Travel Tips from an Angel :-)

                   While having a vacation can be expensive, it may need not to be just as long as you know how to keep it within your budget. I always hear this..."Why do you often travel?"  "Isn't it's expensive?" "Wish I can travel din!" Of course you too can. I am a "traveller" who like to reward myself with a vacation once in while but I am also a "budget conscious" traveller. Believe me, I will  do the "backpacking" thing in a heartbeat just a long as I have someone to share that kind of adventure with. Meaning, I would like to have my vacation and spend it within my budget range.


I come across this picture in the net and I could not agree more :-)

           

Our country is considered as one of the top tourist destination in South East Asia for a reason. That is because we are "blessed" with many beautiful places . I am a firm believer of this  phrase that I grew up with while watching all those travel programs in tv and reading all those travel magazines. I wish to travel the world of course (who doesn't?!!) but I would like to travel to my own country first.  Because as they say....

                                               "Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan"

Here are my  very own tips on how you can enjoy your vacation with budget still in check.


1. Plan and Save. 

Don't be in a rush. While its such a good feeling to see your self swimming in the crystal blue waters of Boracay and go there within the week. There is a rule of thumb in traveling. If it's possible, plan your vacation at least three to six months in advance. This way you can plan, save and enjoy the best rates for  flights and accomodation.

2.Sign up to local airlines that offer promo and cheap airplane tickets for domestic destinations. 

This would always be my advice on friends who would like to travel or those who are planning to travel. This is the most that you have to consider when you plan for a vacation aside from your accomodation of course. Airfare around the country will cost you more than three thousand  pesos(or higher depending on the airlines and the season) but the good news is that many local airlines are offering "seat sales" every now and then. Cebu Pacific has piso fare but I  have to inform you that don't expect to pay just piso...if you will add on the taxes and surcharges, luggage allowance and system web fee, the piso fare will go up to as much as 1,000 to 1,500 pesos (so you wont be shock and say  "oh I thought its just piso!!" )but still a 1,000 plus airplane fare is much cheaper than a more than 3,000 plus regular airfare, right?

If you plan to take an out of town vacation, you have to sign up with local airlines through their website.....by signing up you will receive regular emails  informing you that promo or seat sale is on going.  Of course save up and ready your money because these seat sale are selling like hot cakes online. What is "available" at night might not be available in the morning. They have different payment method.They accept credit card, debit card or pay through affiliated bank...and through payment center like LBC, Cebuana Lhuiler just to name a few. 

Here are the top 3 budget friendly airlines in the country to where you can sign up for regular emails and updates offering seat sales. 

3. Research. Research. Research.

               Whenever I planned an itinerary for travel, GOOGLE is my bestfriend. It's a guarantee I can always find information on this site.There are many many information found in the web. Do your research and make your own itinerary, .while searching you will will have those aha moments..."I like to do that!", "I like to try that!". Don't be a "clueless" tourist who just rely on your tour guide, plus it's really cool to see the actual place you just saw  in pictures and actualy "be there".

              Here are my top website whenever I plan for my travel itinerary. Here you can look for cheap accomodations and compare hotel prices that best suits your budget.

4. Look like a tourist but ACT like a local.

           When you're on a new place, you can easily be spotted as a tourist...either its the way you dress, the way you talk or you simply have that "appearance" as if a big sign is plastered on your forehead that spells t-o-u-r-i-st!  Unfortunately some will take advantage of it (well I guess it depends on the place where you are at). You see,I am not really good on "haggling" but I've learn the trick especially when I am on vacation where I mind about my budget :-)

When haggling whether it is with manong taxi driver or manang tindera, or manong bangkero,  the trick is to be firm with what you are willing to spend. Don't be "sway" by there "asking price", remember you are the customer here, you are their source of income...so if you stick to your "budget" and be firm with it, chances are they will "give in" and plus you can always look for another that is willing to compromise within your budget range, trust me. 

