Year 2009 has been the best year of my life so far. It was so good to almost every aspect of my life — family, friends, love. The only thing that let me down was my health. I often found myself unable to enjoy the day with several gastro-intestinal disorders and, well, as usual, asthma and tonsilitis.

Another thing that almost spoiled the previous year for me was my failure to make it through the Foreign Service Oral Exams. I was devastated, I have to admit, because I planned my future around it. And when I learned I didn’t make it, I just needed to find an alternative route — reexamine myself and search for other things that I wanted and was good at and pursue one, or even more.

True enough, the situation opened several windows. Together with my friends, I set up a small marketing group. I also took my blogging a little more seriously and launched several blogs other than this.

But one thing that made 2009 so special was my many travel adventures. I’d always considered myself a well-traveled person having been to Benguet, Leyte, Palawan, Aurora, General Santos City, and many more. But 2009 proved to me that there was still so much to explore in this country. And this post is about the many memorable places that I visited in 2009. Here they go.

10. Tagaytay City

Well, Tagaytay has always been a favorite city. I love its climate, its landscape, and its proximity to Manila and to my house in Batangas. (Tagaytay is only 30-minute drive away from my mum’s house.) I’m a regular. But what made my visit to Tagaytay special this year had nothing to do with the destination nor does it involve the journey. It’s not where I went or how I got there. It’s whom I went with. And darn, Tagaytay just became the most romantic city on the planet.

9. Matabungkay, Batangas

Matabungkay has always had a special place in my heart. In August last year, I stepped on its sands again for the first time in three years and although I was glad to see its shore again, I was disappointed to find piles of garbage littered on it. I hope that when I go back, perhaps this year, I could see some improvement. Matabungkay is slowly losing what made it famous in the first place year after year.

(more…)

Do you know what they call sitaw in Ilocos? It’s utong. How about patola? They call it kabatiti. And tortang talong? It’s called puki-puki. Oh yeah, I’m serious here.

But their local names for vegetables aren’t the only things fascinating about Ilocos. And my recent trip to the region was a testament to how these twin provinces could blow anyone away. And I’m not just talking about the Bangui Wind Mills. Here are some pics I took with my point-and-shoot cam.

PAOAY CHURCH

The Paoay Church is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in my enter life. I’ve seen so many pictures of this magnificent landmark but I thought those pictures were lying. You know how sometimes pictures make places seem prettier than they actually are? I thought the Paoay Church was only picture perfect but boy was I so wrong. When I was standing there, looking at this wonder, I really thought no photo has given justice to it. I haven’t seen a picture that captures just how amazing this church is. It’s just so breathtaking.

The construction of this Gothic-Baroque-Oriental church started in 1694 by the Agustinian friars. A few meters away from the church stands a bell tower that is said to had been used by Katipuneros as an observation post during the Philippine-Spanish revolution.

During the 1865 and 1885 earthquakes, portions of this church were damaged. In 2000, an excavation inside the church revealed a prehistoric human skeleton and some fragmented ceramics, which are now on display at the National Museum. Currently, Paoay Church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

BANGUI WIND MILLS

You know what they say, every place has its element. (Yes, they say that.) They say Siquijor’s and Camiguin’s element is fire. Sagada is earth. And I strongly believe that Ilocos has to be air. The wind has such a strong presence in the region. If you don’t believe me, I’ll slap you with the Bangui windmills.

(more…)

I promised myself I wouldn’t go out of the country unless with a diplomatic passport. Not even the World Cup could make me break that vow.

But a FREE trip to Singapore was just too good to refuse. Heck, the keyword there isn’t even Singapore. Even if it was just a free trip to Binondo, I’d still take it. Free is all I need to forget everything else in the world.

So when Nuffnang sent me an email telling me I was a part of the Philippine delegation to the Asia Pacific Blog Awards in Singapore and that they would shoulder the fare, the accommodation and the tour, I was like “Screw the diplomatic dream, I’m going to Singapore!”

