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.

Of Long-Term Travel

The rough road.

I was browsing my social media accounts when I read this particular email. It goes like this:

Hi Renz!

I know you don't personally know me but I have read your travel blog for quite some time. I have one question for you though: Have you ever considered long-term traveling?

Now, here's my take about long-term traveling:

Audition: The Amazing Race Philippines Season 2

For those who didn't know, The Amazing Race has always been my favorite show and I'd always look forward to watch the upcoming seasons. I have always been a fan of this show since Season 3 (I was only 12 or 13 that time). Ten years later, the show still didn't fail to surprise me. The Amazing Race is still AMAZING - full of twists, unexpected results, and real drama.

For Filipinos, it is impossible to audition for this show because firstly, one has to be a US citizen. I believe it is still difficult to audition for The Amazing Race Asia if you're only a Philippine passport holder. Boom. But as years went by, more and more countries acquired a franchise of this show, and one of them is our beloved country, Philippines! Dreaming of becoming one of the contestants of the show is now possible.

Now, are you up for an adventure of a lifetime?

The Claude's Le Café De Ville Experience

Beautiful interiors of Claude's

On the second day of DFAT 2014, I skipped most of the restaurants during the day since my family and I were at Villa Mercedes, celebrating mom's birthday. Good thing, I had managed to squeeze my blogger duties at Claude's. I've been a resident of Davao for more than two decades already yet it's a shame that I haven't tried their authentic French and Mediterranean cuisine!

Hence, I took this opportunity to finally try Davao's premier and only full-service restaurant offering authentic French and Mediterranean cuisine.

The Jumpseat Experience: Inside the Cockpit of A330-300

Cleared for take-off.

Last May, I availed a free flight to Davao from Tacloban (via Manila) through our yearly DFR (Domestic Familiarization Route) privilege. For those who didn't know, Philippine Air Traffic Controllers are entitled to have two free domestic trips plus one emergency every year. Well, at least we have this cool privilege from giving air traffic services to airlines.

As a new ATC of the country, it was a humbling experience to be there.

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?