Intramuros literally means the walled city. It used to be the seat of government of the Spanish officials based in the Philippines. Intramuros was witness to the rise and fall of the country, and up to this day, still reminds Filipinos and visitors of the glorious and painful past Manila went through in the hands of many powerful men.

I am no stranger to walking tours. I knew history would always be the central point of most tours. And even if I learned the past from history books, nothing can still compare to standing or walking on the very ground where history happened.

So, when I got word that organizations YTRIP and One Tama scheduled a free (that’s a catchword) walking tour in Intramuros to be conducted by Ivan Mandy, I immediately confirmed my participation.

We started at Plaza Roma, across the Manila Cathedral. Despite castdown skies and the threat of rain, there were still a large turnout of participants. Some went there solo, and got newfound friends, in the process.

We walked towards the inner part of Intramuros. Ivan stopped once in awhile to give us interesting facts about the places we pass by. When we got to San Agustin Church, the oldest structure in the compound, I remembered another tour I had in this place. The first one I took was with Carlos Celdran, another walking tour expert guide, who led us and some Korean students around the church, going inside its museum and rooms. There were parts of the tour then that we didn’t take, which fortunately we were able to do with Ivan.

The church tour also reminded me of another one I recently had in LA. This one is so different. While the tour of the cathedral in LA centered mostly on the structure and the features of the church, the San Agustin tour had the Philippine political history and local religious history very much intertwined.

Walking the cobblestone streets and ending at the walls of Intramuros brought a different feel to my Sunday afternoon. The photos of old Manila which Ivan showed us depicted of the power struggle that happened within the walls of Intramuros. If those walls could speak, they would probably prattle away, discontented with the way invaders and locals have regarded its revered grounds. Moreso, I once again found to appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears our ancestors shed for our country.

It’s good to know my own city. I usually do that whenever I go home to Bacolod. With Manila as my second home, I have grown fascinated in learning all I can about this place where I’ve spent half of my life.

Yes, that’s another plus point on citizenship. As good citizens of this city, of this region, and of this country, we should be thirsty enough to unravel its past, learn from its mistakes, preserve the good things passed on by our forefathers, and do something good that we can pass on to our future generation.

* photos of Old Manila were taken from the internet.

Amazing Race 12 is over. The three winners were great teams: TK and Rachel, Ron and Christina, Nicolas and Don.

I’ve always been a great fan of Amazing Race. It was the most talked about TV program when they started its first installments especially in season five when part of the leg was done in the Philippines. Several seasons after, talk dwindled but I kept my boob tube glued to Amazing Race during its airtime.

The race in itself is a total excitement. But what really interested me was the view, much more the culture of the places they travel. Tasks represent something about a country’s history, people or tradition–things I wouldn’t normally know from just reading travel guidebooks.

For this particular season, I favored Ron and Chris for the bond they exhibited and the preparation they undertake whenever they visit a particular place. I realized that knowledge of the local language is always a great advantage.

The last task, which gave Rachel the edge was really interesting. The racers were asked to distinguish which item was used in a particular country where they raced. That was awesome!

The Asia region has its own version of the Amazing Race. It’s unfortunate that my cable don’t carry the channel that shows this program. I just rely on internet news on updates of Amazing Race Asia 2. Filipino racers Marc and Rovilson leads the pack.

For me, my own travel exploits is an amazing race on its own. It’s just that I race against time and circumstances in getting to cover all continents and countries of the world. Like Amazing Race, every journey and place has its own adventure. I choose to savor each trip and travel moment.

I wasn’t able to join the revelry of the centennial celebration of UP but I want to pay tribute to it as I give you a visual tour of the institution that nurtured me for four years of my undergraduate years and even continued to tolerate my presence during my graduate studies which, sadly, I left unfinished.

To get to the 493 hectare-Diliman campus, imagine yourself riding a green-roofed jeepney taking the UP route. First that will welcome you is the University of the Philippines name at the entrance of the University Avenue along Commonwealth Ave. The long stretch of the University Avenue passes through the checkpoint, which is shaped like a check on both sides, and leads to the Oblation. UP’s symbol of educational freedom, the Oblation towers in front of the Quezon Hall.