And so I went. Together with a bunch of bloggers from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Australia, we joined Singaporean bloggers to celebrate the best in Asia Pacific blogosphere. The next day, they took us on a tour around the city. It was one of the best experiences of my life. And it will surely be not forgotten. Thanks Nuffnang!

I’m sure you’re expecting me to narrate bit by bit what happened in Uniquely Singapore. I won’t be doing that. Not this time.

You might also be hoping I’d bombard this post with hundreds of pictures. Sorry to disappoint, I won’t be doing that, either. At least, not hundreds. Haha.

What I’m writing about in this blog post are the little things I noticed over the three days I spent in Singapore. Here they are:

10. Soap Bars

The first thing I did upon entering my Link Hotel room (along Tiong Bahru Road) was to check the bathroom. And the first thing I noticed was there was no soap bars. I’m not used to liquid body wash so I stormed out of the room to look for some. I first tried Cheers, a convenience store reminiscent of Mini-Stop near the hotel, but they didn’t have any. I walked an entire block to 7-11, where I finally found soap bars. There was only one brand of solid bath soap there and they were on a budget pack.

Later on, I found out that solid soap bars are an endangered species in Singapore. I was told people prefer liquid body wash over bath soap. Interesting.

9. Maya

There was a kind of bird that I see all over Singapore. I don’t know what it’s called but it’s black. It’s cute.

But while having lunch at a hawker center, Ramon Bautista (yes, THE Ramon Bautista. He’s a friend and a former college teacher), noticed something amusing on the floor. It’s a cute little brown bird — a tree sparrow, known in the Philippines as maya. I knew the Philippines and Singapore have so much in common since they both are ASEAN countries and are in the tropics. I expected I’d still see the flora and fauna we have here in Singapore. But seeing a maya was still something that blew me away. I know, I know, the tree sparrow is common in Asia and Europe but still, it felt good seeing a bird I see every day in my country.

It was the only maya I saw in Singapore in the three days I spent there.

8. Paper Table Napkins

Common food establishments don’t serve disposable paper table napkins. I learned about it when I asked for it and they told me it was for sale. At first, I was pissed but then I realized there was a good reason for it.

Why would I need disposable table napkins when I have a hankie handy? Why would I waste paper? I guess that’s the reason for it — they discourage people from using paper napkins for waste management. I appreciated that.

(more…)

Alright, I admit. There was a period of my life that I was so addicted to Farmville on Facebook. Sometimes, I’d even go an extra mile just to level up. My housemates would invite me to dinner and I’d respond with “Wait lang. Mag-a-ani lang ako.” It was fun. Harvesting my virtual crops was a fulfilling experience. I felt like my efforts paid off and I deserve all my Farmville cash.

But the moment it started to affect my life (I’d get up early in the morning just to harvest lest my super berries should wither), I made the painful decision of quitting. Sayang, I was on Level 28!

Farmville never entered my head again except for a few occasions when a friend would find an ugly duckling or a brown cow and I was being prompted to adopt them. As much as I’d like to collect chocolate milk, I just had much more important things to do, like, let’s say my job and my blogs.

The next time Farmville got alive in me was when Globe invited me and a couple of other blogger friends to join them on Bayan-Anihan! Globe works with Gawad Kalinga to push a food sufficiency program that aims to put food on Filipino’s tables. The end-result that they wanted was obvious in their cheer: “Goodbye Gutom!”

It was an opportunity I did not let pass. “This is it,” I thought. “Farmville in real life!”

We gathered at Globe Telecom Plaza at 4:30am. We were given a shirt, a towel, and a buri hat, which all proved useful. We arrived in Concepcion, Tarlac at around 9am and we were overwhelmed by the warm welcome the community gave us. Old women in their traditional Filipinana attire and children showing their smiles.

(more…)

When I was in Kindergarten, I once heard my teacher mention the word “Singapore.” At first, I didn’t know what it was. I thought it was a name for an animal or a fruit. But my innate curiosity pushed me to ask one of my neighbors what it was. What I got from her was not just an answer, explaining me that it was a beautiful place overseas, south of the Philippines. What I got was a dream — his dream, which later on became mine.