                         

5. Don't be afraid to try what locals do.

                 If riding a "habal-habal" (or local motorcycle taxi) will take you to places in a much much cheaper way, go ahead do it. Not only that its cheap, it is fun. I remember an interview that I read of J.LO where she said that one of the things that she missed is having been able to put her head out of her limo and just enjoy the wind blowing her face. Well, in habal-habal you will have that moment that Jennifer Lopez is craving for ha ha ha. I rode one, from Alona Beach to Tagbilaran city in Bohol, roughly 20 kilometers and it was such an experience and I would not mind doing it again. 

What I'm trying to say is that, for me one of the best way to truly enjoy a vacation is to experience what it's like to live there, in the place where you at  for a vacation. Go out in the streets, eat the local food, talk to the friendly locals. Pretend for a day that you are living there. It is one experience you wont regret. 

6.. Dont be afraid to ask.

                             "When you are new to a place, Mr. Magtanong is your friend".

More often than not, the locals who knew that their place is a tourist destination is much willing to help you and suggest places you would like to try. I have encounter quite a handful of driver who serves as a tour guide as well that not are only "madaldal" but also informative , meaning they are fun and willing to suggest places that are not too common as a tourist spot but equally worth a visit and sometimes way much cheaper that the "published" spot.  Don't be a snob tourist, be a friendly tourist. 

7. Learn how to pack light.

        Well as a "girl" I do find this quite challenging at first but the more I travel the more I learn the value of packing light. Folding your cloths the right way,don't fold your clothes you "roll" it therefore it will give you more space on your luggage, believe me I tried it and I never exceeded the allowed baggage allowance (well, almost! ha ha) that can really hurt your pocket.

         Plan your outfit based on the length of your trip. Whether it is a 3 day or 4 day stay...the best way to do it  is to plan what you are going to wear  during your day time tour or for evening walk or dinner. There is a little need to bring your entire toiletries like shampoo etc because most of these stuff can be bought in your destination.

           Here is a sample on how it is to "plan" for your vacation outfit. Of course it does depend on your own style and imagination. You also have to learn to "mix and match" your outfit.

                         

                   

8. Dont forget the "essentials".

              You have to have your own travel essentials and what to always bring it with you when traveling.One of my "must have" is my camera, I mean how can you capture the best part of your vacation without your trusted camera. You know what they say "take nothing but pictures".My travel photos is one of my most cherished possession. The best way  to tell the "story" of your vacation is through your picture, this will also help you to decide on what shots to take.

                 Here are "some" of my essentials when travelling:

9. Don't sweat the small stuff.

             Easier said than done, right? But I have my fair share of these "hassles". I experience waiting for the next ferry ride for almost five hours. What Im saying is that plan for your itinerary but be ready for unexpected moment.

Whether it is a cancelled or a delayed flight, learn how to take it in stride. If you sweat the "small stuff"  it will ruin your vacation mode and all you will remember on that trip is "The day my flight got delayed" instead of "The day I tried to zip line!", or "The day I bungee jump!". You can't always count on a "hassle free" vacation. Most often than not there is little "bump" in your travel...but as they say "don't just enjoy the destination but enjoy the journey". 

10.  Enjoy! 

             Often having a vacation is far from being a perfect one. Meaning somewhere along your travel you will encounter "hassles" or challenges that will really test your patience ...whether its a taxi driver over charging you, delayed flights and ferry schedule not followed. When I experienced delayed flights (this happen when you travel on peak seasons where tourist flock from all over just to be in that one destination) instead of bemoaning my lot...I took it a chance for me to catch up on my reading, or my writing or talk to stranger who can share you some fun stuff and sometimes lessons. Meaningful conversation with someone interesting is one of the many things I enjoy about travelling. You've got to meet a lot of people who can suprise you and realize that, yes we all have our differences but  from there we can learn to respect that in each other.

                                   

some photo courtesy of:
www.mindanews.com
www.missbuttercup.com 

When calamity strikes the "paradise"

October 15, 2013...the day I won't forget. 

It was 8:12 am. 

I was fast asleep when I woke up suddenly because my bed was shaking. I knew there was an Earthquake. But for awhile I was shocked and temporarily paralyzed. I should have hide under my bed or under a table but I didn't.  My mind is not yet on an "awake" state, I just lay there and waited for it to stop. How "stupid" of me you will say, but when you just woke up and everything around you is shaking and your all alone, you might "understand" me.

