Hey! I noticed I just had my first 1,000+ site views on my blog! :) Thank you for visiting, my silent readers! ;)
And with that, I'll be updating this more often. As you can see, I revamped the layout and design of my blog. I know it's not a drastic change (I still used the same image). I'd like to keep things simple so I don't want to put so many bells and whistles in this site. But that's just the beginning. I'll be putting more content in the coming months. *Crossing fingers*
I'd love to hear from you so please do leave a comment or reply. I'd really appreciate it.
Cheers! :)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
A rundown on preparing for the big backpacking trip
June is creeping its way in... And you know what that means to me.
Barely a month from now, I'll be doing my first ever backpacking trip outside the country. South East Asia Mainland to be specific. (I'll discuss this in detail after our trip).
It's been six months in the making. Together with my three other travel buddies, we've started planning for this trip since early January. Since one of them is based in the US (she'll be coming home to the Philippines for that), we've been mostly exchanging messages through our private Facebook thread. Yes, planning this way is possible. ;)
We had a lot of things to consider: our travel dates, plane tickets, itinerary, budget, things to bring. Here's what we've done so far since the beginning of the year:
1. Our travel dates - Why not summer? As much as we wanted to, one of us will only be regularized in her company by June so she could not take a vacation leave before that. April or May options were out. We also had to consider the length of trip. Given our work schedules, we canNOT take a month long.
2. Plane tickets - Three of us in the Philippines waited for Cebu Pacific's international route promos. We even lined up for long hours in the Travel Expo in SMX last February, thinking that we could avail cheaper round trip tickets, but we didn't get a good deal! Finally, we booked last March but just one way. We had to wait for another promo for our return ticket but we're flying out in another country. At that point, we knew our trip is definitely a GO.
3. Itinerary - This is the tricky part. I'm the type of traveler who wants a detailed itinerary planned though I know this is subject to change and I'm flexible to that. We've weighed whether we should squeeze in one more country or not; whether we should do a non-stop wandering, going to many places as possible or a slower-paced, dig-deeper exploration. (Here's an interesting article from Lonely Planet discussing this debate.)
I have a lot of sources to research from:
Barely a month from now, I'll be doing my first ever backpacking trip outside the country. South East Asia Mainland to be specific. (I'll discuss this in detail after our trip).
It's been six months in the making. Together with my three other travel buddies, we've started planning for this trip since early January. Since one of them is based in the US (she'll be coming home to the Philippines for that), we've been mostly exchanging messages through our private Facebook thread. Yes, planning this way is possible. ;)
We had a lot of things to consider: our travel dates, plane tickets, itinerary, budget, things to bring. Here's what we've done so far since the beginning of the year:
1. Our travel dates - Why not summer? As much as we wanted to, one of us will only be regularized in her company by June so she could not take a vacation leave before that. April or May options were out. We also had to consider the length of trip. Given our work schedules, we canNOT take a month long.
2. Plane tickets - Three of us in the Philippines waited for Cebu Pacific's international route promos. We even lined up for long hours in the Travel Expo in SMX last February, thinking that we could avail cheaper round trip tickets, but we didn't get a good deal! Finally, we booked last March but just one way. We had to wait for another promo for our return ticket but we're flying out in another country. At that point, we knew our trip is definitely a GO.
3. Itinerary - This is the tricky part. I'm the type of traveler who wants a detailed itinerary planned though I know this is subject to change and I'm flexible to that. We've weighed whether we should squeeze in one more country or not; whether we should do a non-stop wandering, going to many places as possible or a slower-paced, dig-deeper exploration. (Here's an interesting article from Lonely Planet discussing this debate.)
I have a lot of sources to research from:
- Bought a book by Robert Alejandro: "The Sketching Backpacker." Describe
d it here in one of my previous entries. - Borrowed a book from another backpacker by Lonely Planet: "Southeast Asia on a Shoestring." The backpacker's bible for Southeast Asia. Reading this book is just making me dream about those temples, museums, monks, beaches, clubs, culture, Asian locals... Aaahh...
- Posted in groups in CouchSurfing. We may even meet up with fellow CouchSurfers along the way. :)
- Also posted in the Thorn Tree Forum of Lonely Planet. I got funny and interesting tips and hints, (and even violent reactions) from fellow travelers.