Behind the Quezon Hall is the Amphitheater and UP Lagoon. The trees lined up at both sides of the Roxas Avenue (to the right from Quezon Hall) with their branches almost reaching out to each other will give you a feeling of going through a green-laden giant tube. It’s the same picture you’ll find at its parallel, Osmeña Ave. Across the UP Lagoon at the Roxas Ave. side is the Jorge Vargas Museum followed by the Faculty Center. That’s the first stop of jeepneys and students taking general subjects get down to rush to their classes at nearby Palma Hall. The statue of the diwatas or the muses of the arts are found at the Faculty Center grounds behind the jeepney stop.

As the Palma Hall or Arts and Sciences (AS) building looms ahead, you’ll see the famous Palma Hall or AS Steps which is a familiar backdrop in some Filipino movie scenes. The Palma Hall and the parking lot across the building is a favorite hang-out place of various organizations and student groups. At the parking lot, a small walkway called the Beta Way, connects Palma Hall to the Engineering building at the other side of the university oval. Once you see the Palma Hall, you’ll find that you have officially entered the “academic area” of the university.

Near the Palma Hall is the CASAA or the eatery where students take their meals and snacks or just sit around and wait for their next classes. Another favorite eatery is the Beach House beside the University Library. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no beach in UP. But while feasting on a delectable lunch and barbecued pork, the green expanse of the Sunken Garden will fill your view. We were told that the Sunken Garden got its name because the area sinks each year (UP lies in an earthquake fault line). Again, there’s no garden in the Sunken Garden. It’s just a field with grasses which is used for sports events like soccer and Frisbee and other university activities like the UP Fair.

At the end of Roxas Ave. is the Vinzons Hall which caters to offices of the student affairs, the university’s school organ, the Collegian, and other student organizations. Jeepneys take a left while commuters going to Katipunan Ave., Ateneo de Manila and MWSS get down at the jeepney stop in front of Vinzons Hall where a statue of Filipino hero, Andres Bonifacio stands.

The jeepney will pass by several college buildings and will continue towards the International Center (IC), home to many international students. Beside the IC is the Ilang-Ilang Residence Hall which is an all-female dormitory. Across Ilang-Ilang is the Swimming Pool and the University Arcade.

Before we proceed with the jeepney ride, you might want to find out what’s around Ilang-Ilang that commuters wouldn’t be able to pass by. There’s the Balay Kalinaw and further on is the University Hotel. Behind Ilang-Ilang is a residential area for employees.

Moving on, the jeepney will take a left. You will find the Protestant Church of the Risen Lord at your right and the UFO-shaped Catholic Parish of the Holy Sacrifice or the UP Chapel at the left. Then, you’ll pass by the UP Health Center or the Infirmary where clinics and a few beds are available for ailing students, teachers or employees. Beside the Infirmary is the Diliman Shopping Center where you can buy souvenir items, find an ATM where you can withdraw cash, street food, eateries, photocopying centers, computer rentals, office supplies, pharmacy and everything else that the whole community would need. Grocery items can be found at the nearby Consumers’ Cooperative.

The University Post Office which was built during my college years is located at the end of the street. As jeepneys turn left again, you will see the Kalayaan Residence Hall where the freshmen are nurtured as they adjust to university life. Other dormitories are found within the area.

If you’ll take the UP Ikot (ikot means going around) jeep, which plies the route inside the UP Diliman community without leaving the campus grounds, you will immediately turn towards the Bahay Alumni where the faved Chocolate Kiss Café is found. That will go further towards the Film Center, the Alumni Center, the Track and Field Oval, and the gymnasium. But because the jeepney you are taking is one that goes inside UP from and to Philcoa, Pantranco or SM North Edsa mall, you will turn right at the Tennis Courts. You’ll then pass by the UP Theater and Carillon and the other side of the UP Lagoon, Amphitheater and Quezon Hall before proceeding back to the University Avenue.

But apart from the “instructional” buildings where classes are held, you’ll find a different atmosphere at the College of Fine Arts building, the Veterinary Hospital which is more known as the Stud Farm, and the favorite drinking joints of the students at Gulod or Krus na Ligas. This leads to the residential area again which reminds visitors that UP is really a community more than just a school.

Some visitors, or even students, do not know that there’s a police headquarters and a fire department inside the campus. There’s even an observatory where students can view the sky and enjoy in the myriad of stars.

UP has some best kept secrets. But I’d want to keep it that way. It’s for you to embark on a UP discovery on your own and enjoy the university first hand.

Happy 100^th year UP! Keep it up!

Hope you can drop by the site and support me on this. Rate it, comment or let me know what you think. There’s a technical booboo there which I hope you wouldn’t mind. The site cut the number of characters in one of the description and I could no longer edit it.

