Life is Sad

Why do I feel that life is such a sad story.

You are born and taken cared of by your parents.

You go to school and earn a degree.

As you grow up, you meet friends who become your family. Some become just acquaintances, and some you get to forget because they are not so nice or has taken advantage of you.

You meet your special someone, or not. No one knows.

You then look for work and earn some money. Or you stay at home and work hard doing chores and taking care of your kids, feeling unappreciated most of the time.

You either live in a rat race or live comfortably.. only you can decide on what will happen to you.

You get to live your dreams or keep reaching for whatever you want achieve.

And then you grow old, health deteriorating and getting worse, you feel every part of your body aching.

And then you die old or sometimes young, we never know. But one thing's for sure, we will all die.

And when your life ends, you will either turn into ashes or bones.

For a while, they will cry or smile remembering you. They will visit you every time it's your birthday,  death anniversary or every November 1st, Christmas, and other special occasions.

And then a few years later, visitors will get fewer and fewer until everyone totally forgets about you.

What a lifetime of crap, it's wasted. 

Why are we even born?

An Angel is Born

Today, we lost our grandniece.. before she was even born.😭

It was a very hard few months for them - both for the baby and Joy. As well as to Obyn and to the whole family. They've been fighting everyday to survive.

I hope both Joy and Obyn will have courage and peace in their hearts knowing that baby Malia Ellery was born to be an angel. That it wasn't anyone's fault. That it was God's plan. 🙏

Please guide us always our little angel.. especially your mama and papa and kuya. Eventhough you are this little, our LOVE for you is this BIG!

Simple Ways We Can Do to Help the Environment

In our own little ways, we can help save the environment. Yes, even if we are not volunteering to plant a tree or join a clean-up project or join an environment-centric club or organization. We can help!

• GForest - You can collect green energy in GCash Forest by switching to green activities and reducing your carbon footprint. With enough green energy, you can adopt a native tree on your own or with other GCash users, and help rebuild Philippine forests.

• Ecoasia - the search engine that plants trees (https://www.ecosia.org/). Every search you do using this site helps make planting trees possible.

• Recycling or Upcycling old things. Be creative. You can make a lot of new and beautiful other things using recycled materials.

• Opting for electronic bills instead of printed/mailed ones.

• When ordering for food deliveries, you can choose not to include disposable utensils unless you don't have utensils at home.

• Carpooling! Unless you want to use your own for some reason and your location is out of way.

• And please, please, please! Don't throw your trash anywhere. If you are walking or on the road, please put it in your pocket or bag for the meantime until you find a trash bin.

Yacht

When on a yacht

You don’t have to wear white.

A Student's Prayer

I'm trying to clean my belongings and throw out anything that no longer sparks joy to me (as Marie Kondo says) and saw a postcard with a prayer written on it. I used to post it on my table during my college days. Thought to share the prayer before I totally throw the card out. Also, I think it is applicable not only to students, but to everyone.. just change some of the words. 😊 

By the way, I didn't write the prayer. I just copied it from the internet. So, thank you and credits to the person who wrote it.

Here it goes.

 Oh My Dear Lord, I offer to you this day,

All that I will do and all that I will say;

The good and the bad that today will meet me,

The joys and the trials, all I offer thee.

I offer you the hours I spend studying,

May I use time not idling nor hurrying;

Help me from the short quiz to the long exam,

Make me responsible; scold me when I cram.

I offer to you the time with friends I spend.

Thank you, my Lord, for the love,

Through them, you send;

May I not be selfish, not seek consolations,

Let me keep my peace in little irritations.

And through the day, I'll reserve some time for you,

Alone in prayer let me learn to love you;

As I bear my heart, you'll see all its weakness,

Redeemed only by your mercy and goodness.

And as evening comes, I'll lay myself to sleep,

Through the night, I'll give my soul for you to keep;

As I close my eyes I'll tell you once again,

Thank you, my Lord, for being a friend. Amen.

Generations Guide

I am already confused in what generations the people are in now so keeping this here as a handy reference. 

