Philippines – Page 6 – soloflighted.com

Malapascua Island: A Silent Killer

Malapascua, you’re silent killer. I heard so much about you. How travellers describe your beauty without comparison. How a smile was the only response I received from people I asked about what you could offer. It was a rough ride before I reached you. Countless times when trips were postponed without reason. But when I … Read more

Selling Tumbler’s Homemade Ice Cream last Sinulog 2011

I didn’t get to take a lot of pictures last Sinulog 2011 because I was busy selling homemade ice cream; even if it was raining!

Last year (Sinulog 2010 blog article), I took part on the street parade and took a number of photos which was a blast because I got to practice my skills in photography. However this year, I only took a few. You can blame it on the bad weather as the water poured hard during lunch time.

Tumbler’s Ice Cream in Cebu

Weather predictions were clear that it was going to be a wet Sunday for Cebuanos but it never hindered the people from going out on the road and party. I went out with a couple of friends until I stopped by a former colleagues’ ice cream stall somewhere in Mango Avenue.

crowded

“You’ve never eaten balut?” – people were asking in unison as if I’ve committed a crime and were waiting for me to explain myself. But I didn’t know how to respond in defense. Rather than coming up with a lame excuse, I surrendered in admission.

I confess, I’m a Filipino but I’ve never eaten balut.

I get these dazed looks from people whenever I disclose this information. A silent pause is what comes next which serves as a signal for me to clarify the statement on why I’ve never tried this famous Philippine delicacy. I tell you this is a great ice-breaker during conversations.

crack it open

BALUT is a popular (if not the most) Filipino street food which is a fertilized duck egg or chicken egg with an almost-developed embryo that is boiled and eaten in a shell. It has been considered as a trademark of Filipino culture because they say you can’t call yourself Filipino unless you’ve eaten one.

Now that it’s so popular, how come I haven’t eaten one? Probably because no one has really forced me so. I also haven’t forced myself too. When I finally had the chance to try it because this was the topic of our Facebook Group’s Blog Carnival, I was able to satisfy my curiosity.

veins

Had fun enjoying the different sights at the Villa Igang Beach Resort in Guimaras island. We only stayed there for a couple of hours as we had another set of places to visit during our day tour of the island. However, I wish we could’ve stayed longer.

Villa Igang Beach Resort
Alubihod, Nueva Valencia
Guimaras Island

under talisay trees.

There were just too many scenes aside from those pigeons in Villa Igang that I wish we had more time to spare so we could relax and enjoy the moment.

tree on a cliff

Kuya Jun (our driver/guide) recommended this resort as it was less crowded. When we got there, we were the only people there sans for the caretakers. We were able to see some caves as well as jump off a cliff

Aside from the beach, the resort has a butterfly garden, beautiful rock formations and caves. You can also spend the night on cottages that were set up for tourists.

swimming in clear waters – peace y’all

2010 in general, has been a blast for me. Although there were times where I got lost figuratively, it’s always nice to look back at the positive things that happened. This has actually been my mantra every time the year ends.

I can’t remember everything but what I do to recall memories is browse through photos in my hard drive that are neatly arranged. Putting them all in this entry would just be too much. Hence I’ll just list a few points that made the whole year worthwhile.

Trips

some trips

Apo Island in Negros Oriental, Boljoon in Cebu, Adventure Café in Balamban, Wordcamp in Manila, Nalusuan Island in Mactan, Alona Beach in Bohol, Shopping in Hong Kong, Bungy in Macau, Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Seair and Microtel Tour in Boracay, Blog Summit in Iloilo, Island Tour in Guimaras — I think this rounds up my trips this year.

I had my first trip outside the country! It took me a year to prepare it but I was really hyped up when it did happen! Considering that the prices for the round fare tickets were really cheap (1200 Php from Cebu to Hong Kong and 850 Php from Cebu to Kuala Lumpur), I was able to save a lot of money while getting my first stamps on my passport!

I also bungy jumped from the world’s highest platform during this trip which made the whole event really worthwhile. That alone is already an experience to remember.

Craving for some CHEAP Japanese food here in Cebu? I suggest you try JoEd’s Lutong Hapon in Mabolo.

I first read about this small eatery on Carla’s blog which was also what an office colleague also mentioned in random. I was able to check a thread of this store in a local forum on how you can really find value for your money because of how affordable the prices are.

JoEd’s Lutong Hapon in Cebu

I’m not a big fan of Japanese cuisine but I like to try out different food places when they’re new; most especially when they’re cheap. So during our lunch break, my officemates and I headed to Juan Luna Extension from Asiatown IT Park.

California Maki – 65 Php per plate

I received another email from the Philippine Blog Awards team saying that I was chosen as a finalist of the Travel Category for the Main Division. I was surprised again because I did not expect to be part of a list of very notable bloggers. I mean this blog used to be just a personal one, I never knew it would evolve into a Travel Blog. But when it did, I started embracing it which now got me hooked!

It’s nice when you get to help out other people by sharing your experiences of the places you’ve been to. In my own way, I hope to inspire people to get out of that comfort zone and start travelling! I am also honored to be lined up with very good travel bloggers. There are also other travel bloggers not listed but are great and these are people I admire. I’ll probably join the wagon and create my own series of interviews of them so I can learn more about the people behind these blogs.