Please, please, and send in your vote. Don’t worry…the vote won’t be for the US presidency. I’m not running for anything but just to be included as a contributor to this great travel book brand.

This is my bluelist (with logosbut you have to check the description at the Lonely Planet site.

Next (tourist) attraction: Slogans, For Real or For Reel?

Uniquely Singapore

Hong Kong. Live It. Love it!

A World of Difference, the Difference is Macau

Philippines’ More than the Usual

Amazing Thailand

Indonesia: the Ultimate in Diversity

Laos: Jewel of the Mekong

Around the world in 80 days? How about in a day? Sounds impossible? Well, I did, only that I toured the miniature landmarks. With only an hour’s train ride from Guangzhou, a day in Shenzhen is possible to visit the Windows of the World.

From the train station, it’s only one floor down to the metro station. It was convenient because the it’s a travel from end to end of the metro subway to get to the theme park. From the metro station, the exit to Windows of the World brought me to the Louvre Museum of France. Imagine my surprise emerging from the glass pyramid that also doubles as a metro entrance/exit.

The next picture I saw just took my breathe away. Cascading waters, a fountain, flowers, and giant world-renowned statues greeted me. The tip of the Eiffel Tower at the backdrop gave a glimpse of what there is to come. For an entrance of ¥120 (about US$17.15), it was a bit pricey but it was worth every yuan.

One has to climb the entrance of the Windows of the World to see what the theme park can offer. Reaching the top of the stairs, the coliseum of the World Square with the giant globe, columns of different famous structures and a relief wall of famous landmarks came to view.

I loved the sculpture park where statues from various continents were displayed in a garden. Of course, I didn’t miss downtown Manhattan that still has the twin towers, along with the Statue of Liberty, the Washington DC and the Grand Canyon. I would have wanted to climb the statue of the risen Christ resembling the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There’s also the statues of Easter Island in Chile and the pyramid in Mexico.

My favorite area was the tourist sights of Europe. Vatican City was there, one of the places I plan to visit in my lifetime. Of course, there are the famous churches all over Europe, the colorful St. Basil’s Cathedral in Russia, Acropolis, the Colosseum, and Stonehenge, to name a few.

The pyramids of Egypt has a camel where tourists can ride and have their picture taken. Others can ride in the rapids at Grand Canyon, get wet at the Niagara Falls and take the elevator to the top of Eiffel Tower.

Of the international landmarks, Asia couldn’t be left behind. Angkor Wat stands grand beside Indonesia’s Borobodur, one of the places that I have been to. I’ve also visited Bangkok’s Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Singapore’s Merlion. I think those were the only three places featured in the theme park that I have actually visited.

Ah, my feet hurt after touring the Windows of the World. My camera’s battery went empty. My only promise was that I’ll try to visit every tourist spot featured in the Windows of the World. Yes, it opened a window for me to dream big and enter doors of opportunity to see the world.

While the neighboring autonomous regions and Hong Kong and Macau enjoy a great influx of tourists, South China’s Guangzhou and Shenzhen wouldn’t want to be left behind with what both cities can offer.  When one thinks of China, one would instantly associate it with Beijing (Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Olympics 2008), Shanghai (Shanghai Tower), or Xian (terra cotta soldiers).  But because of South China’s proximity to Hong Kong and Macau, as well as to Southeast Asian countries, it has been included in the list of travel destinations.

Because of the popularity of budget airfare, I had the opportunity to visit the place that was used to be known as Canton, famous for its delectable Chinese food.  Guangzhou is the capital of the province of Guangdong and the place of the Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat Sen.

Reading through books and literature, nothing spectacular has been mentioned of Guangzhou.  But one has to go to a place to really experience firsthand what it has to offer.  Besides, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” as they say.  Arriving late at night, the ride from the airport to the center of the city to our accommodations wasn’t an easy one.  Good thing I came with a friend, which helped a lot.

The place where we stayed was very affordable, safe and clean.  Riverside Youth Hostel found near the Pearl River at the Liwan District is a member of the Youth Hostelling Association (YHA) of China that caters to the needs of backpackers.  Most of their guests at the time when we were billeted there were Caucasians.  A Bank of China is located nearby and the whole Luju Road two blocks away is a shoppers’ haven with very cheap goods from bags to shoes to electronics.  It is also close to the metro station (Fangcun station of Line 1).  While the metro is most convenient and a stored value card comes in handy (for a ¥30 deposit, you can use it in cabs, buses, and the metro), it is most difficult getting a refund of the deposit since only one office issues refunds.