1901 - 1927: Greatest Generation

1928 - 1945: Silent Generation

1946 - 1964: Baby Boom Generation

1965 - 1980: Generation X

1981 - 1996: Millennial Generation or Generation Y

1997 - 2010: Generation Z or iGen

2011 - Present: Alpha

Just for the Heck of It

Eventually, I got tired of creating videos.. of creating memorabilia., of summarizing what happened, what we’ve seen and experienced. It’s just.. tiring. 

Eat, Pray, Love Quotes

 "Keep grounded so it's like you have four legs. That way, you can stay in this world." - Ketut

"No looking at world through your head. Look through your heart instead. That way, you will know God." - Ketut

"Having a baby is like having a tattoo on your face. You kind of wanna be fully committed." - Delia

"The only thing more impossible than staying.. was leaving." - Liz

Cashflow Game Takeaways

• Good opportunities only come once in a while.
• Increasing that passive income is not easy.
• Sometimes you can't avoid surprise expenses. 
• Invest on things that increase in value over time.
• Buy low.. even if the market is not good. And don't be afraid! That is when stocks go low and a very good opportunity to buy.
• It's OK to have loans if it will give you additional income. But please manage your liabilities.
• Use your cash wisely and manage your expenses.

8 Things I am Still Interested In

1. Spending time with my family.
2. Eating out and exploring different foods.
3. Going out with true friends.
4. Becoming healthy.
5. Building passive income and becoming financially free.
6. Dolce far niente! 
7. Traveling the world.
8. Reaching our dreams.

8 Things I am No Longer Interested In

1. Arguing with idiots.
2. Giving unsolicited advice.
3. Spending time with people who don't want to spend time with me.
4. Responding to people who only remembers me when they need something.
5. Dealing with inconsiderate people and with no common sense.
6. People who don't respect the people I love.
7. Listening to complaints and rants.
8. Being nice to people I don't like.

Imbento ng mga Magulang Natin

Noong bata pa kayo, ano yung mga sinasabi ng mga nanay at tatay n'yo sa inyo na naniniwala naman kayo? 

Eto ang ilan sa mga kautuan ng ating mga magulang na pinaniniwalaan naman natin. haha!

• 'Pag daw nag gupit ka ng kuko pag Friday or pag gabi na, mananalinsing daw ang kuko mo. Eh syempre ayaw mo yun di ba. naniwala ka naman so ipagpapabukas mo na lang.
• 'Wag daw magwawalis kapag gabi na at lalabas ang swerte. hahahaha ikaw naman naniwala itinabi mo na lang sa isang sulok yung mga nawalis mong kalat. ayun sakit sa mata. haha.
• 'Pag Biyernes Santo, marami din bang ipinagbabawal sa inyong gawin? Bawal manungkit ng bunga sa puno at mapupuwing ka daw. Bawal din mag gupit ng kuko (again? haha). Bawal din magkikilos di ko alam bakit.
• Dati kapag may tatawid na baka sa kalsada, ang sinasabi ng tatay ko swerte daw yun. Siguro para 'di lang mainip kaya inuto pa ko na pampaswerte yun haha. 😄😅
• 'Pag may sugat ba kayo noong araw, sinasabihan din kayo na may lalabas daw na kalabaw dun? At takot na takot ka naman! 😆
• Bawal matulog ng basa ang buhok. Mabubulag ka daw. Well hanggang ngaun ata nadidinig ko pa rin yun. Nakakatulog din ako madalas ng basa ang buhok. Malinaw pa naman mata ko. 

Ilan lang ‘to sa mga imbentong paandar ng mga magulang natin noon. Kung may maalala pa kayong iba, comment nyo lang dito. Kung hindi, sige kayo mapuputol daliri nyo sa kamay. 😂

It's None of Your Business

How many of you have gone to a family reunion or get-together with friends and then they asked you why are you still single or when you will have a boyfriend or a girlfriend? If you are in a relationship, how many of you were asked when will you get married? And then asked when you will  have kids? And so on and so forth, it just doesn't stop.

They will definitely ask what you don't have.

How frustrating, isn't it?