I’ve developed a relationship with rocks during my short stay in Guisi beach in Guimaras Island. No, I haven’t gone psycho but I was feeling all adventurous when I climbed and felt good when I reached the top.

It was our last day of our five-day trip in Iloilo but we had to check out the beach in Guisi because of recommendations from fellow travel bloggers. We just visited the Guisi Lighthouse and Ruins (more of this on future posts) when we stopped by Kenyama Beach resort.

Kenyama Beach Resort
Guisi, Nueva Valencia
Guimaras Island

Guisi Beach, Guimaras

I have a penchant for doing extreme stuff during my travels so when the opportunity arose to climb some rocks, I immediately grabbed the chance and began climbing.

man on top

You want to take a break from your homework, school projects or even from your professor? Most students chill in hangout places for booze or rest under a shade of a tree. City ones go to malls and watch the latest movie flick or get some ice cold treat from the nearest vendors inside the … Read more

Villa Igang Pigeons in Guimaras

Villa Igang Beach Resort
Nueva Valencia, Guimaras Island

Pigeons, I saw a flock of them while we were having lunch at the Villa Igang Resort during our trip in Guimaras. Rude as it might sound, I stared at these creatures, took my camera and started shooting.

pigeons

I wasn’t done eating but because I was fascinated by them, I stopped so I could get closer. My friends just wondered where I was going but later understood why I had to take a break.

looking for food

I’ve always wanted to have a shot with these birds reminiscent of those in Milan. The thought of having them flying around was enough to keep me curious on how I was going to do that.

another dodo creeping

Just spent half of the day in Guimaras Island. It was a blast! I joined Doi and Edwin for this sidetrip since the affair that we were attending (Visayas Blog Summit & Philippine Blog Awards 2010 – Visayas Leg) won’t be happening until the next day.

Guimaras Island
November 26, 2010

I didn’t know that Guimaras is big. I was thinking that this was just an islet! I guess this is the problem when you don’t research ahead of time and you just let your companions handle the tour. In another sense though, it’s actually a good thing. Your preconceived notions are thought wrong and there are no expectations set – you’d be surprised in the end. In this case, I was very happy with the outcome.

tree, grass and a dufus to ruin the scene

We headed to the province which boasts of producing the world’s sweetest mangoes. I’ve so many pictures and I don’t know where to start. Before I create a bunch of entries, let me post some snapshots when we were able to stop by a beautiful spot.

ready to attack

Reminiscing one of the best beaches which is located at the Northern part of Cebu.

Sugar Beach
Bantayan Island, Cebu

I’ve only been to Bantayan once. I remember spending only 1,200 Php inclusive of fare, cottage and food for a 3D 2N package. It was a very good deal because I joined a group of people on their team building when I was still an agent. I remember how thick-faced I was to invite myself to their outing. Come to think of it, I’ve been to a number of places here in Cebu due to these group building activities. It helps because the expenses are divided among many people so you cut down on costs while enjoying the location. This happened in August 2007; back when I was barely legal (hehe).

Bantayan Island is located North of Cebu (around 4 hours – by bus and by barge) Can’t really give much specifics on how to get there as it’s been three years already. Maybe I should start my own backpacking series so I can provide more information on what to expect.

preparing for a photo op

After about 5 hours from Cebu City, I was met with this beautiful landscape. Green trees and white sand. The water did not disappoint either.

sand in Sugar Beach, Bantayan

I am bound for Iloilo! I already plotted my schedule at work and I was initially wondering how I was going to file for leave. But I’m glad that it’s all set and I’ll be flying on Thursday. I was able to visit Iloilo 10 years ago but that wouldn’t label it as a vacation. We boarded a plane for Iloilo and went straight to the pier to ride a ferry going to Bacolod.

I’m not also sure what to expect because of the budget – I haven’t allocated any funds for this trip and I’m still paying off some dues because of my recent trips abroad. Oh well, bahala na.

This Saturday, I will be joining the Visayas Blog Summit and the Philippine Blog Awards 2010 – Visayas Leg. This is pretty exciting because I’ll be able to meet other bloggers again from around the country.

Visayas Blogging Summit 2010 and The Philippine Blog Awards Visayas 2010

Pardon my ignorance but I thought Red Ribbon was only limited to cakes, pastries and some pastas. I know my older brother always ordered their Palabok platter whenever a special occasion arises. Little did I know that they also have rice meals available to whet the appetite of the Filipino eater.

Red Ribbon menu at Cocomall branch

Cakes and rolls display at Red Ribbon

Malapascua Island: A Silent Killer

Selling Tumbler’s Homemade Ice Cream last Sinulog 2011

Confessions of a First-Time Balut Eater

Beach, Cave and Cliff at Villa Igang Resort in Guimaras

2010 Highlights: A Year-Ender Blog Post

JoEd’s Lutong Hapon: Affordable Japanese Food in Cebu

Philippine Blog Awards 2010 Travel Category

Rocks at Guisi Beach, Guimaras Island

Beach Escape in UP Miag-ao

Villa Igang Pigeons in Guimaras

Big Red Ants and Cogongrass in the Island of Guimaras

Sands of Bantayan Island Cebu

Visayas Blog Summit and Philippine Blog Awards Visayas

Cebu Red Ribbon Crispy Chicken, Choco Fudge Cake and Black Forest