to just tag along. And besides, I have never been to Baguio and La Trinidad.

From Dagupan City, it took us two and a half hours before reaching the summer capital of the Philippines.

Here are some of my collected thoughts after visiting the City of Pines.

Touring Siquijor Island

Aside from the pristine white sand beach of Salagdoong and a comfy hideout at End of the World Guesthouse, Siquijor has a lot of places to offer for tourists.

Beautiful Siquijor

Snapshots from the Road (Mindanao Version)

Road trips may be tiresome to others but for me, it's the opposite. Whenever we have road trips, I always make sure that I don’t fall asleep as I would not want to miss seeing the beautiful landscapes of a particular area whilst listening to my favorite road trip playlists.

These are some of my favorite photos taken from my previous road trips in Mindanao.

Road Trip: Kidapawan, North Cotabato

Waking up is always the hardest thing to do. For me, it's a TORTURE!

These were the first few words I've heard when I woke up from my deep slumber (man it was the best sleep I've ever had) last Friday:

"Oh ano? Iwan ka nalang dito o sasama ka sa amin sa Kidapawan?"

What an awesome 'good morning' greeting. Yeah, and because I don't want to get stuck in our home together with our three noisy and forever hungry dogs, I groggily replied, "Opooooo sasaaamaaaa akoooo." I felt like a zombie that had gone back to life... back, back to life!

Road Trip to Dadiangas

Because a blogging event got cancelled due to personal reasons, I decided to tag along with mom and dad.

Destination: General Santos City.