It was a 30 seconds intensity 7.2 earthquake with an epicenter near Catigbian and Sagbayan in Bohol, 58 kilometers away from where I was at, the capital Tagbilaran City. When I did manage to get out of my room, I saw people running and I was told that there is tsunami. My mind is like "Is it the end of the world?!". But I somehow "manage" not to panicked, in my mind I said, if this is the end then so be it and my aunt told us to Pray. 

I didn't knew how bad the earthquake was, all I knew is that, it was a very  strong earthquake and I havn't experience anything like that since the 1990 earthquake in Luzon. With no electricity, I actually rely on my mother and my friends who texted me at that time asking me how I am. I asked them what is the news about Bohol. It was from them that I found out that Bohol was strucked by an intensity 7.2 earthquake and the epicenter is in Bohol. It was through the "outside" source that I realize how badly Bohol was hit by the eathquake. 

It took hours before the electricy went back. I'd like to think that everything went back to normal, having not seen any destruction yet at least on the area I was at. But it was only when I watched the evening news that the extent of the damage done by the earthquake become a reality to me. Much more on the next day when we went back the hotel building and saw the damage in the hotel and the restaurant where I am working. We develop some kind of a "phobia" because the aftershocks is felt almost every hour. 

And the Church "crumbles"

Six centuries old churches were badly damaged. This churches are considered National Cultural Treasure, because of how "old" this churches are, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception in Baclayon for instance is considered the oldest church in the Philippines.  And it saddens me to know that the Church of San Pedro in Loboc, the church were I was baptized, that I actually featured in this blog was one of the many damaged church in the province.  

Me infront of the church in Loboc taken just few months ago.

I am actually about to write a blog about "Loboc" with the pictures that I took at the place when I visited it months ago. I was inspired on how simple the place was. Now that the damage has been done its bitter sweet for me to realize that at least I had a "best" capture moment of the place when everything was peaceful and when devastation didn't strike yet this simple and quiet town. You know when they said that at least you have your picture and your memories. That is how it is for me. 

The simple and quiet town of Loboc, Bohol

Baclayon Church

The Church in Dauis Bohol before it was ruined.

                           

My mother with the Belfry in Loboc

Almost 200 people died, one of the dealiest quake that hit the Visaya's region. Bridges, buildings and not even low rise houses are spared from the devastation brought by this earthquake to the place that I now called home. The "destruction" of the many churches in Bohol speaks volume to me. Most of these churches we're build as far back as the 16th century, when the Philippines was under the colonization of Spain. It withstand the test of time so to speak, but that is not true now...these churches crumbled and now in ruins. It is a great lost as far as national heritage is consider. It is a "heritage" and it saddens me that the future genaration wont be able to see a great piece of our country's history.

For someone like me who "love" Bohol and take pride of its National Treasure. This scene is "heartbreaking"

Loboc Church On and Before the Earthquake:

Baclayon church after the earthquake

The Belfry in Loboc Bohol 

The Fame Chocolate Hills and one of its viewing deck...now in ruins:

Some say it is a force of nature, it is a "natural calamity" and it really  can happen in the Philippines, a country which is considered to be in the "ring of  fire". Maybe it is a "wake up call".  Maybe it is also a reminder for all of us...that when calamity such as a magnitude of an earthquake, you realize what is "really"  important.

When you wake up and the earth is shaking ..., what are you going to do, what are you going to bring with you? not your cellphone or your designer bag or shoes etc, none of the materials things that you possessed.. You are going to save  yourself and you hold on to your faith. 

And I never thought that I would write a blog post such as this. Who would have thought that this will happen to Bohol. The province that is rarely "visited" by typhoon and no recorded calamity for years. It is hearthbreaking for me but somehow I am "compelled" to write something about it.

I take much pride of my birthplace Bohol. And I know in my heart, that although for now it would be "diffucult" for Boholano to face life amidst the destruction all around them, in time with alot of  HELP. Bohol will get back on its feet and will survive this tragedy.

