Minion and I Are Off to Hawaii

Jollibee Fly to Hawaii Promo Winners!

Jollibee Fly to Hawaii Promo

The wait is over! Jollibee announced the winners for their Fly To Hawaii promo.  Did you buy a Jollibee Amazing Aloha Burger to join this promo?  

Jollibee is taking 3 pairs to an all-expense-paid trip to Hawaii.  All you have to do is buy an Amazing Aloha Burger within the promo period.  Your receipt will serve as your raffle coupon.  Write your name, contact number, mailing address, email, and signature at the back before dropping it at designated drop boxes.  The prize is convertible to cash - worth PHP 260,000.  

And the winners are ...

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The Traveling Spiderman

Spiderman spotted in Wayna Picchu, Machu Picchu, PERU

Spiderman Travels Around the World!

How I wish Spiderman would be able to travel the whole world and I would be more than ecstatic to be the volunteer to take him there.  

Last year I got hold of this Headware multipurpose head bandana (made in the Philippines!) with Spiderman's cover printed on it.  It inspired me to try and do this. (^o^)/

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Mount Pinatubo Trek in Pictures (Zambales, Philippines)

Trekking Mount Pinatubo
February 2013

Here's a travel guide in pictures on what to expect when you go on a trek to see Mt. Pinatubo's crater lake.

The gateway to Mt. Pinatubo Trek is in Sta. Juliana Capas, Tarlac, Philippines.  You'll know you've reached the right place if you see the sign above. Register right away and rent a 4x4 all terrain vehicle to take you the the trek start point.

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Win a 5D/4N Trip to Maldives for 2 - Deal Grocer

By far, the best giveaway there is to win! 

Deal Grocer is offering everyone a chance to win a 5D/4N All expense paid trip to Maldives for 2.  Sign up with Deal Grocer now to get YOUR chance to go to MALDIVES for FREE!

Sign up with Deal Grocer here.

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Philippine Passport Renewat at DFA Davao (Mindanao)

Your passport to the World - DFA Mindanao Campaign

 After my epic trip to JinShanLing Great Wall, I realized that my Philippine Passport was about to expire.  Bear in mind that the immigration offices abroad will not allow you to enter their country if your passport is about to expire in 6 months.  Philippine immigration officers also check this and you won't be allowed to leave the country as well - this is for your own convenience.  That's why it's important to check when your passport expires and it's important to renew it ahead of time so you are ready to travel anytime.  Planning ahead will save you some money as well.

I was extremely happy to know that The Department of Foreign Affairs Mindanao has moved out from it's old office in Jacinto st., and has now moved in SM City Ecoland.  The whole 3rd floor of SM City Davao which used to house the different telecom and electronic shops is now the new office of DFA Mindanao.  It's a big improvement from their old office aesthetic-wise.

How to Renew Your Philippine Passport in DFA Mindanao

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JinShanLing Great Wall: Travel Guide

Jin Shan Tower at JinShanLing Great Wall

Undoubtedly, one of the best portions of The Great Wall of China is the section at JinShanLing.  Most tourist, even local Chinese tourist, either just go to the Badaling or the Mutianyu sections.  I've never been to the Mutianyu section but I have been to Badaling Great Wall.  While it was still overwhelming for a first timer, the hoards of tourists just somehow destroys the experience.  Not only is it harder to climb the wall with all the crowding going around, the beauty of the Great Wall is somewhat diminished as well - our group even had to pass by a portion with puke on the ground.  For me, the best way to enjoy The Great Wall is when it's quiet, peaceful, and with only a few tourists around - just like viewing masterpieces in a museum.  If you are looking for a similar experience, your best chances of getting one is by going to JinShanLing.

How to go to JinShanLing Great Wall

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Welcome to Kadayawan

Aerial view of Davao City

Welcome to Madayaw Davao! Welcome to the Kadayawan festival.  

Last year, I missed the Kadayawan festival.  I don't normally get excited during this festive season in Davao. This year though I find myself a little upbeat and eager to see what the city has to offer - doesn't mean that I'll be joining the parades or any of that kind of stuff anyway. hahaha  (more of just soaking in on the festivity and enjoying the vibe of the city and the people)

Upon arriving at the Davao International Airport, you'll get a feel of the vibe right away.  Dancers wearing what appears to be a mix of modern and ethnic attire welcome arriving passengers at the baggage claiming area while dancing to tribal music.