Food is neither a problem.  RYH offers a menu of meals from toasts to noodles (at about ¥5), while a number of restaurants and cheap food joints are found within the area.  A block away is Barstreet which is a night spot along Changdi St.  Two or three bars boast of talented Filipino bands that play in their joints.  A local eatery charges ¥5 for a plate of a mound of rice and three viands of your choice.

Early in the morning, locals do tai chi across the hostel while families bring their youngsters at the amenities of the park along Changdi St. that gives a great view of the river.  Others do their regular exercises especially with colorful exercise facilities placed at the park.  At night, neon lights fill the street while visitors watch the Guangzhou skyline at the Pearl River.  At ¥168 for a double room (US$24), two people can share and just pay ¥84 ($12) per night.

It’s time to take you around Guangzhou.  First stop was the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall.  The building was intricately designed with every detail well-planned and well-executed.  Around the hall were found different trees of significance to the Chinese.  A larger than life statue of the leader was located in front of the hall overlooking the gate and the vast grounds of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall.  For a mere ¥10 entrance fee, visitors can explore the grounds and enter the hall and exhibition area.

The hall is octagonal in shape.  Famous opera singers perform in the grand hall.  It also provides all the details of the people behind the construction of the hall as well as the works of Dr. Sun Yat Sen.

Across the Sun Yat Sen Memorial and a few walks away is the Guangzhou Municipal Government and the People’s Park.  Behind Sun Yat Sen Memorial is the Yuexiu Park.  One thing I observed is that Guangzhou is a lover of parks and of the arts.  Sculptures are seen in parks and other attractions.

From People’s Park, we took the Metro going to Guangzhou Zoo and Ocean World.  The metro system is ongoing construction as Guangzhou prepares for the hosting of the Asian Games in 2010.  Still, with its four lines, the metro is the most convenient way around Guangzhou especially that a few people can communicate in English.  We usually resort to sign and symbol languages to convey what we want to express.  The bus system is affordable and can pass through all areas of Guangzhou but signs are in Chinese.  Armed with an English-Chinese map, we found a way to get around Guangzhou.

The zoo offered many attractions as well.  Too bad the giant panda was too shy to entertain his visitors.  Inside the zoo is the Ocean World which charged at a high price (¥60) but fared poorly compared to other marine attractions in Asia like Jakarta’s Sea World, Singapore’s Sentosa and Hong Kong’s Ocean Park.

Guangzhou has many shopping centers and malls.  One can find wholesale products in Haizhu and brand items in Tiyuxi.  Still, we found better-priced goods at Luju Rd.

The Shishi Stone Cathedral is a sight to behold.  The church beautifully stands out in the midst of the predominantly Buddhist city.  Its design is almost similar to Notre Dame and other European basilicas.

Going farther away from the city, we went to Baiyun Mountain.  We first roamed around Yuntai Garden.  With the cascading falls that greeted us at the entrance, Yuntai Garden made us forget about Baiyun Mountain.  A rose garden, scenic lake and a glasshouse of orchids and other plants filled the whole garden.  It’s like a European countryside and Alice in Wonderland that popped out of a book because of giant teapots and other attractions in the garden.

After three hours of enjoying the garden we finally climbed Baiyun Mountain through a cable car.  The mountain in itself has various points and tourist spots but without any time to spare, we went back to town.

I’ve survived Guangzhou.  It was difficult but it was worth the effort.  I hope I can be back to Guangzhou and by that time, I’d find more people can speak in English.    And hopefully, I can communicate well in Chinese.  Xiexie.

I capped 2007 with a bang, figuratively, when it comes to travelling. I spent the last remaining days of the year in Negros. Before I went home to Bacolod, I was determined to rediscover my own land and was contemplating on a short side trip to nearby cities like Silay and Victorias, at the northern part of Negros Occidental.

But it seemed that there was an even grander plan for me that I didn’t anticipate, yet, enjoyed anyway. An aunt came to our house the day after I arrived and asked me if I would be interested to visit the eco-tourism spots in the central part of Negros near the foot of our provincial crater, Mt. Kanlaon, where my mother and her siblings grew up. I was immensely pleased and agreed right away.

A few days after, I set out for the journey. Joining my relatives and my mom on my way to Moises Padilla, their hometown, the trip was smooth and relaxing. The scent of sugarcane that filled the air reminded me that I am truly home. It’s the same sweet smell that I have grown up breathing during those times when I frequented the sugar factories where my father worked and passed along sugarcane fields everyday on the way to downtown.

