Month: October 2011

Podcast Interview with Chichi of WeAreSoleSisters.com

I interviewed a Sole Sister for my podcast right after her 6-month backpacking trip in Southeast Asia. I felt comfortable right away during the talk and one factor is because she’s also from Cebu.

Episode 7 of SoloFlightEd Sessions

soloflighted sessions with chichi

Chichi of WeAreSoleSisters.com

One of the writers of WeAreSoleSisters.com (the other being Lois), Chichi quit her job and travelled for half a year in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia & Indonesia. I first met her during a meet-up with other Pinoy Travel Bloggers prior to her adventure. After that trip, Doi, Edwin and I went out for dinner so we could also catch up on our latest travel stories. She says that she couldn’t wait to go back on the road.

Chichi has such a bubbly personality and with this interview, you can tell that she’s a very sociable person. The way she wants to spread the joy and fun of traveling is infectious. 😀

Interview Location: EastWest, Asiatown IT Park, Cebu, Philippines

chichi

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Cebu Trip: Mangrove Trees in Sayaw Beach, Barili

I had a quick vacation in Sayaw Beach Barili, Cebu, when I went out with a former colleague’s team for an activity to bond out of town. I didn’t have plans of joining as I was bent on spending my weekends at home in order to work. But I soon gave in when it turned out that the number of heads that the original trip had didn’t turn out quite as expected.

Cebu Trip: Mangroves in Sayaw Beach, Barili
October 1, 2011

sayaw barili
Sayaw Beach, Barili

Team Building in Barili, Cebu

To be honest, the place didn’t fancy me the first time because I was expecting a nice beach available so I could directly head out for a swim. However, here’s the scene that greeted me when I went to the shore.

barili cebu
boat and trees

It was an overnight stay in a resthouse and I was surprised to see mangrove trees that gave out a different view as time passed.

barili mangroves water
water knee-deep

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Ormoc, Leyte: Remembering the Tragedy 20 Years Ago

Ormoc, Leyte. I arrive and I find peace.
Yet peace belies a story that refuses to settle.

leyte ormoc

I listen as I walk in the dead of night.
Sounds that unravel a mystery but ignorance plagues my mind.

leyte ormoc night

I hear silence that echoes thousands of cries.
Cries that were never heard, of souls that remain unfound.

leyte holy week

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Podcast Interview with Flip of FlipNomad.com

After only a year of travel blogging, this guy was able to earn money through his website which is currently his primary source of income. He gave up a high-paying job just so he could travel and he’s been living in Southeast Asia for over 6 months now.

Episode 6 of my Podcast Interview

soloflighted sessions with flip

Flip of FlipNomad.com

An anonymous travel blogger of FlipNomad.com, I’m happy that Flip agreed to have this interview. I had a number of questions I wanted to clarify with his lifestyle as, more or less, it’s the same path I’m planning to pursue in the future.

Travel bloggers I’ve met all have a passion for travelling, but Flip somehow stood out and I was even caught off guard when he said he was willing to give up his blog in order to continue this passion.

Interview Location: Skype from Cebu, Philippines to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Ang Thong
Ang Thong, Thailand

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Sagada Trip: Kiltepan Peak Sunrise

I couldn’t recall what time our guide arrived at our guesthouse in Sagada. We needed to be up early so we could prepare for the sunrise at Kiltepan Peak. Coming from our crazy toploading ride from Banaue to Bontoc and even if one is never too old for a cave connection adventure, I still wanted … Read more

Of Travel Talks, Travel Interviews, and Travel Bloggers

I booked a ticket for Manila out of the blue. I didn’t have any trips as I’ve been saving for a travel fund I’m preparing for next year. But then this unexpected opportunity came up and I didn’t want to miss out on it. Or probably I was just looking for an excuse to go out and travel. Whatever the reason, I’m glad I pushed through with it.

In the middle of September, I spent my days attending travel talks, conducting podcast interviews and meeting travel bloggers.

Travel Talks by WeAreSoleSisters.com

I attended two travel talk events by the Sole Sisters. The first time I was a spectator and the second time I got to participate by sharing my ‘crazy travel story’ which was my bungy jumping experience at the Macau Tower.

soloflighted
photo by Lauren

It’s been a long while since I talked in front of a crowd so my nerves really got me. I think I did okay in relaying my adventure to the audience (I hope).

I was also surprised that a few people had introduced themselves saying that they read my blog. I’m honored and humbled by these readers who said that they found my blog useful – made me feel good that somehow, it has found its worth.

meetup
Thanks for saying “Hi” guys!

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