The truth is, I learned what Singapore was way before I learned the other parts of my own country. Since then, I’d always heard the word “Singapore” — from my parents, teachers, and family friends. And when they uttered the word Singapore, it was often accompanied by the words “beautiful,” “progressive,” “unique.”

Not just that, people had always used this tiny yet marvelous city as a benchmark for our country. When we came across a pile of garbage in our province, my mum would say, “Singapore is probably the cleanest country in the world.” Whenever my cousins and I would see people jaywalking and breaking traffic rules left and right in Manila, they’d say “They wouldn’t allow that in Singapore.” Even now that I’m all grown up, I still often hear Singapore as this country’s standard for almost everything — trade, business, waste management, urban planning.

I’ve never been out of the country but who could blame me if the first foreign city I’d like to set foot on is the first foreign land I had heard about when I was a kid — Singapore.

Take a look at my friend’s pictures taken when she was in Singapore:

Boy did that made me feel my ultimate sin was envy! Haha. My other friends and I have planned going to Singapore countless times but none of them pushed through for reasons ranging from financial to schedule. But now that I have this chance of finally seeing the unique city I’ve always dreamed of experiencing, make no mistake, I won’t let it pass without a good fight.

(more…)

Someone drowned in Matabungkay, Batangas last Sunday. But it seemed like that guy was not the only one that needed saving.

My better half and I spent the long weekend at a beach in my home province. We had grander plans actually — Palaui Island in Cagayan, Caramoan in Camarines Sur, Sagada in Mountain Province, Hundred Islands in Pangasinan — but his weird schedule made the holiday completely pointless. So we were forced to choose a beach that was close to the city.

Matabungkay in Lian, Batangas is indeed close to me. I’m not just talking about physical proximity but more importantly emotionally. I stayed there for two months when I managed an English camp for Korean grade school and college students in 2006 and we made wonderful memories and bond in that barangay. I was very familiar with the place and I thought it was time for Shy Guy to get immersed to the Batangan culture (since he’d never been to Batangas before the trip). Matabungkay was an easy choice. You see, memories, which needed revisiting, were littered on the sands of Matabungkay.

Apparently, it wasn’t just memories that were all over Matabungkay. Trashes, too. I wish I’m talking figuratively here.

It had been three years since I last visited the popular Batangas beach but a lot has changed. There was so much garbage lying on the sand and swimming with tourists. Seaweeds are a common sight in the area but what really ruined the place were plastic cups, glass bottles, aluminum foils, Lucky Me Pancit Canton wrappers… (Sorry, the brand got stuck in my head coz it’s my favorite and there were so much of them there.) It was really heartbreaking.

And yeah, someone drowned while we were swimming. I hope he was able to reach the hospital on time.

(more…)

The last time I visited Palawan before this trip was with officemates December last year. The destination was Puerto Princesa. Everything was so easy in the province’s capital. Walk, drive, boat, dock and then enjoy. We had a blast. That’s why when our company treated us to another trip to Palawan, I felt like saying “no” was a criminal offense. As if I would refuse an all-expense paid trip. Kahit dyan lang yan sa Malabon, basta libre, bring it on.

This time was a lot different, though. Coron offers not just a place of wonder but a place of wonder which challenges your strength, determination and sanity. Coron offers an adventure — the type that makes you yell “oh shit” in utter exhaustion and worrying while on journey. But once you’re at the destination, you yell a louder “oh shit,” this time your jaws touching the ground involuntarily.

Yes, it was tiring. After so many trekking and snorkelling, I felt like I was raped by 71 Cucumber men. Muscles that I didn’t even know I had suddenly started making its presence felt by aching like hell. But like I said, no muscle aches enough for an experience that is more enjoyable than my first sex. And mind you, my first was so very enjoyable.

Coron is sooo beyond magnificent. When I was there it felt like not admiring the place was against the laws of God.