Tourist Spots in Nueva Ecija

Have you been to Nueva Ecija lately? So many new places to eat, visit, and enjoy. Mostly farms and resorts, rivers, mountains and its spectacular view. What else would you expect? Haha! But, we're telling you, it's worth it. 😊 

Here is a list of places you might want to visit. You know, it's just 2-4 hours drive from Manila depending on your mode of transpo and time you will be traveling. Best to travel super early in the morning or late at night to avoid traffic.

Disclaimer: This is a working list and is not complete as we only listed those that we've been to.. and not in a particular order. 😊 

P.S. We still have a lot on our to-go list. 😅

Good Enough

 "To be honest, I didn't want this job. But we live in a time in which we're called upon to serve in ways we didn't anticipate. None of us is perfect. But we do our best because this house is worthy of our best. We trust our instincts as we fight our daily fights. Some we'll win. Some we won't. And some we'll only know in time. But we live each night hopeful that today's sacrifices have been worth it, that our instincts have not led us astray... and that our best has been good enough."

- Seth Wright in Designated Survivor

40 Things To Do Before We Turn 40

Okay, so 40 is waving at us and we still have a lot to do and want to achieve. What?! That's just less than 2 years from now! How can we do and have all of these?! haha! 

Here's our list. I've tried to make it more realistic before we turn 40 but I can't think of other things to do.. so, let's just change it to 50!!! Besides, life starts at 40, right?! 😅

⭐ Have multiple streams of passive income. Una talaga 'to eh. Of course, how can we check off all on this list if we don't have money to spend. Pwede, libre mo kami. 😜

⭐ Retire from work. Yes, our goal is before we turn 50.

Plant Cards in Axie Infinity

Let's be familiar with the possible cards your Axie team might have. Please note, these are not all inclusive of all the Plant cards available because there are too many. These are just among the abilities that your axie team might have so that you'll know how to properly use them.

For the complete list of cards of all Axie class, please go to this link. This will help you know and learn the cards of your opponents - https://www.axieworld.com/en/tools/cards-explorer 

Shields or Adds Health to your Axie:

Aqua Cards in Axie Infinity

Let's be familiar with the possible cards your Axie team might have. Please note, these are not all inclusive of all the Plant cards available because there are too many. These are just among the abilities that your axie team might have so that you'll know how to properly use them.

For the complete list of cards of all Axie class, please go to this link. This will help you know and learn the cards of your opponents - https://www.axieworld.com/en/tools/cards-explorer 

Good to use in ending life of your enemy:

Axie Infinity Scholarship Basics

REQUIREMENTS:

1. You must have at least an idea on how to play Axie Infinity. If you don't, please do your own due diligence to learn how to play it. Marami naman sa YouTube, search nyo lang po. 😊
2. Please have time to watch tutorial videos and some rules of the game. Here are some of the basics:
• Axie Infinity Scholarship Guide (Part 1)
• Axie Infinity Scholarship Guide (Part 2)
3. Strictly 1 account per 1 device lang po tayo para iwas ban. Bawal po matigas ulo.
4. We need your commitment when you become a scholar. You must be able to:
• Play the game DAILY, no excuse po, from Monday to Sunday, umulan man o umaraw. 😊
• Complete the Daily Quest and Claim the Daily Quest Bonus
• Complete the guaranteed SLPs in Adventure (50/50) daily
5. Minimum required minted SLP is 100 per day. Yung 75 SLP per day is already guaranteed, kelangan lang masipag maglaro. Yung additional SLPs, sa Arena na makukuha kaya galingan nyo po maglaro. Pero sana hindi lang yung minimum ang i-goal natin. Mas maraming SLP, mas malaki ang kita, mas OK, mas happy. 😀 

Maximizing Minted SLP when Playing Axie Infinity

Here's a simplified guide para mamaximize nyo yung mae-earn na SLP sa larong Axie Infinity:

#1. Use all your 20 energy in Arena. Kahit na maka 5 wins ka na, stay ka lang sa Arena kasi additional SLP din yun pag nanalo ka. Kaya galingan mo kasi sayang din yung maeearn mong SLP.

