The Sand, and the Waves, and You and Me

Life is Here.

The last time I went to the beach was two years. Say what? TWO FREAKIN' YEARS?! That's quite long considering that I live in an archipelagic state. If I were in Mongolia or any countries in Central Asia, going to the beach at least once a year is considered a big blessing. Due to my busy work schedule, I wasn't able to visit any beaches near my area (ehem ehem).

I know, such a bummer!

(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.

3 Festivals Worth Seeing During ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2014’

In 1990, Malaysia saw an annual increase of nearly 3 million tourists — results of its recently debuted campaign, Visit Malaysia Year (VMY). Intending to draw tourist attention to the distant Asian land, the country labeled an endangered species as its mascot and fervently broadcasted its planned events, highlighting festivals and exhibitions to catch an interested eye. The campaign was a wild success and the country went on to host two more VMY campaigns, one in 1994, and the other in 2007, each better than the last.

If asked, would travelers say it was the colorful festivals, natural wonders or cultural heritage that drew them in and effectively made Malaysia the tenth most visited country in the world?

Now, some 6 years later, the country is at it again. Set to launch Jan. 1, “Celebrating Malaysia… Truly Asia” beckons to travelers: Are you ready?

Calle Z: Tacloban's Homegrown Favorite

Calle Z Café

During my day-off, I tend to become unproductive. I'm that type of person who just stays inside, doing nothing but to eat and sleep all day. Since it's the last day of my day-off, I decided to break this sedentary lifestyle of mine and eat something from Jollibee. It's been weeks since the last time I ate Chicken Joy!

Uhhh, no. Truth is, I just want to get out of the control tower and explore a bit of downtown Tacloban.

After the 20-minute jeepney ride, I went inside and discovered that the lines were long. There were no seats available during that time. Of course. Lunch time. Add the fact that it's the only Jollibee branch in the whole city. What are you expecting, Renz? While waiting, the attendant asked for my orders. After that, she gave me a piece of paper and waited for my turn. Three minutes later, I went outside and ditched my original plan. I was like, "There's more to life than Jollibee's Chicken Joy!". I've been staying here in Tacloban for almost two months already yet the only restaurant I know here is Jollibee! Sucks to be me.

I suddenly remembered Glen's Facebook post about Calle Z. According to his post, the restaurant is famous for their Bulalo. Mmmm. So I asked kuya trike driver about the restaurant's location (Foursquare told me that it's somewhere near Real Street, but locals > app).

Me: (with my faux Waray accent) Mano, maupay na kulop. Hain ang Calle Z?

Manong: Huh? Calle Z?

Me: (Trying to construct a Waray sentence, but it seemed that my Waray skills had failed me this time) Uhm, sikat po sila sa kanilang Bulalo. Pwede po bang pahatid doon?

Manong: (Sensing that I'm just a poser) Ahhh! Calle Zaragoza! Nakikita mo ba yung dilaw na building? Doon yun. Tapos may traffic light sa intersection. Kaliwa ka lang. Nandoon lang yun! Malapit lang.

Me: Ah okay, salamat po!

I followed his instructions, hoping that he was right. I have yet to prove that locals > app.

FEATURED: #Wanderer Series

Hey guys! How's summer treating you? Well, I have been busy for a while. You know, I need to prepare my mind for the upcoming exams for my Aerodrome rating here in Tacloban Control Tower/Approach Facility and I'm feeling excited and nervous at the same time!

In the mean time, I got featured in an international travel blog! Haha! Surprise, surprise! Neeko has been a good blogger friend of mine for quite some time and it was so nice to him to have me featured on his #WANDERE Series. The #WANDERER project collects travellers’ perspectives from around the world. With his permission (thanks mate!), here's the complete post.

A Flight to Remember: AME4542

Fuerza Aerea Española

Weeks ago, we received a note coming from the Spanish Government. The Foreign Minister of Spain along with his cohorts will be visiting Tacloban City for one day, utilizing the Spanish Airforce's Airbus A310. That note didn't really catch my attention until the day of its arrival. Heck, I did not expect that I'd be the one who would handle this aircraft - from giving initial instructions during its initial descend up to its landing clearance.

It was such an honor to handle this VIP flight. Indeed, it was a first in my career as an Air Traffic Controller. And with that, my experience got even featured here! Thanks Darryl for the feature! Great write-up!

Now here's the article, lifted from the blog of Philippine Flight Network:

Travel Goal: The #30BeforeThirty Project

I have made a travel bucket list a few months ago and one item goes like this: visit thirty countries before turning thirty. I got this idea from Patty Laurel's blog when I was still in college. At first, the idea seemed farfetched due to lack of resources. Back then, I thought traveling was only exclusive for the rich and famous. But since I already have a job that pays really well, and thanks to the occasional promo fares of some airlines, I might give it a try. I am turning 24 this year and I only have six years before finishing this goal. Procrastination at its best! I have only visited two countries so far namely Singapore, and Malaysia.

Well, I guess I have to start planning my grand trip before I turn thirty and grumpy!

The Singapore Diaries: Epilogue

The Finest Country

February 12, 5:25PM

My journey started in Plaridel Airport, Bulacan. My flight was scheduled to leave Manila at around 5:30AM the following day. Luck has been on my side when I saw a bus bound for Pasay City. That would be less stressful since it's nearer to the airport. The rush hour traffic wasn't really bad too! Since I have eight hours to kill in NAIA Terminal 2, I did some catch-ups with my closest friends, scored more than a hundred fifty in Flappy Bird and reconfirmed my ticket.

I tried to sleep, but I couldn't. As the schedule of my flight drew nearer, I couldn't help but to feel excited and nervous at the same time. It seemed that all known species of butterflies and birds were fluttering inside my stomach. Traveling abroad in the Philippines is considered taboo to some especially in a country ruled by strict yet unnecessary immigration rules and processes. At three in the morning, I met up with my travel buddy, paid the terminal fee and passed the immigration process.

Little did I know that my second international trip would be a blast.