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El Nido Island Hopping Tour C (El Nido, Palawan Philippines)

El Nido Island Hopping Tour C Details

This unique island that resembles a face will welcome you to
El Nido when you take Island Hopping Tour C.

A lot of tourists who stop by El Nido don't get to take Island Hopping Tour C because they only stay for a day or two and end up taking only Island Hopping Tours A and B.  Another reason why some Filipinos might opt not to take this is because of the higher price.  This island hopping tour is offered by El Nido Boutique and Artcafe for 1,000 pesos/person.  

If you have the time and money, I highly suggest you take this tour.  Among the highlights of this tour are the Secret Beach, the Hidden Beach, and the Star Island.  As a final stop, the guide will take you to Helicopter Island, an island where a couple of Pawikan Turtles frequent to feed.  It is also a beautiful island to just lounge and will time away.

Tour details and pictures after the jump. (Click on the button below)

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Capari Resort and the Survivor Getaway Review (San Vicente, Palawan)

Our CAPARI RESORT REVIEW (San Vicente, Palawan): Falling Star!

Businesses that are ran this way must never be tolerated.  Okay, I may be a little exaggerating.  They do get a star for tasty food, but that is about it.  

The accommodations and room amenities are definitely below par.  Believe the resort manager when she says it's a modest resort.  But don't worry, you'll have the beach all to yourself!  That is if you can tolerate sand fleas/sand flies.  This was the only fully booked resort that I went to where all the guests preferred to stay indoors even with the lovely beach just meters away.  So bring a lot of insect repellent and make sure you reapply every now and then.  

Read the incident report we prepared below of our Survivor Getaway package at Capari Resort.  As a friend put it "kaya pala Survivor Getaway, you SURVIVE the scam and they GET AWAY with it."

UPDATE: Just 4 hours after sending the report to Deal Grocer, they agreed with our sentiments and has decided in our favor.  Thank you for the quick and favorable decision Deal Grocer!  As for Capari Resort and it's owner, Ms. Dixie Marinas, she's still waiting for the incident report from her Resort Manager.

FINAL UPDATE: Deal Grocer fully refunded our coupons in cash.  It took about a week to process.  Thank you to Deal Grocer.  As for Capari resort and it's owner, we never heard from her again.

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Island Hopping Tours El Nido Philippines

Island Hopping Tours in El Nido

There are 3 basic island hopping tours in El Nido, Palawan.  These are labeled as Tour A, B, and C.  Upon the recommendation of my friend's sister, we took Tours C and A.  According to her, Tour B isn't that nice because it mostly involves exploring caves.  If you like that kind of stuff then you should take Tour B.  With tour A and C on the other hand, you'll go snorkeling in lagoons, beaches, and hidden coves.  

Island Hopping Tours in El Nido - Do's and Dont's Please READ.  Click on the image to view a larger picture

We weren't disappointed.  For first timers, you must take Tour A as this offers the more usual attractions.  Personally though, I was blown away by the beauty of Tour C.  The places you go to in tour C are magical.  And I guess I enjoyed it much more for the simple fact that there were less tourists around.

(Island hopping tour details and pictures after the jump)

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El Nido Palawan, Philippines

El Nido, Philippines

Star Island in El Nido Palawan Philippines - snorkeling stop part of Island hopping Tour C.

Sunset in El nido Palawan Philippines - Cadlao Island view

A Paradise in our midst.  Truly one of the best places on earth. (More pictures after the jump)

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Jump Shots in El Nido

Tourist arrivals has hit an all-time high in the first quarter of 2012.  A record 1.148 million tourists visited the Philipines from January to March.  It seems like the number will just get bigger and bigger from now on as the Department of Tourism launch their "It's More Fun in the Philippines" tourism campaign.

We better get ready.

