Australia

Australia, China, Preparation

Applying for an Australian tourist visa

Sunday, 2 November 2008
[UPDATE October 13, 2015] Here's a guide on how you can easily, quickly, and cheaply apply for an Australian tourist visa online [Update: September 15, 2014] Philippine passport holders can now apply for an Australian tourist visa online through the IMMI website. Application fee must be paid via credit card. You can still apply in person through VFS. I am…read more
Australia, Tasmania

Tasmania in Pictures

Monday, 21 January 2008
Tasmania is quite unlike the other Australian states. This is mainly because of its location. All of Australia's six states are in the mainland, except for Tasmania. This small island 240 kilometers south of the mainland prides itself as being the "Natural State;" the island is generally unspoilt, with 37% of its land in reserve, National Park and World Heritage…read more
Australia, Melbourne

From Tulla with Love

Thursday, 27 December 2007
In December 27, 2006, I made my first step in Australia at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport. A year later, I'm back in Tulla, awaiting my flight back to Manila. It's been quite memorable, these two Australian trips. I was able to live in a different country for almost 6 months. On the first trip, I was so excited about being overseas…read more
Australia

Day 4: Horsham

Thursday, 20 December 2007
This is the last part of a series of posts about our mini-vacation in the Victorian countryside. After a whole day of driving through a scenic route that takes us from Ballarat through the small town of Ararat and up the Grampians, we finally arrive in Horsham. As you probably know by now (if you've been reading my blog long…read more
Australia

Day 3: Ararat and The Grampians

Wednesday, 19 December 2007
This is part 3 of a series of posts about our four-day trip to the Victorian countryside. Leaving Ballarat, we head on to Horsham, through a scenic tour of Ararat and The Grampians. We left Ballarat early. After a quick stop at the bank and stocking up on provisions at the nearest Aldi, we drove under the Arch of Victory,…read more
Australia

Day 2: Ballarat

Monday, 17 December 2007
This is the second post in a series about our four-day trip in the Victorian countryside. The trip takes us from Melbourne to Ballarat, from Ballarat to the Grampians then on to Horsham. We woke up fairly early, since my brother-in-law has to be at work by 8:30am. Thanks to Google Maps, the accomodation we picked was only 2 minutes…read more
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  • More than the sights and sounds (and smell), what's great about the #BukasQuiapo tour is that it gives you the opportunity to meet and interact with the people who grew up, moved to, and have roots in Quiapo. More than filling up our bayongs with food we can't easily find elsewhere, we were all filled with wonder and amazement at this little corner of our city that we oftentimes avoid. It's gritty, it's chaotic, and it's overwhelming, but Quiapo is much deserving of a closer look. If you're interested to join a Bukas Quiapo tour, check them out on Facebook. Tours are Php 1,500 per person and includes the tour guide fees, food tastings, and lunch.
  • Sometimes, all you need are two trees and a hammock. And a clean toilet.
  • April's practically over, and that means I'll be going back to the city soon. Making the most of my remaining time in Bulusan to savor the slightly cooler weather, and the fact that if it gets too hot during the day, I can just walk 10 minutes and be at the river to take a refreshing dip in the cool fresh spring from the mountains.
  • I am happy when friends come over because aside from sharing the wonders of Bulusan with them, I also get to discover the surrounding towns with them. There are plenty of other places in Sorsogon that I have yet to visit, but I already have a couple of favorites: Lola Sayong Eco-surf Camp in Gubat, Barcelona Ruins Park in Barcelona, Buenavista Valley View Deck in Irosin, Buhatan River Eco-adventure in Sorsogon, and Recidencia del Hamor in Casiguran.
  • We've traveled to Morocco, Greece, Japan, and Australia, so I thought it was high time I took them to Bulusan. While Sorsogon is largely undeveloped and teeming with natural beauty, it's the food that really mattered to us. Despite their fondness for spicy food and our town's distinct lack of it (unlike other provinces in the region), they were delighted with the meals we had. Now on to the next batch of guinea pigs!
  • Four weeks back in the city. Three weeks of catching up with friends, attending to some family obligations, discovering new restaurants, and eating a lot of food. One week dealing with stomach flu. Fun times. It was a break from what I have already started in the province, but its has given me new insights on how to proceed. Now it's back to Bulusan for me!
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