Bennigan’s “The Big Irish” Burger at The Dubai Mall

the-big-irish-burger-bennigans

We went to Bennigan’s restaurant in The Dubai Mall one evening as we were scouting for places to eat before movie time. I first learned about this restaurant when I was browsing through our Entertainer Dubai book – this is a book filled with coupons from various hotels, restaurants, theme parks, and establishments. What better way … Read more

Cebu: Afternoon in Basdako White Beach, Moalboal

After Kawasan Falls,  we went back to the main road in order to hail a bus. We were to find a place to eat in the town proper as it was already lunch time. We would be heading to another tourist place in Badian for an afternoon hangout session in Basdako (White Beach), Moalboal.

Basdako Beach (White beach) in Moalboal
Badian, Cebu
November 13, 2011

moalboal cebu
Basdako Beach, Moalboal in Cebu
Basdako means “Big Sand”

moalboal beach cebu
Travel Bloggers in Cebu White Beach Moalboal
alin ang naiiba? hehe.

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Bali, Indonesia: Getting Photographed in Kuta Beach

It’s been a year since we’ve been to the island of Bali, Indonesia. Up to now, I still haven’t completed my blog series about the trip. Not sure if I’ll be writing about it sometime soon though. Still, let me let me share a few pictures taken by Efraim, budding Indonesian photographer.

Kuta Beach
Bali, Indonesia
July 21, 2012

Bali Indonesia

Jana and I were enjoying the sunset and the wide landscape of Kuta Beach when he took photos of us in our candid moments.

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Cebu: Revisiting Kawasan Falls

From the Sunday morning market in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, we were able to hire two motorbikes (habal-habal) to Kawasan Falls in Badian. It’s faster than having to ride back to the Dalaguete intersection and wait for a bus. We tried to haggle, but we still paid around 150 Php per person for the motorbike ride.

Mantalongon to Kawasan Falls
Badian, Cebu
November 13, 2011

cebu kawasan falls cebu
Kawasan Falls in Cebu

It was an off-road motor adventure and it was dangerous considering that some areas are not yet paved. But the view, I tell you, is just refreshing! Even if it drizzled for awhile, the beautiful landscape made me forget about getting wet from the rain.

mantalongon to kawasan falls
road

habal habal cebu
habal-habal to Kawasan Falls!

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Cebu: Mantolongon Sunday Morning Market

Waking up in the morning at the barangay hall in Mantalongon, Cebu, we hurriedly took our turns in the bathroom to fix ourselves. Even if I was a little tired from the trek to Osmena Peak, I still had a good night’s sleep especially when I didn’t have to pay much (50 Php) for a sleeping bunk.  hehe.

Mantalongon Sunday Morning Market
Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu
November 13, 2011

cebu mantalongon
gymnasium cum market

mantalongon cebu
a short walk from the barangay hall

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Osmeña Peak Cebu: Descending in the Dark Night

It was already cold to be standing on top of the Osmena Peak in Cebu. Waiting for the sun to set became a little uncomfortable because the temperature became cooler. Good thing I brought a jacket. It was also great that we still had some leftover bread so we could fill our stomachs with food … Read more

Cebu Osmeña Peak: Two-Hour Trek to the Peak

We arrived at the Mantalongon Market and asked the townsfolk for directions to Osmena Peak in Cebu. The locals advised to go straight and just turn left on the first intersection. Afterwards, they said we only needed to follow the path to get to the destination. We didn’t have a difficult time understanding the instructions … Read more

Cruise Holidays: A World of Choice

When you’re planning a cruise holiday, there are so many things to take into consideration. Perhaps the most important is destination, and which soul-stirring places you’d like to tick off your must-see list. Do you want to explore the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Nordic Fjords or the Iberian Sea? Beyond that, which cities have you been hankering after – perhaps the sizzling Mediterranean sights of Barcelona and Palma, or the far-flung must-sees of Sydney and Hong Kong Harbour?