- As I was searching through the internet, I came across Seat61.com which explains how to travel by train to and from and within countries, recommended routes, train times, approximate fares, etc. Trains and buses will definitely be mostly our means of transportation.
- Thailand Train Ticket is another helpful site for checking train schedules in that country. I have yet to try booking for train rides here.
- The Guide to Sleeping in Airports is another noteworthy site since we might end up doing that. It has the latest airport reviews, showing which airports you can sleep in, with actual airport sleeping experiences and advice from airport sleepers and travelers.
- There's also an upcoming backpacking talk entitled "Wanderlass", on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, 7:00 pm at R.O.X. - Bonifacio High St. Lilliane Cobiao will talk about about her past trips and her upcoming round the world trip and Joncy Sumulong about his latest India and South East Asia Trip. I'll let you know what I learned soon from this talk.
4. Budget - From mid-year bonus to lunch baons, one pay-slip after another, I've been saving up for this long haul. What I learned through my research is that big trips are POSSIBLE for small budgets--a shoestring budget.
5. What to bring - I was actually planning to buy a backpack already but a friend offered to lend me his. (Though I would buy if this is going to be a regular thing already). As in my previous post, I have my travel shoes ready. I'm still contemplating if I should bring my DSLR and what lens to bring, how many sets of clothes, etc. I just want to be as LIGHT as possible. Here's an article from Lonely Planet on how to pack for a big trip.
Meanwhile, I came across this site: No Baggage Challenge. Rolf Potts travels around the world with no luggage! And I thought packing for a backpacking trip was hard!
6. Physical preparation - I HAVE to be healthy beforehand! Been taking vitamins and finally pulled myself together to exercise for endurance. :)
PLANS! PLANS! PLANS! These are all plans but we'll never know how it turns out until we're there.
I'm not that excited right? Hahaha!
And so the countdown begins. :)
5. What to bring - I was actually planning to buy a backpack already but a friend offered to lend me his. (Though I would buy if this is going to be a regular thing already). As in my previous post, I have my travel shoes ready. I'm still contemplating if I should bring my DSLR and what lens to bring, how many sets of clothes, etc. I just want to be as LIGHT as possible. Here's an article from Lonely Planet on how to pack for a big trip.
Meanwhile, I came across this site: No Baggage Challenge. Rolf Potts travels around the world with no luggage! And I thought packing for a backpacking trip was hard!
6. Physical preparation - I HAVE to be healthy beforehand! Been taking vitamins and finally pulled myself together to exercise for endurance. :)
PLANS! PLANS! PLANS! These are all plans but we'll never know how it turns out until we're there.
I'm not that excited right? Hahaha!
And so the countdown begins. :)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Meet my new travel buddies!
On May 16, 2011, I was able to catch MYOH on its last day. Yes, my slim brown Traveling Havaianas now has a new partner. :)
So here's what I came up with: Passport stamps sole (it fits my wanderlust personality!) + slim green jelly strap (green's my favorite color) + 1 casette tape pin (being a music lover) + 1 MNL pin (Manila-born baby).
It definitely suits me. You and I will go places, baby! :)
* * *
And since I was already in Rockwell last Monday, I also dropped by Vibram FiveFingers store. Since I'm gearing up for my backpacking trip on June, I need a very reliable footwear. (I don't think my new pair of Havaianas can do it alone.) I've been receiving a lot of rave reviews about it so I decided to give it a try.
I tried Women's 37 size and fits each of my five fingers perfectly. Honestly, I find it odd-looking. But I guess I'm sacrificing prettiness over comfort. :)
What I got is VIBRAM FiveFingers® Classic, Stormy Sea/Agate color.
Check out the Classic style description here.
Men’s Colors: Brown/Walnut, Castle Rock/Green, Grey/Orange, Black/Black
Women’s Colors: Black/Black, Lilac/White, Chilli/Peach, Stormy Sea/Agate
Sizes: Men’s 40-47 | Women’s 34-42
Caring Instructions: Machine Washable, Air Dry
Classic is best for: Fitness Training, Cross Fit, Travel, & After Sport
Women’s Colors: Black/Black, Lilac/White, Chilli/Peach, Stormy Sea/Agate
Sizes: Men’s 40-47 | Women’s 34-42
Caring Instructions: Machine Washable, Air Dry
Classic is best for: Fitness Training, Cross Fit, Travel, & After Sport
Get ready, Vibrams, you'll be put to intense test. :)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
MYOH: Havaianas Philippines is at it again!