Why did God let a calamity happen in his paradise? You might asked. But I got an answer to my question thru this picture. 

FAITH IN THE MIDST OF RUINS.

                Boholono will hold on to its faith no matter what. Together they will rebuild their churches, rebuild thier faith and rebuild thier lives. God Bless Bohol.



Earthquake photo courtesy of
newsinfo.inquirer.net
ph.news.yahoo.com

My Ultimate Travel Buddy!

                                I did say that this blog is all about "living life to the fullest" and to travel is one sure way of doing that. But this blogspot is also about inspiration, life and love. And who is that one person who has been my inspiration, my life and my source of unconditional love here on earth...it is my mother.

                              As she celebrate her 65th birthday, I am inspired to write a blog post about my mother, who I consider as my "ultimate travel buddy". I am blessed to have a mother like her, I'm sure you feel the same way to your own mom as well. I encourage you to take your parents, your mother or your father with you in a vacation even if it is just a simple out of town trip nearby. Not only that you will have that "bonding" moment with the one who loves you unconditionally, but when you spend your time them, you will learn to appreciate them even more. 

                   

                                 Here are my Ten Reasons why I love my mama. :-)

1.And so you wonder where I got my "fashion sense" well, just take a look at this pic, circa 1978....I got it from my mama!

                       

My mama with her niece and a friend.

2.After all these years...it is just me and my mom. She brought me up all by herself and raised me well, she did. Yes I was her "only child", unica hija, one can assume that I was spoiled, who gets everything I wanted in a whim..but no, my mother provided me with whatever that she can afford to give me but not to the extent of giving me everything  I want. I'd like to think I was brought up well grounded...well you can ask her about it ha ha.

                   

3.She is a cool mom!

When I wanted to do the zipline and my cousins are too chicken to try it , not the fact that she is already a senior citizen can hinder her to try this kind of adventure. She even made a joke to the one who is assisting us with our harness..."walang bang discount ang senior citizen dito?". Yep, thats my mom! 

4.She is my "ultimate travel buddy" 

Growing up one of my "wish" is to take my mother to Bohol. While I was studying she can't afford to have a vacation to her hometown because all the money that she earned have to be spent with my tuition fee and all that. So by the time that I'm done schooling and earning on my own...I made it sure that I make "bawi" to  my mother by taking her to places with me. 

5.She is adventurous as well.  

She is always game for every "adventure" I would like to take. While we were at Cebu and told her 

"Ma, do you see the tallest building in the area (I was refferring to the Crown Regency Hotel in downtown Cebu) I like to try the skywalk adventure, can you join me" and she was like "Ok, game!"

And so together we "survived" the Skywalk at Cebu's tallest building. 

On top of Crown Regency Tower in Cebu City

6.She is always "young at heart" 

My mother up to this is still working, she gets bored when she stays at home. Still "kikay"...will never leave the house without her eyebrow "fix" and will always delight when you give her a new dress or a new blouse. That is because at 65 my mother will always be young-at-heart. And this picture will show that she is still game to pose in a one piece swimsuit. :-)

7.She is a fun mom!

She love the "wacky" shot and she has her own way of being wacky in a shot! 

8.She has been with me at my highest and more so at my  lowest. 

Of all the "heartbreak" that I had gone through she is the one who saw me at my weakest. When I look back, my mother did saw me at my lowest and she did cried with me too and those moments will always strengthen the bond between a mother and a daugther. A mother's love is unconditional, sometimes they don't have to say anything at all...just a hug is more than enough.

9. She is the only one person who wont ever let me down. 

And my mother can do it with grace and poise.

10. She is hardworking, the most "maparaan" person I would ever know.

My mother brought me up all by herself. With her hard work and sheer determination to give me a good life even with the absence of my father. She was my "idol". I told her "mama, if you can raised me all by yourself then I can  raise a child on my own too" but she said "no, that is not what I wanted for you". Because she wanted me to have a "complete" family of my own, well I don't know about that yet. But for sure if one day I will be a mother, I wanted to be like my mother. As loving, as caring and just like every mother...the most selfless person who will love me unconditionally. 