#2. Paano naman kung naubos mo na yung 20 energy mo pero hindi ka pa rin nakaka 5 wins? Just continue playing in Arena hanggang sa maka 5 wins ka. Bakit? Para maclaim mo yung daily quest bonus.

Eh ano ba yung Daily Quest? Eto po sya. At para ma-claim mo yung 25 SLP bonus, kelangan matapos mo 'tong tatlong 'to:

Pandemic Takeaway

So, I was watching Karen Davila's interviews with the celebrities in her YouTube Channel and at the end of each interview, she will ask her guests on what is their takeaway from this Covid pandemic.

Well for me (kahit na di naman ako ininterview haha), I think this pandemic helped me:

Reconnect

Focus

Slow down

and Grow... plants. 😄

Live This Day Beautifully

The cold, brisk air at dawn,

The sweet breeze right before flowers start to bloom,

And the scent of sunset that fills the air at sundown.

Every single day was dazzlingly beautiful.

Even if you’re struggling right now,

Everyone alive has the right to enjoy all this every day. 

Even if one ordinary day is followed by another ordinary day,

Life is still worth living.

Don’t waste the present regretting the past and worrying about the future.

Live this day beautifully. 

You deserve it.

- The Light in Your Eyes

It’s Ber Months Already!

So much has happened this year. If you’ll think about it, it’s already September. September! We just had our New Year’s celebration, right? And now in less than 4 months, it will be New Year again. Can’t wait for this year to be over? Me too, I’m so looking forward to year 2021. 

The question is, what have you learned this year? What has this pandemic taught you?

Being Selfish Isn’t Always a Bad Thing

“If you want to make the people around you happy, you must find your own happiness first. Being selfish isn’t always a bad thing. Try to only think about your happiness when things are too stressful. It’s okay to do that.”

- from It’s Okay Not to be Okay, a Korean TV series in Netflix

Confessions of a Small Time Gambler

 Here's a series of Instagram posts we've written during our self-initiated withdrawal from our addiction. Yes, it’s fun.. It’s exciting.. It’s addicting. That's why we had a hard time stopping ourselves from coming back. We were hooked since 2014. Now, we are just taking chances on whatever happens. Hopefully not inside this 24/7 establishment, but in life in general.

Know Your Worth

How do you measure your worth?

Are you worthy to the people around you? Are you worthy to your family and friends? Are you worthy to the company you are working for?

When you’re gone, will they miss you? Will their world turn upside down? Will you leave a black hole in their heart? Will it be a big loss if you’re gone?

Blame Game

I’ve had some realizations over the past few months and I would say learned more about how human behaves.

Let me start with the common saying when someone farted (please excuse my example but that is what came first to my mind 😊)   “whoever talks first is the one guilty”.

To the Best Boss

I wrote a poem for my boss. It might not rhyme but who cares. Haha! Here is how it goes.

Some may like you,

And others may hate you.

But they don't matter

Because there’s also a few like us who love you.

There might be people who don't understand you.

I, too, cant get you sometimes.

And we don't always agree to everything.

But, you taught me to listen.. and to understand..

And even if sometimes that we just have to agree to disagree.

We’re OK.

Because at the end of the day

We still have the respect for each other.

Above all that,

I want you to know that I look up to you so high.

Your bravery, boldness and strictness,

No power tripping and abuse on the side.. just plain right and just.

Your dedication and love for the company

and to the people who equally love it.

It’s so contagious,

You cant just hide it.

And with all that seriousness

You also have your funny and jolly side.

And all of those make you

The best boss I ever had.

So I wanted to say, “Thank YOU!”

Knowing that I have your trust and support

Is already enough to keep me going

In this crazy yet lovable company.

To the best and awesome boss I ever had.

Happy boss’ day!

Thank you! Cheers!

It's Not Overrated

I thought Boracay is just overrated by everyone. When you ask them where they want to go, they will instantly say "Boracay". And since we don't want to go where everyone wants to, we have not added it to our list.. for a long time. Until we finally got curious of what's in Boracay that even foreigners are hooked to this little island. We then decided to go there with our friends. Why not?! There's a seat sale! 