It's time for the MYOH once again: Make Your Own Havaianas 2011! Happening from May 12-16, 2011 in Rockwell Tent.
I STILL haven't gone though, but I should! I feel that my slim brown Traveling Havaianas needs a new partner. :) I saw that there's passport stamps design for the sole and hip pin designs from the fashion capitals of the world. I want!!! The general theme basically is for Havaianas to be truly your ultimate travel companion to your dream destination. For me, it IS already my travbuddy. :)
Check out their official website for more photos and personal stories!
I STILL haven't gone though, but I should! I feel that my slim brown Traveling Havaianas needs a new partner. :) I saw that there's passport stamps design for the sole and hip pin designs from the fashion capitals of the world. I want!!! The general theme basically is for Havaianas to be truly your ultimate travel companion to your dream destination. For me, it IS already my travbuddy. :)
Check out their official website for more photos and personal stories!
I want to be featured in Lonely Planet someday.
I love Lonely Planet and its amazing travel community!
They've recently compiled their first eBook with content from 40 travel bloggers around the world who've shared their thoughts, ideas, and experiences from their different adventures.
Says Vivek Wagle, Lonely Planet author, "...(It) explores our beautiful world from street level through the eyes of travel bloggers. This eclectic group, whose tales range across voluntourism, family travel, expat life, long term backpacking and more, was born out of Lonely Planet’s effort to broaden its content. Lonely Planet wanted to shine a light on the very best travel writing and photography on the planet."
And guess what? Two Filipinas were part of this cool project! How fancy is that?!
Visit this link and download for FREE this e-Book: Around the World with 40 Lonely Planet bloggers.
Claire Marie Algarme of firsttimetravels.com
They've recently compiled their first eBook with content from 40 travel bloggers around the world who've shared their thoughts, ideas, and experiences from their different adventures.
Says Vivek Wagle, Lonely Planet author, "...(It) explores our beautiful world from street level through the eyes of travel bloggers. This eclectic group, whose tales range across voluntourism, family travel, expat life, long term backpacking and more, was born out of Lonely Planet’s effort to broaden its content. Lonely Planet wanted to shine a light on the very best travel writing and photography on the planet."
And guess what? Two Filipinas were part of this cool project! How fancy is that?!
Visit this link and download for FREE this e-Book: Around the World with 40 Lonely Planet bloggers.
Claire Marie Algarme of firsttimetravels.com I hope in their next compilation, I could be a part of it. ;)
Uncontainable April!
The Traveling Havaianas has been on a roll this April! For me, summer ain’t complete without these essentials: Havaianas, Nikon camera, and a great sense of adventure. Here’s a taste of some my exploits that made me quite busy all throughout the month:
Davao City.
What I came for: A local trip for 3 days.
What I saw: Eden Nature Park and Resort. This 80-hectare park is just approximately 40 km. south of Davao City or 45 mins. drive going up from the city proper. It’s like going for a quick drive to Baguio. Enjoyed the cool crisp mountain air and took photos of pine trees, gardens, and peacocks. We even camped out for the day, brought and cooked food in one of the campsites in the area.
What I conquered: My fear of durian. Well, not exactly. I’ve never tasted durian because of its pungent smell (even durian candies, jams or tarts) but when I’ve tried durian coffee, I deeply recommend that this is a must in Davao. You can get one in Bluegre Café or buy last minute in the airport.
One of the peacocks in Eden Nature Park.
Aliwan Fiesta.
What I came for: The Aliwan Fiesta in Quirino Grandstand to shoot with Zone V-ers.
What I saw: Contingents from the most popular festivals throughout the Philippines vying for a million-peso stake and for the prestige of being the best of the best. I love the color, diversity, ingenuity of each province represented. To name a few, some of the festivals who competed were: Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, Kalakachara Festival of Batangas, Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo, Kadayawan Festival of Davao, and Lembuhong Festival in South Cotabato.
What I conquered: To be honest, I’ve never experienced shooting in a fiesta before this so I didn’t know how it feels like. Since it was my first time, shooting this HUGE gathering of our Philippine festivals with massive contingents of streetdancers (not to mention competing photographers!) was already a feat for me.
This is just some of the colors in the festival.
Senakulo on a Good Friday.
What I came for: The Senakulo in Cainta, Rizal to shoot with Zone V-ers.