The roads to remote towns in the province have been paved. Dust and rugged rides, which I have gotten used in my travels here during my childhood years, are already things of the past. The plains that are green of sugarcane plantations, rice paddies and other agricultural produce are indication that Negros Occidental is a rich and fertile land.

From Bacolod, we took the main highway passing through Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique and Pontevedra. We went via the Antipolo route that took us to the town of La Castellana before reaching Moises Padilla. Towns have almost the same structures and features – a public plaza, the city or municipal hall, a public market (most towns have their market day within a week), and a church.

When we arrived at the Moises Padilla town, my mom and relatives stopped to join their school reunions, families and friends while I went with my uncle going to the barrio of Guinpanaan where he resides.

My cousins brought me first at Kaitulari which is a compression of “kay (To)to Larry” or Larry’s Place. (Toto is a local endearment for a male friend or relative). It’s a mountain resort that has a magnificent view of small cottages scattered in the banks of a flowing river. It was being developed to cater to tourists and visitors. Going to the resort was a long walk but it’s a way to lose some excess weight and commune with nature. There was also a small chapel with a wishing bell that provides the whole view of the resort.

The place had a number of venues for various functions, cottages for those who want to relax for a picnic, and some rooms for overnight stay. There was also a pool for visitors to cool off and have fun should they prefer a safer place to swim rather than the river. There was also a videoke bar where people could hang out, drink and sing their favorite songs.

When we got there, there were families who were grilling seafood and barbeque while others were playing at the pool and singing their hearts out at the videoke bar. Apart from being a great place to party and derive benefit from the pleasures that the mountain can offer, Kaitulari was also a haven for those who are soul searching and are looking for a serene place to relax and be with nature. For a mere P35 entrance fee, you can enjoy the amenities that the resort can offer.

After lunch we embarked on a joy ride to Kanlaon City, already a part of the province of Oriental Negros. It wasn’t that close to the crater of the volcano that bears the same name but it was the closest that I could get. Similarly, Taal City does not offer a view of the scenic Taal volcano which is better seen in Tagaytay City.

We braved the fog and winding roads before we reached Kanlaon City. It was a good 45-minute drive from Guinpanaan. Our first stop was the market where loads of fresh vegetables and livestock are sold. There, we were able to purchase carrots at P25 per kilo, lettuce at P10 per kilo, cucumber at P10 per kilo and so much more at a very low price. Because of its rich vegetable harvests, Kanlaon City filled its area with giant sculptures of various vegetables. We even saw a slide shaped like carrots.

Then we proceeded further up the mountain at the spot where we were able to view the eastern part of the island and get a glimpse of the sea and San Carlos City. But with the rain ruining our ride, we decided to go back to Kanlaon City to have a look around the small bustling mountain capital.

We stopped at their local plaza or park and had some steamed rice wrapped in coconut leaves along with barbequed pork and innards. It was my first time to try this duo and they could constitute for a meal. As dawn approached, we went back to Guinpanaan before darkness totally envelope us at the winding and sloping highway.

The next day, we spent the whole morning bathing at Caduhada Spring Resort at Mambangon, La Castellana, a few kilometers from Guinpanaan. Fresh water sprung forth at the base of the hill, between the roots of large trees. Locals have come to fetch water for drinking while some swim in the running pool of water.

It was time for me to go home, so I packed my things and hailed a bus at the highway as I went back to Bacolod by myself. As I watched the scenes on the way home, I was glad to have been born in this beautiful province that is rich with natural resources, warm smiles and colorful culture.

Back in Bacolod, I attended mass at the historic San Sebastian Cathedral in the heart of the city. I learned that the diocese will be celebrating its 75 years. The Catholic Church in Bacolod is instrumental in shaping local society. With the Cathedral as our school’s next door neighbor, the church is also part of my own history.

With almost a week in my native land, I have visited and revisited various places. Even when I was a tourist in my own land and have traveled and lived in other cities, I would always be a daughter of Bacolod and of Negros Occidental.

I always make it a point that my last trip of the year would be spent going to my hometown, Bacolod City.  So, after listing down my choices of the 12 fun travels I’ve done this year, I was already looking forward to a trip back home.  It totally slipped my mind that I have one more trip to make (or was having doubts if it would ever push through but it did).  It was our office planning for next year.  Why we did it during the busiest season of the year is not what I will dwell on in this write-up.