On a cruise holiday you’ll also need to consider how long you want to be away for. Opt for a mini or a taster cruise if you just fancy a quick jaunt and a fun-filled few days away. Most mini cruises are just two or three nights long – perfect for first-timers – while others are slightly longer, perhaps four or five nights. It’s ideal if you’re trying to squeeze in a short, action-packed break without breaking the bank!

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Cebu Osmeña Peak: Stopover at Boljoon

Friday night, I was going over my duties in the office when I received a message from one of my travel buddies about going to Osmeña Peak the morning after. Prior to the climb, we were to drop by the municipality of Boljoon in South Cebu.

Cebu Osmeña Peak: Stopover at Boljoon
November 11, 2011

boljoon landmark
If you see this view when you travel South of Cebu, you know you’re in Boljoon.

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Dreaming about Santorini, Greece

santorini houses

One of the destinations in Europe that I am hoping to visit the soonest would be Santorini in Greece. Knowing that I’m now based in the Middle East, more options have come up for me to visit nearer places.

A friend also mentioned that it’s easier to apply for tourist visas. Back in my home country, there are a lot of documents needed at the embassy to travel to these locations. The visa approval rate is also not that high especially when you’re not connected to a company.

santorini houses
Santorini, Greece
photo source: pedrosz

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First Time in an Emirates Airlines Boeing 777

I boarded an Emirates Airlines Boeing 777 plane on my way to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was my first time to ride a plane of that size. I became excited at the thought of riding a huge aircraft even if it meant spending 8 hours in the flight.

My Emirates Boeing 777 Experience

Emirates Airlines Boeing 777
Emirates Aircraft Boeing 777 from HK to DXB

During my backpacking adventure, an A320 or an ATR would suffice. But since the plane from Hong Kong to Dubai took longer than 4 hours, a bigger aircraft is truly necessary.

I didn’t know what to expect; so I was wide awake despite not getting much sleep the day before. At the boarding area, I was already taking photos of the Hong Kong airport. I recall the last time I visited this region of China, and the first time I felt when I landed on a foreign country.

headstand hong kong
at the HK International Airport

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The Best City Festivals

Now that summer has arrived, it is time to fill those long days. If you are looking for something to do, try something new. Stop spending your days doing the same thing with the same people. The summer is filled with festivals in major cities around the world. Certainly, there is one in a city you want to visit. Check out HostelBookers City festival Guide here, but below are some great options.

Bilbao, Spain
BBK Live
July 11-13, 2013

city festival concert
Image source: Carthesian

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Blogging in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Whoa, never thought I wouldn’t be blogging for this long. It’s been awhile since I last updated this blogsite. I also haven’t been able to go online as much. My normal day to day Facebook activity has been totally lessened. This is a good thing because it made me realize that I don’t need to spend as much time on social media just looking at status messages when I’m on my laptop. I can actually do more productive tasks such as working on my other sites that need more attention.

I apologize for the absence, but I’ve been busy.
So what have I been doing lately? I am currently based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

dubai burj khalifa
Burj Khalifa, The Tallest Building in the World

I transferred due to personal reasons and I’m starting over by establishing new roots here. The past months haven’t been a walk in the park. I became one of the many thousands of Filipinos who are finding better opportunities in this desert city.

I can’t recall how many resumes I’ve sent and how few the responses were. Maybe I didn’t target the right employers. Still, I can say that I’ve done what the average Pinoy has in order to get a good start-up job; and it wasn’t easy at all.

dubai airport terminal
arriving in DXB

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Tanjong Jara Resort Review in Terengganu, Malaysia

During my 9-month Southeast Asia backpacking adventure, I was able to live in a five-star luxury resort in Terengganu, Malaysia. This was one of the best experiences I had because I lived very comfortably.

Tanjong Jara Resort: Unmistakably Malay
Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia

beach tanjong jara
Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia

I was in the hotel resort to help out in the daily operations and when I arrived on my first day, I was escorted to one of the villas. I was to spend the next few nights in a huge room because they ran out of rooms in the staff quarters!

tanong jara malaysia
Entrance to Tanjong Jara Resort by YTL Hotel Group

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