What I saw: The devotees who depicted the Stations of the Cross and the crucifixion of Christ were almost real, with the props, colorful costumes, acting, the works. (It wasn't really like in Cutud, Pampanga where it was hot, bloody, and dusty.)
What I conquered: It was another first for me—first time to shoot this part of Filipino culture. The most challenging part here actually is rising up early to get to our meeting place at 6:00am and shooting under the heat of the sun from 7:00-10:00am which already felt like being under the highest noon.
Just so you know, Master Willie dV got his winning shot for 7 Deadly Sins from this man last year. Here's my take on him.
Skit.
Green Water Rafting.
What I came for: Went back for a relaxing time, not on the beach, but on the green water lakes of San Pablo, Laguna.
What I saw: The three out of the seven lakes of San Pablo: Pandin Lake, its twin lake Yanbo, and Sampalok Lake. We took a ride on a bamboo raft and sipped fresh buko juice as we enjoyed the refreshing hues of greens and blues in Pandin Lake. We then crossed over a plateau to see the neighboring Lake Yambo. After endless FB profile-picturing, we rested under a balete tree, which was our jump-off point for a swim in the lake. We also visited Café Lago overlooking Sampalok Lake and met with its owners Mr. Mandy Marino and his wife, environmentalist and promoter of San Pablo lakes, who would gladly tell its visitors about the story of the lake’s re-birth.
What I conquered: Being able to find those hidden serene lakes in Laguna. It was so hidden that we always get lost finding them! If you’re the type who easily gets frustrated, you need to have a lot of patience and a sense of direction and humor.
Baguio Countryside.
What I came for: Another local trip for 5 days.
What I saw: Since I’ve seen most of the tourist-y spots in the city of Baguio, I took a sidetrip to its countryside. I've always wanted to check out BenCab Museum and Tam-awan Village which are both a bit far off from the city. Not only did I visit the artworks of Benedicto Cabrera (or BenCab as he is more popularly known) and other fellow artists, I also saw and took photos of the breathtaking scenery of the gardens, forests, and surrounding mountains in the BenCab Museum. I also went to Tam-awan Village, which has become a venue of art exhibits and workshops and gives visitors a deeper understanding of the Cordillera culture. I thought I could catch some artists there (I heard they can sketch your profile right there) but unfortunately, there was none at that time.
What I conquered: I went on a solo traveler and art appreciation mode. I took an FX to Kawang rd. in Baguio market. Then I rode a jeepney in that terminal going to Km. 6 Asin Road for the BenCab Museum. A 15-20 mins. breezy ride. Then I rode another jeep going to Quezon Hill Road from Asin Road for Tam-awan Village. In short, I just commuted alone with just a map, a camera, and a bit of courage with me. No problem in commuting because of the cool breeze!
Subic International Triathlon.
What I came for: To shoot our company’s triathlon team in the Subic International Triathlon (SubIT 2011).
What I saw: Hundreds of top foreign triathletes for the Elite category and local triathlon teams for Men and Women Adult and Relay Team competition. Triathlon is indeed the fastest growing sport. The number of participants definitely grew from last year making this year’s staging more tough and exciting. Unfortunately, I also witnessed several bike accidents; a friend of mine being one of them. This event is definitely action-filled! You’ll never know what will happen!
What I conquered: Being able to wake up at the wee hours of 3:00am for the call time (2 days in a row), stay under the sweltering Subic sun, follow them everywhere, it was worth it… All for the love of my company’s team!
Whew! So that’s how The Traveling Havaianas roll, as she lives her life to the full. ‘Til the next adventure!
Davao City.
What I came for: A local trip for 3 days.
What I saw: Eden Nature Park and Resort. This 80-hectare park is just approximately 40 km. south of Davao City or 45 mins. drive going up from the city proper. It’s like going for a quick drive to Baguio. Enjoyed the cool crisp mountain air and took photos of pine trees, gardens, and peacocks. We even camped out for the day, brought and cooked food in one of the campsites in the area.
What I conquered: My fear of durian. Well, not exactly. I’ve never tasted durian because of its pungent smell (even durian candies, jams or tarts) but when I’ve tried durian coffee, I deeply recommend that this is a must in Davao. You can get one in Bluegre Café or buy last minute in the airport.
One of the peacocks in Eden Nature Park.Aliwan Fiesta.
What I came for: The Aliwan Fiesta in Quirino Grandstand to shoot with Zone V-ers.