No regrets. It is not overrated. It is really a paradise. Powdery white sand.. Unlimited adventures.. What an awesome wonderful island Boracay is.

Photo on the left was created using Volo app. 

At This Age

Early 30's.. That is where we are now. Some are already successful and have achieved their dreams. Some are still working towards their goal and little by little are achieving them. Some already have their own family, while some are still waiting for that special someone. Some have already travelled around the world, and some are still searching for the right path to take. No matter what, our lives have already changed since we were kids. 

Parrot's Peak

Today my dream of climbing a mountain finally came true! We've reached Mt. Pico de Loro's summit after lots of walking and literally climbing to its peak. 

Low Budget? No Problemo!

You want to travel but you don't have enough money? Or you don't want to spend that much? No worries. You can still enjoy what others experience even with low budget. You don't need to travel by sea and use your precious vacation leaves spending days in the ship just because it is cheaper. You don't need to stay in a not-so-nice room accommodation if you can afford comfy hotels. How? You just need to:

Are We Getting Old Already?

We met 8 years ago. Still young.. Full of energy.. enthusiasm.. and wonder. Always looking for new things, unfamiliar places, and breathtaking adventures. 

Book and Go!

'Twas never planned. I just heard that there's a promo in Cebu Pacific so I checked their site. Domestic and  International flights... With our passports getting near expiration dates, and us wanting to use them before renewing, I decided to look for any out of the country destination that doesn't need Visa. Cambodia, X. Bali, X. Thailand, negative. Hongkong, check! With a round trip fare of just P2200+ each, I booked our next trip to Hongkong with side trip to Macau. And good timing too! It's our holiday in the next two weeks. So... go go go!

You read it right. For a promo fare, our flight is already in the next two weeks. We're so excited. Hihi! I also asked Bangs if they wanted to come with us. She is usually undecided, but guess what?! She agreed! Woohooo! This will be more fun. And even better if France and Ren can also come with us. Unfortunately, France have prior commitments. Anyway, there will always be next time. 

For now, we have to do our research and try not to get lost. 👀 😄

✈️ And just like that, we'll be flying to Hongkong and see Mickey Mouse.☺️

🚢 As fast as that, we'll be betting not in RW Manila but in The Venetian. 🎰🎲😅

Little by Little

We all have dreams.

I grew up in a small house/sari-sari store with no electricity, TV and AC. I even remember when our source of light is just a small gas lamp. It's really very dim. And when it's really hot, your arms will get tired because of using the fan. So happy to have my parents do the "paypay" for me to get to sleep. And when my asthma attacks, my father sleeps sitting because he is carrying me because it's hard to breath if I lay down. And speaking of sleeping, we also used to sleep in a hard wood, no foam just a "banig" or woven mat. I also remember lining up in our neighbors family computer to have the chance to play Super Mario. Oooh, I feel nostalgic now. haha!

Years passed when I started to go to school  and our house were now made of bricks instead of wood. It's still of the same size but it has become a lot better. Electric cables were already connected as well as television. I am also so happy because we now have electric fan! Our pots and pans were also no longer covered with charcoal because we already have a stove and is now using LPG instead of wood. Thinking of it now it looks like we had a very hard life. But I would say we just have an average life. It's not that really hard at that time. My parents did all their best to raise me well. They also bought me anything I need and want. I think I am a kid who doesn't want a lot of toys or clothes, only if I need it. I guess I got it from my parents who is not so "maluho" and is OK with simple things. And when my father comes home with a roasted chicken, it's already very special for us.

It was a great childhood and a good life. But of course, we still want something we don't have, right?

So, growing up in a house that is not as big and beautiful as the ones I see on tv and magazines, having a beautiful house, with many rooms and a second floor has been my dream since I was young. I worked hard, I had different freelance jobs and small businesses or "raket", all legal of course. I spent sleeping hours awake so I can have more money to save and spend for our dream home. I want my parents to live in a big house that is safe from flooding and comfortable with all the things they need.