Travel is fun, especially if you got to share it to the one closest to you like your friends, your parents or your loved ones. While I'm still waiting for the "one" to share my life and my love for travel, I have my mother with me and I make the most  out of it. 

You too can make the most of your time to spend it with your mom or your dad. It does not need to be "expensive". Take them for lunch or dinner, or treat them to their favorite movie, take them to places you know they like....the memories you will build out of it, you can cherish it "f-o-r-e-v-er". 

"Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you"

-Deuteronomy 5: 16-

                               

It's More Fun In The Philippines :-)

                 With 7,107 islands, you will never run out of fun stuff and ideas to do in the Philippines. I know you are goin to say "If I only have the means and the ways to travel"...believe me, I thought that way before but I'll give you some travels tips on how to find the means and the ways to explore the beautiful Philippines even if your "on a budget". With that being said I'm suppose to write a blog  on that but I'll save it on the next one,(promise!)  because I came across the Department of Tourism meme with the tag of its campaign slogan "It Is More Fun In the Phillipines".

                  I had so much fun with it and so I decided to share to you some of the memes I came up with all the travels pics that I have. I hope you enjoy it and so you come up with your own as well.


                  I am deligthed with the work of nature....like rainbow, sunrise and sunsets. To wake up with a view of a beautiful sunrise, and relax as you watched the sun set as it paint breathtaking colors in the sky...is one moment that will always remind me that our God is a marvelous creator!

Taken at Panglao Island, Bohol

Taken at Pamilacan Island, Bohol

Taken at Boracay

                 

                       

              I fell inlove with this shot! A fisherman in his small boat with the breathtaking mountain range on the background. Simple life at its best. Taken at  Zambales....two and half hour drive from the Phillipines capital of Manila.

   

             Do I look like I know how to paddle a boat? Well...whether or not I can convince you on that ....boating is more fun in the Philippines! 

I read this somewhere...I am Filipino. I am fun! Indeed travelling is fun especially  if you got to share it with friends. Below are some fun memes I created with my travel buddies. :-)

    

Taken at La Trinindad, Benguet

Taken at Dos Palmas, Palawan

Taken at Porac, Pampanga

Taken at Bohol Bee Farm, Panglao, Bohol 

Taken at Boracay, Philippines

Taken at Zambales

Bahay Kubo is distinctly filipino. Isn't when we were on our grade school we were taught how to to sang "Bahay Kubo" ....well on my travels I got to see different bahay kubo styles and it amaze me that bahay kubo (or nipa hut in english)  no matter how simple or "modern" one is, can still invoke in me a certain pride of being a filipino.

  

Filipinos are known to incorporate fun in our pics. That's why we have the jumpshot, the look up, the wacky shot, the plank etc. All these are more fun to do in the Philippines I guarantee yah :-)

Taken at Potipot Island, Zambales

Taken at Chocolate Hills, Bohol 

Taken at Bohol Beach Club 

Taken at Panglao Island

Don't ask me about coffee. Coffee is what you will put in my dextrox If ever I'll get hospitalize ok, ha ha...but kidding aside. Having coffee with friends in one beautiful morning in Boracay is worth a moment! 

Activities like swimming, walking, afternoon siesta is surely more fun in the Phillipines, more so if its time is well spend. 

                              

This shot brings alot of good memories..uh-huh! Let me tell you, cute tourists are everywhere if you will just open your eyes and give your smile to everyone then your vacation will be so much more fun! :-)

I love the beach. Funny for someone like me to does not know how to swim but there is something about the sea that calms me and makes me appreciate life even more. I love the beach so therefore I love beachbumming....

This last picture, is not mine. But I am including it in this blog because this picture clearly shows the indomitable spirit of filipinos. We are no stranger to typhoons, landslide, floods and other unfortunate heartbreaking calamities that besieged us every year but there is nothing that can really crushed a filipino spirit, we are resilient and we have our FAITH...and this picture shows that hey we can still find ways to have fun no matter what :-)

   

   If  you would like to customize your pictures and add  "It's More Fun In The Philippines" slogan and create your own meme....just visit http://morefunmaker.com/ . Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.