From a three-hour road trip to Batangas Port and two hours at sea, we docked at Calapan, Oriental Mindoro for a sumptuous lunch at Hungry King’s Diner.  Since the trip was strictly business, we had some orientation and discussions on the environment and volunteerism.

But enough of the “serious” stuff.

Mindoro was like any of the provinces in the country.  The islands and scenic rice fields were very much like the ones I saw in Negros, Cebu, Iloilo and Mindanao.  What makes Mindoro extra special were the rich natural minerals found in this island.  Calapan was a small city that is almost comparable to Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran or Vigan.

We stayed at Amor Beach Resort in San Teodoro, a northern town just some minutes away from Calapan.  Although the resort has facilities like air-conditioned cottages, a restaurant, computer shop, billiard hall and videoke bars, I must say that it was not as well-developed as the tourist resorts in the Visayas and Mindanao.

What caught my frenzy there was the communal fishing method of their little barrio.  Everyone helps out in getting a catch.  The locals were happy and satisfied with the meager catch as long as they have something to sell and something to eat on their table.

Without television, the form of entertainment we had were videoke and talking about anything under the sun over a few bottles of beer.  But being cooped in the resort, I never got to see the other faces of Mindoro.  Probably, in time, I’d be back in this island down Luzon.   Oh, and endure almost six hours of travel.

That’ll be the last for this year and I’m rearing to be Bacolod-bound where I will welcome the year 2008 with a bang.

1. Cebu

On my two trips to Cebu, I stayed in new hotels built in the metropolis.  Although both were business trips with clients, they were still a delight because my affinity with Cebu deepened as I learned new places to visit.  Shangri-la in Mactan really took my breath away.  Too bad I wasn’t able to enjoy a splash at the beach or the pool.  The Casa Español was a new place which caught my interest.  I was seeing Cebu in a new light when we brought members of the media from other Southeast Asian countries around Cebu.

2. Iloilo

The last time I’ve been to Iloilo was in high school.  Since Iloilo was just across Bacolod, all my trips to the former were taken via ferry or ship.  This year was the first time that I flew in to Iloilo.  So much have changed over the years.  Honestly, I never recognized the new face of Iloilo.

3. Davao

Funny thing because I’ve stayed for a month in this city, that’s why I knew my way around.  I was the one who had to tell our hosts where Luz Kinilaw was located.  They were surprised that I knew how to get there when they haven’t even stepped foot at this eating joint.

4. Zamboanga

Finally, I have landed in Zamboanga City.  But I didn’t see any vinta.  It was just an overnight trip and with limited time, the only place I was able to go visit outside of work was the barter.  It’s more of a flea market but there were a lot of imported goods from neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.

5. Baguio

Oh, I never tire of Baguio despite the long hours on the road.  This year, it was well spent revisiting Tam-awan Village and staying with friends from community.

6. Hong Kong

It was freezing cold when we went to Hong Kong.  But I wasn’t complaining because it was great to experience a much colder weather than what we have here in tropical Philippines.  Add to that was that I spent very minimal for this trip.  You see, I won this trip through a Christmas party raffle last year in my previous employment.   I really planned that during this trip, I would be able to visit the places I’ve never been to–the Giant Buddha at Lantau Island, Ocean Park (sorry there were no pandas), and some other temples.  My sister enjoyed the trip more.

7. Puerto Princesa

This was such a fun trip because there were about 16 of us who went to Puerto Princesa!  Honda Bay and the Underground River were a marvel to me.

8. Bonito Island

My first outing with my new officemates.  I love it when you have the island all to yourself.  The place was great and very private.

9. Bataan

The big waves in Bataan plus the Pawikan Center and the Anvaya Cove were enough reasons for me to include my Bataan trip in this list.  It was a long day for us and the volunteers, especially when our bus got stuck in the soft sands of Bataan.  But I loved every minute spent there as I learned new things about animals.

10. Binondo

I’ve been to Binondo several times but I never really appreciated it until we had this walk tour by one of our volunteers which he did to us for free!  From the street food to the restaurants, you can have your fill in Binondo.

11. Cagayan de Oro

Again, another revisit.  But I didn’t mind because I learned a new restaurant which served delicious Italian dishes.  And of course, I bought some homey stuffs at my favorite joint, Gazebo Cafe.

12. Taal City

It was just a day trip.  Although I’ve been there for several educational trips during my college days, visiting Taal with partners from the National Historical Institute added a touch of familiarity to the trip.  I do hope more people will support causes that will preserve our history and promote our country to tourists.