A Staycation at Seda Hotel Vertis North
A Staycation at Seda Hotel Vertis North
What’s in my bag?
What’s in my bag?
Nagoya: Your gateway to Japan
Nagoya: Your gateway to Japan
11 years, and I’m still wandering
11 years, and I’m still wandering
Hotel Review: KL Tower Serviced Residences
Hotel Review: KL Tower Serviced Residences
Review: WorldBitesPH Snack
Review: WorldBitesPH Snack
Wandering thoughts

Solo flight

Tuesday, 9 May 2006

In eight days, I will be boarding a plane to Singapore on my own. I’ve done that before, but after that, I’ll be taking another plane to Bangkok on my own and I haven’t done that yet.

It’s easy when you’re travelling with someone or travelling to a place where you’ll be living with people you know. You take precautions, of course, but at the back of your mind, you know that if something happens, there’s somebody *there* to take care of things. But if you’re travelling alone, what then?

I’ve had countless paranoid thoughts about this trips. Of course I try to be optimistic, but you just can’t totally shrug off all the what-ifs.

I think travelling is a state of mind. You can travel to the other end of the globe and still remain where you originally are if you keep on comparing what you encounter with your standards at home, not opening your mind to new experiences. On the other hand, you can also feel at home if you embrace the country and the culture. Of course it will never be *home* but at least you had a very enriching experience.

Le sigh. I haven’t gone yet and I’m already hating myself for a horrible trip that I haven’t taken.
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Preparation, Thailand

21st century travel

Saturday, 6 May 2006

Back in the 80’s, when you want to travel, you go to your travel agent to book a flight or avail of a tour package. When you want to learn more about places you want to go to, you go to the library or the embassy, or talk to people you know who’s already been there.

Nowadays, you just have to go online. You book your flight through the carrier’s website, pay via credit card and print out your ticket. If you want to research, you Google your destination and instantly read about stories and advice from people around the world. Instead of being limited by a tour package, you get enough information to get off the beaten track.

So where to go for information? If you find Google overwhelming, here are some links to site I’ve found useful for my research.
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Uncategorized

Can’t come home without ’em

Tuesday, 2 May 2006
It's practically a part of Filipino tradition that you bring home a boxfull of pasalubongs (souvenir/gift) after a trip. Inside the Mactan International Airport, souvenir shops like these line both the check-in and boarding area. More than a dozen souvenir shops and not one Internet Cafe. Hmph.read more
Cebu, Philippines, Reviews

A day in paradise at Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa

Tuesday, 2 May 2006
I haven't saved enough money to afford accomodations at the Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort and Spa, but I have enough for a day tour. Or as they call it, a day in paradise. It was paradise indeed. True to the Shangri-La tradition of excellence, the island resort is a great getaway from the city (which is only 30 minutes away).…read more
Cebu, Philippines, Reviews

The yummiest Pochero

Tuesday, 2 May 2006
While researching about Cebu, I came across countless raves about Cebu's Pochero, particularly from the restaurant called Abuhan. Ever the fan of scrumptious food, I listed down Abuhan's address in my little notebook. After the heat of walking around the city and feeling the fatigue settling in (I had the grand idea of working and NOT getting any sleep before…read more
Cebu, Philippines

Flippity flop

Friday, 28 April 2006
I was so restless while attempting to sunbathe (under the shade, haha) at Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort and Spa, so I decided to take random pictures. My sources (who shall remain nameless) tell me that Mactan's sand isn't really this fine or white. They go on to say that Shangri-La imports their sand from another island in the Philippines. But…read more
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  • 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!
  • Would I miss the city if move permanently to the countryside, I asked myself years ago. I would miss the people I love spending time with, the conveniences of having everything within easy reach, the way I can try different cuisines each night. But the city itself? No. And that's the answer I needed. I can easily chat with my friends online, invite them over for a weekend break. While some processes may be a little bit more troublesome, I can adapt and accept that's how things work in the province. Various cooking classes taken on several trips in different countries meant I can cook some of my favorite dishes at home. Do I need to live in the city? No.
  • I have been slowly getting out of the funk that plagued me in 2017, and making some strides in what I have chosen to do this year. I was given a challenge, a great opportunity, and instead of proclaiming it too much for me to handle and passing it on to others, I accepted it. Here's to hoping it bears fruit, but even if my offer is passed on, I am embracing this as a valuable learning experience.
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