Fast forward to today, I can say that I'm truly blessed to have a stable good paying job. This helped me build the home for my family. Little by little, it is now a reality. We also have a condo unit now. Although we are still paying for it, in less than 7 years from now, this will be fully ours. :-)

What else did I dream of when I was young? A car. It is not a priority now but we would like to have it someday. When we have a very good reason to buy one because it's not that cheap.

Another is to put up a business - photo studio, computer shop, apartment.. Those are my dream businesses before. I have tried once - I partnered with my college friend and we put up a food business. Unfortunately, we failed. But I can say that we have learned a lot from that. Bem also tried a food business, a lechon manok store. But also failed due to poor location. Because of these, I think I no longer want to put up a new business. There's so much to do and learn and would also need a lot of capital. Giving up so early, huh. 😏

I want to just stay at home or anywhere I like and be able to earn passively. Travel the world with Bembem, his family, and mine. Still thinking of how and what would that be but would like to make it a reality someday.

Soon. Little by little. 😉

Pustiso

Pinauwi kami ng maaga from office dahil paparating na ang bagyong Glenda. At sa byahe namin ng jeep pauwi, may nakasabay kami na nakakatakot.  Dalawa kasi sila na sumakay ng sabay tapos magkabilang dulo ng jeep naupo, syempre naisip namin agad baka holdappers. Judgemental lang. haha. Sa likod ng driver naupo yung isa tapos sa may pintuan naman naupo yung medyo dugyot. Tapos gusto pa takpan ng payong nya yung pinto..Para daw di kami mabasa...

SB Card

Through text...

me: dito na ko sa office mahal.. uy tots, gusto ko yung starbucks card yung Pilipinas na design.

tots: 0k t0ts k0..ingat ka jan sa w0rk m0..gust0 m0 yung bag0ng SB card? An0ng gagawin natin?

me: (-.-)

Losing

I am reading a sad chapter of a story now.. about a girl who became a stripper just to save her mother who got cancer. After 2 years, the cancer came back and this time, there is no cure and her mom decided to just stay at home and spend her remaining days with them. (Arix's "The Stripper" in Wattpad). Well, this chapter made my tears flow like a river. (T_T)

Tulog na!!!

Antok na antok na ko

Ngunit hindi ako makatulog.

Sana sa pagpikit ko

Ay maghilik na ako.

2nd Hand

c/o ren.

anak: tay, pag nurse daw po kelangan ng relo na may 2nd hand

tatay: ha? pambihira yan. eh kakabili pa lang naman natin nyang relo. san tayo bibili nyan ng luma? 

anak: 2nd hand daw po kelangan eh

tatay: pakitanong nga sa teacher mo bakit kelangan pa na 2nd hand kung may bago naman.

Cotton

Emergency. Alam kong ayaw ni Bembem ang irerequest ko pero no choice sya. >:) Pinabili ko ng napkin sa Ministop..

Ayon sa kanyang kwento...

Bem: (naghanap ng Modess cottony soft non-wings. Ilang sandali, di nakataiis at nagtanong na.) Miss meron ba kayong Modess na cotton yung 'not'-wings?

Miss: I-check ko sir. 

(naghanap din)

Miss: Sir, wala na eh. Gusto nyo Charmie na lang?!!!

Pabulong sya nagtanong. Pero yung miss kalakas ng boses!!! hahaha!

Kaya pag-uwi nya ang dala ay dry max na non-wings. Dali-dali nyang binili yung Modess at umalis na.

Take-out

I was starving when I woke up last night so I got up immediately,  took a bath and got dressed as fast as I can so I could still pass by McDonald's before I go to work.

At McDo's take-out counter...

me: 1 order of McSpicy meal, pa coke-float na rin.

staff: (inulit ang order ko) P141.00 po lahat.

me: thanks. teykkkk... (I pretended I did not say a word) 

I suddenly realized that I'm at the take out counter. 'Pag gutom nga naman ang tao. :)

10 Things to Visit and Do in Davao City

Since we’ll be coming back to Davao this November, We’ve thought of listing our top 10 based on our trip last 2011.