We climbed Mt. Tapyas, swam across the Twin Lagoons, plunged into Barracuda Lake, pretended to be mermaids in Kayangan Lake, witnessed marine animals feast on my tuna sandwich (haha) and so on. I know we missed a lot, thus I’m planning to come back.

Yoshke taking a break, not taking a poop.

Yoshke trying to avoid the camera on some island.

The hills are alive with Yoshke and the gang on top of Mt. Tapyas

Alright, of the many lakes and lagoons we visited, I don’t remember which one this is. But the water was sooo clear and sooo sea urchin-infested. Haha.

Next stop, El Nido. Hopefully before the year ends.

Sorry, natagalan. Hahaaay. Heto na. If you missed the first two parts, fret not. It’s here and here.

3. Bohol

image courtesy of www.tourism.gov.ph

Of all the many tourist spots in the Philippines that ranked well on the New7Wonders of Nature’s first round of nominations, the Chocolate Hills was my favorite. Simple, for strategic reasons.

You see, the nominees are categorized into: islands, rock formations, rivers, seascapes, etc. And there’s a part wherein the finalists will be shortlisted by a “panel of experts.”

I love the Subterranean River in Palawan. Yes, it was oh-so-amazing but how could that beat the Amazon Rainforest? They share one category.

I adore the Tubataha Reef, too. But hey, there’s the Great Barrier Reef to shoo away.

So I wanted Chocolate Hills to be the country’s official nominee. Too bad, it failed to snatch that.

But then again, I might be mistaken. I haven’t seen the hills. And most of my friends who’d been there weren’t that impressed and were all rooting for the underground river. But then again, they’ve never been there. So, I dunno.

(more…)

NOTE: This is an advertisement. If you have questions about this travel package, please contact the travel agent whose contact details are indicated at the end of this post. Thank you.

Experience Anawangin, Capones and Camara Island, Zambales Tour Package for only Php 1,600.00/person

Inclusions:

* Roundtrip Van Transfer (Manila-Zambales-Manila)
* Overnight Accommodation at Villa Kiana Inn

* Breakfast
* Gasoline and Toll Gate Fees
* Taxes and Surcharges

Optional Activities:

* Php 300/person min of 4 pax (Island hopping to Anawangin; Camara and Capones Island )
* Php 200/person min of 4 pax (Trekking to Anawangin Summit)

Publish package rate is good for 4 persons and above. For 3 persons and below package rate will be Php 1,800/person.

Travel dates:
August 15 – 16 & 29 – 30,
September 5 – 6 & 18 – 20,
October 3 – 4 & 17 – 18,
November 7 – 8, 14 – 15 & 28 – 29.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact:
Rhia Capili – del Rosario
Philippines101 Travel and Tours
Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Bulacan

Contact numbers:

Landline: (044) 7688182

Cellphone: 09275116493 / 09162285617

Long overdue, I know, I know. Haha. Anyway, here’s the upper half of the list of destinations in the Philippines that I want to (and I should and I WILL) visit sooner or later! Preferably sooner.

And oh, I added three more and made it Top 15 instead. Ehehe. I’m fickle like that.

9. Taal Volcano, Batangas

I’m a proud Batangueno but sadly conquering the Taal Volcano is still a dream. Naunahan pa ako ng mga college friends ko na mapuntahan ‘to. Gaaaaah. Loser me.

8. Zambales

image courtesy of Philippines 101 Travel

If things would go as planned, I’d be swimming in the waters of Zambales before the third quarter ends… Yipeeeee, I’m excited.

And since Mt. Pinatubo rose from the ashes, it’s starting to become the paradise it used to be — full of color, full of life.  It’s crater is filled with rainwater, too. I have no idea how this deadly volcano looked prior to its bonggang bonggang eruption but something tells me it looks a lot better than before.

7. Caramoan, Camarines Sur

I’ve been to Camarines Sur (and other parts of the Bicol region) before but not in Caramoan. CamSur is starting to become the “it” destination in the country, drawing the attention of locals and foreigners alike. Andami na ring sporting events to get… well, more attention. And man, just look at the pictures above. Magnetic.

(more…)