What I saw: Contingents from the most popular festivals throughout the Philippines vying for a million-peso stake and for the prestige of being the best of the best. I love the color, diversity, ingenuity of each province represented. To name a few, some of the festivals who competed were: Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, Kalakachara Festival of Batangas, Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo, Kadayawan Festival of Davao, and Lembuhong Festival in South Cotabato.
What I conquered: To be honest, I’ve never experienced shooting in a fiesta before this so I didn’t know how it feels like. Since it was my first time, shooting this HUGE gathering of our Philippine festivals with massive contingents of streetdancers (not to mention competing photographers!) was already a feat for me.
This is just some of the colors in the festival.Senakulo on a Good Friday.
What I came for: The Senakulo in Cainta, Rizal to shoot with Zone V-ers.
What I saw: The devotees who depicted the Stations of the Cross and the crucifixion of Christ were almost real, with the props, colorful costumes, acting, the works. (It wasn't really like in Cutud, Pampanga where it was hot, bloody, and dusty.)
What I conquered: It was another first for me—first time to shoot this part of Filipino culture. The most challenging part here actually is rising up early to get to our meeting place at 6:00am and shooting under the heat of the sun from 7:00-10:00am which already felt like being under the highest noon.
Just so you know, Master Willie dV got his winning shot for 7 Deadly Sins from this man last year. Here's my take on him.
Skit.Green Water Rafting.
What I came for: Went back for a relaxing time, not on the beach, but on the green water lakes of San Pablo, Laguna.
What I saw: The three out of the seven lakes of San Pablo: Pandin Lake, its twin lake Yanbo, and Sampalok Lake. We took a ride on a bamboo raft and sipped fresh buko juice as we enjoyed the refreshing hues of greens and blues in Pandin Lake. We then crossed over a plateau to see the neighboring Lake Yambo. After endless FB profile-picturing, we rested under a balete tree, which was our jump-off point for a swim in the lake. We also visited Café Lago overlooking Sampalok Lake and met with its owners Mr. Mandy Marino and his wife, environmentalist and promoter of San Pablo lakes, who would gladly tell its visitors about the story of the lake’s re-birth.
What I conquered: Being able to find those hidden serene lakes in Laguna. It was so hidden that we always get lost finding them! If you’re the type who easily gets frustrated, you need to have a lot of patience and a sense of direction and humor.
Baguio Countryside.
What I came for: Another local trip for 5 days.
What I saw: Since I’ve seen most of the tourist-y spots in the city of Baguio, I took a sidetrip to its countryside. I've always wanted to check out BenCab Museum and Tam-awan Village which are both a bit far off from the city. Not only did I visit the artworks of Benedicto Cabrera (or BenCab as he is more popularly known) and other fellow artists, I also saw and took photos of the breathtaking scenery of the gardens, forests, and surrounding mountains in the BenCab Museum. I also went to Tam-awan Village, which has become a venue of art exhibits and workshops and gives visitors a deeper understanding of the Cordillera culture. I thought I could catch some artists there (I heard they can sketch your profile right there) but unfortunately, there was none at that time.
What I conquered: I went on a solo traveler and art appreciation mode. I took an FX to Kawang rd. in Baguio market. Then I rode a jeepney in that terminal going to Km. 6 Asin Road for the BenCab Museum. A 15-20 mins. breezy ride. Then I rode another jeep going to Quezon Hill Road from Asin Road for Tam-awan Village. In short, I just commuted alone with just a map, a camera, and a bit of courage with me. No problem in commuting because of the cool breeze!
Subic International Triathlon.
What I came for: To shoot our company’s triathlon team in the Subic International Triathlon (SubIT 2011).
What I saw: Hundreds of top foreign triathletes for the Elite category and local triathlon teams for Men and Women Adult and Relay Team competition. Triathlon is indeed the fastest growing sport. The number of participants definitely grew from last year making this year’s staging more tough and exciting. Unfortunately, I also witnessed several bike accidents; a friend of mine being one of them. This event is definitely action-filled! You’ll never know what will happen!
What I conquered: Being able to wake up at the wee hours of 3:00am for the call time (2 days in a row), stay under the sweltering Subic sun, follow them everywhere, it was worth it… All for the love of my company’s team!
Whew! So that’s how The Traveling Havaianas roll, as she lives her life to the full. ‘Til the next adventure!
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