#1. Jack’s Ridge – the best time to come here is during the night where you can see the view of Davao while having a sumptuous dinner. It is also a great place to take pictures because of the nice landscape. The city lights, food, singing group that will serenade you while eating, perfect for a great dinner.

The Magic of Mexico

Next year’s holidays are already beckoning, and the hunt is on for the new perfect location to soothe and invigorate the tired soul. Thinking about what it is you want from a holiday, and whether you will still want it when the time comes around is a choice that’s hard to settle on. Maybe you fancy a beach holiday where you can relax on the sand and think or do nothing else, but next year you may have decided that you want to do something completely different. Perhaps you’ll decide that you want to go mountain climbing for example, or maybe you will want to unearth some magnificent gems from history - who knows what a year will bring! Choosing a destination that is as versatile as it is intriguing will most likely have you booking a holiday in Mexico 2013.

Arts & Entertainment: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012

The Scottish capital is awash with amazing entertainment throughout the year. No matter when you choose to escape for a weekend break here, you’ll be sure to find plenty of things to fill your time. If you’re venturing across the border this August, make sure you make some time for the awesome Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Running between the 3^rd and 27^th August, it’ll be sure to provide you with entertainment aplenty and help you appreciate not only some of the biggest names in showbiz but new faces too.

Our Favorite Travel Quotes

Here is a collection of travel quotes that we have tweeted last 2011. In no particular order. Be inspired. Until then!


"Own only what you can carry with you; Let your memory be your travel bag." ~Alexander Solzhenitsyn


"Try something new. Do something fun. Be adventurous. These breaks can bring renewed energy into your work and your life."

Off to Tacloban with No Itinerary and Reservations

We usually have set itineraries, cost estimate, and accommodation reservations when we go somewhere. But this time, we don’t. Pure adventure.. fun.. and excitement.

Six months before our flight, there was a promo with Cebu Pacific. As promo-grabber as we are, we booked to any destination where there are still promo seats available. Just trying out any destination in the list… Puerto Princesa – sold out. Dumaguete – sold out. Tagbilaran – sold out. Davao – sold out. Boracay – sold out. Tacloban – taaadaaaan!!! We do not know what’s in there, but we booked flights for the 4 of us.

A little research told us Mc Arthur landing shrine is there.  Not sure if we can pass by the famous longest bridge in the Philippines, San Juanico, but, we put it in our list. And that's it. We did not bother to research more until the date is really fast approaching.

November came and we'll be flying to Tacloban already. Bembem can’t come with us due to work schedule. Mika had hesitations because Bem can’t come with us. And if Mika won’t go, and so as Bevvy Joy. Poor Weng, I’m the only one left! :(

But… wait wait wait...  Bevvy Joy texted me 2 days before... She asked if I still want to go to Tacloban. Of course I said yes. And she also liked to go. We’re now going! High five! :)

I tried to book a hotel 12 hours before our arrival. As expected, all hotels I called were all fully booked. I also asked for quotations for tours but they were all too expensive. Good luck to us.

Upon arrival at Daniel Romualdez Airport in Tacloban, we called the other hotels I haven’t called yet. So lucky, Bevvy Joy found one. Leyte Park Resort is so nice. We enjoyed the pool and the everyday breakfast buffet. 

Also at the airport, we found a van that can tour us around the whole city and bring us to Sohoton cave in Samar. Now, that’s what we call adventure, wonderful and fun memories worth looking back.

Historical? Yes!

Leyte Provincial Capitol

 

UP Tacloban

Madonna of Japan

Balyuan Tower

Sto. Nino Church

Sto. Nino Shrine

There are other places that we've visited such as the famous McArthur Landing Monument, Rafael's Farm, and San Juanico Bridge which is the longest bridge in the Philippines!

Nature? Of course. We also went to Sohoton Cave in Samar.

Actually, after the tour, we just realized that we do not need a van to tour around the city. They are just near each other we can even just walk around except for the Rafael's farm, San Juanico bridge, and McArthur Shrine.