Discovering the gems of the Philippines

Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Asia Pacific 2016 participants from across the world had the opportunity to experience the many wonders of the Philippines as part of the full-packed itinerary prepared for the world’s largest annual gathering of travel bloggers, writers, content media creators and industry professionals.

Presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the tours provided not only an exciting visit to the world-famous white-sand beaches of Boracay and Palawan, but also a unique experience of Filipino culture, people, food and nightlife through equally tantalizing destinations from north to the south of the country.

They got to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including the historic town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur and the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras in Ifugao. Their itinerary also included Pampanga, Batanes and Tagaytay.

How you can save on your travelling trips

I started to travel last year but never really focus on it until this year 2016 of January. Travelling means expense and I normally pay for my airfare and other overhead. Here are some ideas that a friend gave me to save on my travelling expenses and I am sharing this to you as well

For Flight: i.e., Your BUDGET is Business/First Class

You may book either

1. Econmy Class

 2. Low Cost Carrier (Budget Airline)

3. Connecting Flight instead of Direct

4. Connecting Flight and Low Cost Carrier

5. Early Morning Departure

6. Red-Eye Flight (Early Morning Arrival)

7. Flew Standby (Chance Passenger)

8. Discounted Rate

 9. Bundled Package

10. Deal Through Online Site

11. Deal Through Last Minute Booking

8. Cheaper Airport

Why do you need to do Family Outing

Having five kids that has a busy schedule is a stress to our get together; there are so many things that hinder us from being one.  But as they say, when you are a mom; you will definitely find ways of doing so that that you could be able to share and experience activities and create memories along the way.

But just how can we do that, how can we detach ourselves on our daily stress and expose new experience to our kids and connect each other as one family. All this can only be accomplish via family vacation. It would sound expense but then again, no money can replace the memories and happiness that would be felt during the family vacation. Family vacation promotes positive ties and vibes.

Family vacation is a team bonding and it definitely is a moment for communications; getting updated on plans of one another and seeing them grow on their own two feet

It definitely helps if the place that we could visit helps us along the way.

Where to Stay in Coron: Darayonan Lodge

Coron, a place where I dream of going someday.

Last November 5, my dream became a reality when I finally visit Coron.  Coron is a first class municipality in the province of Palawan. . It is the commercial capital of the Calamian Islands

Check out the amazing places, faces and food that I enjoy during my stay in Coron.

It was a blessing when I was able to get a promo fare  to fly in Coron because normally it would cost you around 6 to 7 thousand for a round trip; so be sure to be on the lookout for seat sales or peso deal from airlines.  My flight was in afternoon and thankfully my flight was not delayed compared to other airlines.

The first that surprise me is the type of airplane that we are going to use, sanay kasi ako malalaki but this time, it was a small plane lang pala. The reason for this is that, maliit lang pala ang runway ng Busuanga Airport but then again, what matter is; I landed safely

Upon arrival in Coron, vans are actually waiting outside and names are posted for your convenience; para wala ng hanapan at sigawan.  My driver was accommodating enough to wait for me as I took few photos of the airport.

It was an enjoyable 35 minutes ride from the airport to the town proper where I would spend the night. I seated beside the driver to make sure that I could enjoy the scenery

For my first night, I stay at Darayonan Lodge

Darayonan is a Cuyonon word that literally means a place to stay. To the traveler, it connotes a place of sanctuary where one can feel safe, relax, de-stress, and re-charge. Darayonan Lodge tries to be such a place to its guests.

Highlights of the place

Four before forty: Exciting destinations to tick off your go-to list

Thanks to budget airlines, the world has truly become everyone’s oyster. Today’s globetrotters are no longer an exclusive club of the privileged—with record-low airfares, rewarding one’s self with the perfect holiday has never been easier. Everyone’s dream destination is now within reach, with more choices available even to the budget-conscious. Here are some of the most exciting destinations to check off your list before you hit the big 4-0.

1.         Batanes

The Philippines’ northernmost province is its own little version of New Zealand. Batanes’ windswept hills and dramatic cliffs have captured the imagination of many, and its relative seclusion (on some days of the week, there’s only one flight to its capital Basco) has added to its charm. Some also come to seek the Ivatan people’s unique yet simple way of living, making it a perfect place to unwind.

Rediscover Pampanga : Heritage, Church, Art and Museum

Pampanga or Pampaŋga is a province in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. Lying on the northern shore of Manila Bay, Its capital is the City of San Fernando. The name La Pampanga was given by the Spaniards, who encountered natives living along the banks (pampáng) of the Pampanga River. At the eve of the Philippine Revolution of 1896, Pampanga was one of eight provinces placed under martial law for rebellion against the Spanish Empire; it is thus represented on the Philippine national flag as one of the eight rays of the sun.

And I am a proud Kapampangan

I was raised and born in Manila but my grandmother make sure that I know where my mother’s clan came from and that is why every fiesta of Anda Lucia, we make sure that we visit our relatives in San Fernando.

I maybe a Kapampanga but I never really known Pampanga that well until we made a tour around the province.  What can I say, let’s rediscover what Pampanga has to offer.

Why should you visit Pampanga

Travel Tips : Things to consider when staying in a hostel

Things I consider when staying in hostel

1. It should be small
2. The dorms should be mixed
3. There are assisting staff
4. Should be near a transportation  area
5. There should be a nearby convenience store as well, if  just in case they don’t provide free meals
6. Hot shower
7. Security
8. WIFI

I found this hostel along Kalayaan that fits all my requirement or yours if you are a traveller or with some friends who needs a place to stay for a while in case you are travelling the next day or stuck in traffic due to heavy rains.