Graceful Jump Shot in El Nido, Palawan (Entalula Island)

In a recent trip to El Nido, some topics of interest that are probably uniquely Filipino, during conversation with foreigners were:

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Things to do in Legazpi City (Philippines)

If I had a day or two to explore the wonderful city of Legazpi in the Philipines, I would do the following all over again:

1. Eat at Bigg's Diner.  A local fast food joint serving Bicol delicacies.  I had Porkchop with Laing. Yum!

Bigg's Diner Legazpi City 

Porkchop with Laing at Bigg's Diner

Bigg's Diner mascot

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Things to do in Dumaguete City

If I only had a day or two in Dumaguete City, Philippines, I would probably do the following again:

 1. Hangout at Hayahay Treehouse and View Deck Restaurant or Lab-a Seafood Restaurant (same area) and eat Baked Fresh Oysters or Talaba!

Baked Fresh Oysters (Talaba!)

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Buona Notte Roma! Colloseo and Navona Night!

Throwing a single coin at the Trevi Fountain 6 years ago seemed to have worked as I am now back in Rome to enjoy her beauty once more.  After taking a night stroll on our firstnight in Rome, despite the cold winter weather, we just had to go back out on our last night to see more of Rome’s magnificent sites.  For this night, we went to see the Coliseum and Piazza Navona. 

While the Forums and the Coliseum (part of Ancient Rome ruins) are close at night, the Coliseum grounds are open for everyone to enjoy.  In fact, I would say that the Colloseo is much more beautiful to look at at night.  Just see for yourself.

More Rome, Italy pictures after the jump ^^

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The Vatican and Pope Benedict XVI

Your visit to Rome would not be complete without a visit to The Vatican.  In the Vatican, you can go inside St Peter's Basilica to enjoy the different works of art inside the church.  When you go at the right time, you can also catch a glimpse of the Pope!  And with a little perseverance, you can enter the Vatican Museum and go to the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo's masterpieces painted at the chapel's ceiling - the Creation of Adam probably being the most popular.

Can you spot the Pope in this picture? (click on the picture for a larger view)

6 years ago, we were on the same square when we heard Pope John Paul II bless the crowd.  Today, the tradition is being continued by Pope Benedict XVI every Sunday at 12 noon.  After praying the Angelus together, the Pope blesses the crowd that has gathered inside St. Peter's Square in different languages - I recognized a few including English, Spanish, and Italian.  (In 2006, Pope John Paul II I think even greeted the crown in Tagalog, if my memory serves me right.) (More pictures after the jump)

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Where to Stay in Rome Italy

Where to Stay in Rome?

In the two times I’ve been to Rome, we stayed at the Best Western Hotel Spring House.  While it’s probably not a multi-starred hotel, it certainly is “SULIT!” as we Filipinos would say.

 

It’s budget friendly with rooms at only 80 EURO per night.  While the room and the shower area is small, it’s more than adequate for the average asian built.  (It ‘s probably  a little cramped for people with bigger builts.)

Here’s my little space of the room which I believe was meant for kids sharing a room with their parents.  The double bed area was more spacious.

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Rome at Night!

Well one blog post certainly wasn't gonna be enough to showcase the beauty of Rome at night time.  Here are more pictures taken during our first night in Rome, Italy.  I am simply in love with this country.

When in Rome, you might want to join the Free tour being offered by NEW ROME FREE TOURS.  Just meet the guide at the right side of the Spanish Steps everyday at 5:30pm.  If you liked the tour, be kind enough to give a the guide a generous tip in return.

The majestic TREVI FOUNTAIN.  Throw in one coin to get a chance to come back to Rome.  Two coins if you wanna get married.  And three coins if you want to make another wish.

More pictures after the jump!

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Buona Notte Roma! (Night time in Rome, Italy)

The first time I was in Rome, I took the morning tours to see Ancient Rome and all the piazzas and fountains.  So this time around, on my second visit, my only wish was to see Rome at night.  While the cold winter weather made it harder to walk around the city during night time, the spectacular night scenes were enough to warm our bodies encouraging us to continue walking. 

At night, Rome transforms into something else.  She’s definitely more romantic and beautiful after the sun has set and the city lights start to illuminate the sky.

Probably the most well known fountain in the world: the Trevi Fountain!

More pictures after the jump!

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Dubai International Airport (Day 1)

Dubai International Airport

Spent four hours at the Dubai International Airport before our flight to Rome.  Definitely one of those airports you wouldn’t mind spending a few hours waiting.

Duty free shops, coffee shops, and restaurants abound and are open 24 hours.  The space was big and clean.  It even had an indoor garden to relax the minds of tense travelers. 

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