Philippines

Our Melting Pot Hostel in Makati, Philippines

I was in Manila last week and I was searching for backpacker lodges in the area since my friend’s place (where I normally crash) was unavailable. I was planning to stay in backpacker hostels in Malate but I found it a bit far from the metro. Good thing I was referred by Dong Ho to Our Melting Pot (OMP) hostel in Makati, Philippines.

I didn’t expect much from this place. All I wanted was a decent bed to crash plus good WiFi connection to work on my online assignments. I got more than what I asked for when I spent the remaining days in this awesome backpacker inn.

Our Melting Pot Makati
entrance at Our Melting Pot

Our Melting Pot Hostel Review

Our Melting Pot is located in what seems like an abandoned building in Makati Avenue. The elevator was a little creepy at first, but I got used to it.

On the 4th floor, I removed my shoes and went inside. I was welcomed by a spacious common area where the staff was already expecting me.

philippines hostel
common area

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Out of Town Blog’s Top 15 Philippine Travel Blogs 2013

Recently, a survey was conducted by Out of Town Blog to bloggers listing their top 15 Philippine travel blogs. A number of bloggers joined in the said survey and after tallying it, I was surprised to see that soloflightEd is among the top travel blogs in the country. Below is the list of top blogs … Read more

Backpacking Southeast Asia for 9 Months

I resigned from my corporate job last January 2012 because I wanted to go on a long-term travel adventure. I was able to accomplish it by backpacking for nine months in seven countries in Southeast Asia. Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand-Indonesia-Singapore-Malaysia-Philippines I haven’t exhausted all the places in Southeast Asia which I could’ve done simply by hopping on a … Read more

Paddleboarding at Paoay Lake, Ilocos Norte

Aside from surfing, one of the activities I looked forward to doing was paddle boarding at Paoay Lake, Ilocos Norte. I wanted to try this because I’ve seen the sport in magazines and I wondered how sport was like compared to surfing.

Paddle boarding at Paoay Lake
Paoay, Ilocos Norte

lakwatsero paddleboard
Angel of Lakwatsero.com paddleboarding in Paoay Lake

I knew surfing was a tough one; heck it took me awhile before I learned to stand on the board yet I was only able to ride the wave for a couple of seconds. Then catching another wave would require more energy and a lot more strength to stay afloat. Paddleboarding, after my first attempt, turned out to be an easy one.

paddleboard paoay lake
Mike teaching the basics

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Cebu Pac Manila to Siem Reap, Cambodia Flights

So I’ve been late on the news and I found out that Filipinos have easier access to direct flights from Manila to Cambodia courtesy of Cebu Pacific Airlines. I’m currently based in Siem Reap and I was told that the airline seats are fully booked for April 2012 onwards!

Cebu Pacific Air is set to roll out these Manila to Siem Reap flights 3 times a week starting April 19. I know I’ve had my fair share of adventures during my trip last year and now because of this Cebu Pacific flight, the Philippines can fly directly to Cambodia.

Normally, travellers will have to go by land from Bangkok to Siem Reap or Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap and it would take at least 9 hours via bus from Bangkok and 14 hours from Ho Chi Minh. But with this recent news, this is a welcome treat for those who want to see the great Angkor Wat temple.

manila to cambodia flights

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Zambales Trip: Morning Jog in Nagsasa Cove

Despite sleeping early after our cookout and campout in Nagsasa Cove, I still woke up late. I must’ve been exhausted at the time because my mind aimlessly wandered on trivial things I could’ve just worried about later on – going back to the office in a couple of days and thinking about my pending freelance tasks that were way overdue.

My eyes were fixated on the view from inside the tent and I didn’t want to get up. But the sun motioned me to step out.

Nagsasa Cove, Zambales
February 20, 2011

jogging nagsasa
who wouldn’t want a sight like this when jogging?
photo by Doi

I got out and saw my companions already taking photos of the beautiful Nagsasa scenery. Footprints were already present indicating how people have also awoken from slumber, taking advantage of the sand that was washed away by the previous night’s tide.

I used to wake up early even without an alarm to remind me. But it was too late to whine; besides, Nagsasa still holds its charm due to its stillness.

nagsasa landscape
footprints

nagsasa cove
wallpaper

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Zambales Trip: Golden Cogon Grasses in the Island of Capones

My main objective in Zambales was to visit Nagsasa Cove but when Anton and his wife introduced us to Capones island, it became an unexpected highlight. Months ago, I had an affair with big red ants and cogon grass in the island of Guimaras. Little did I know that a golden sea with the same … Read more

Confessions of a First-Time Balut Eater

“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.

balut eater
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.

philippine balut
veins

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SEAIR & Microtel Boracay Bloggers’ Tour Winners!

I won a free trip to Boracay through the SEAIR & Microtel Boracay Bloggers’ Tour promo!

Some time last week, I wrote my entry about why I deserve a trip to the ultimate beach destination in the Philippines – Boracay. It took me about 4 hours to publish the entry because of having to go through a horde of pictures in my hard drive from 2008 to the present just to showcase the different places I’ve been to in the Philippines.

See entry here I’ve been to Different Places, But I’ve never been to Boracay

boracay here i come photo credits: Nat

I’m really glad to win this contest and I wish to meet the other winners. Below is the list that Seair has posted in their Facebook page.

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I’m going to the WordCamp Philippines 2010

WordCamp Philippines 2010

I already registered and paid my contribution for the WordCamp Philippines 2010. I submitted my information and scheduled the Breakaway Talks that I’ll be attending. I’ve chosen my t-shirt size and also provided my food preferences. All I have to do now is print out the ticket and then I’m all set!

The Word Camp Philippines 2010 is a good opportunity for me to meet other bloggers and WordPress users and expand my network as I seldom attend these types of activities. I would like to get to know more people and exchange ideas on blogging and social media as a whole.

This will be my first time to attend the Word Camp in the Philippines and I’m excited that I’ll be flying to Manila and participate in discussions with speakers who already know a lot about their craft. I’ll be able to take part in an important event that I’ll be able to take pride in as it’s only a few times that I take part in these occasions.

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At The Adventure Cafe Cebu

I’m currently at the Adventure Cafe in Gaas Balamban, Cebu for their soft opening. My friend, Doi, dragged me to this side of town and we were given a personal tour by one of the co-owners, Nigel Wenceslao. Adventure Cafe is the Philippines First Resto Adventure Cafe and offers activities like zip line, wall climbing … Read more

Mikey Arroyo grilled by Winnie Monsod in Unang Hirit

I got this from Bianca Gonzales’s blog and I’m posting this in my site. This is probably old news in the media business but I still want to make an entry about it. I have been very apathetic when it comes to political issues as there are more pressing areas that I’m more concerned about … Read more

Lakbayan!

Some time a couple of years ago, I took the Lakbayan quiz (just a simple test to see how many places you were able to visit in the Philippines) but I didn’t really finish it as I grew tired because it felt like I haven’t been to a lot of places that I could brag … Read more