Travel, Traveler, Traveliest

Mid-September, as I browse James’ Blog, I saw an advertisement on the sidebar Stating:

What: Journeying James 3rd Year Blog Anniversary and Thank Giving of #ProjectJomalig
When: September 28-29, 2013 Saturday and Sunday.
Where:  Liw-liwa, San Felipe, Zambales.

I didn’t waste my time to reserve a slot and everything was all set. But since I have a work September 27, 2013 Friday Night, I asked my Boss for an early out, 3:00AM. She allowed me to do so as long as someone will take my schedule. It’s a huge problem now! I asked anyone from my co-workers but unfortunately no one is wiling to take my schedule. I was depressed that time, I was like a detainee  in a jail , that I have to work, I have to do this things, so on so forth, no freedom and there is no way for me to leave my work place to see the world.

September 27, 2013 10:00 PM , Supposed to be my shift to duty but I have to decide, to go to work (no chance of leaving) or to go to Zambales (once in a life time). I decided to absent (No Work No Pay, since it was not tagged as Vacation Leave). What I did, instead of reporting, I prepared my 45liters backpack and buy some Pica-Pica Foods for my Baon.


3:00 AM - Meeting Place in Macdonald at Quezon Avenue Near MRT Station.

I took a Taxi going to the meeting place with my backpack. I am very excited yet still worried that I might lose my job if ever or maybe I might get a disciplinary action since my work is very strict when it comes to attendance issue. But the excitement is still there, excitement to meet other nomads, to meet my Idol James and to Travel Zambales for first time.

When I arrived, at the meeting place I noticed numbers of individuals with their backpack. “I’m pretty sure that they are the participating individuals”, at the back of my mind. I saw a couple, and I asked them if they are one of travelers and they said “Yes” And that was my first encounter with RunningAtom and with his partner Irish (who gave me her surfing slot for free). We went ahead inside and we met Journeying James.

I was sitting alone in one table; the other nomads are having conversation in other table and it seems that they knew each other already. I ordered a meal while waiting for the others who are on the way. While sitting, there were two girls who join me in one table and It was Maam Elvie Manlulu and with his co-traveler. I was hesitant to start a conversation to her coz it seems that she is an elite person. Another girl joined and her name is Kat (aka Bella Donna on her Facebook). We started to converse “where are you from?”, “Are you a first timer?”

5:00 AM –Departure.

James gathered everyone for further announcement. Right after we left.

6:00 AM First stop over somewhere in SCTEX.

8:00 AM Quickie Stopover at “The Magic Lagoon Bar and Restaurant”

9:00  AM- Around (9:00 AM) Arrival.

Setting Up the tent

Some were preparing the Campsite; others were eating breakfast at one SARI-SARI Store. (we called 7-11 of Liw-Liwa)

11:00 AM -Surfing Lesson Started for the first batch. (I am part of the first batch)

Chris the Surfing Instructor

12:00NN-2:00 PM Lunch 


Chef Arvin prepared a Steamed Kangkong with Bagoong and Steamed Fish with Tomatoes. It was a boodle Fight. It was very appetizing way of eating regardless of the food prepared. Imagine we are more than 30 individuals eating simultaneously. “Akala mo Aagawan ka, kaya Ganado ka”

2:00PM -3:00PM Free Time

Swimming and socializing.

Hammock at the campsite

3:00 PM -6:00PM- Games and Raffles.

6:00PM -7:00PM preparing foods for the Dinner

7:00PM-8PM- Dinner
The food : Lechon Manok at Sisig

8PM onwards. Party and Mini-Bonfire, Barbeque Party!! And Beach Party..
(I was not able to join)

September 29, 2013 6:00AM 

I woke up early, everyone are still sleeping. I am preparing for my jogging.

While jogging at the shoreline alone, I just realized that life is more fun especially if you were able to witness the beauty of the World. The World is Huge and our life is not only in a four corners of a workplace, we just need to get out and embrace life.

I jogged and jogged until I didn’t notice that I was too far away from my origin. I went back and other travelers were already at the seashore, taking pictures to pass out of time while waiting for the Breakfast.

8:00AM- Breakfast

Biko at Kape, Perfect in the morning in a rural setting.

10:00AM- Surfing for the 2nd batch 

12:00NN- Lunch 

The Food: Steamed fish w/ fish sauce and kalamansi. plus with Mani sa DAGAT as per Chief Arvin

Steamed Fish

Mani sa dagat 

save the best for last

3:00PM Bye Liw-Liwa

Dropped by at Subic Bay for Pasalubong Buying

Captured at Subic Bay

10:00PM we arrived at Quezon Avenue Macdo.

From the point that I stepped out of the van I getting ready myself back to the reality. The reality in an “Urban Zone Living” which is full of Stress and pressure, “I need to work for a living and to sustain my wanderlust”

When Tansyong Meets JourneyingJames.

It’s been one year and five months since my cousin referred me to check Journeying James Blog. We were wondering around at Intramuros Manila when she mentioned about travelling. What if we are gonna travel, and we gonna blog,we will rove around ,yadeh yadah ! So on so forth.  Up until she mentioned about this blogger who traveled the whole Philippines, the cheapest way possible.  A traveler who gave up his job and travel by his own.

I checked his blog when I got home, I read his articles and I was impressed of all his adventures. I can’t believe and I was amazed how he did those things. Even losing a job is such a devastating situation a person can experience, and this man decided to resign so that he can travel.

From, then I idolized James who owned the blog, his writing skill is very keen. The approach is informative and the jolliness is still there that helps the readers to patronize and remain as followers up until now. He travels with his backpack and his hammock, His story is very inspiring, that leads to his reader to become a traveler as well.

James and Athan

Follow Follow.,…. Read updates, …..I  admired his press media releases and TV appearances.


After one year and five months of following his Blog. I got a chance to meet James in person.
When he organized a beach party in Liw-Liwa Zambales as a celebration to his 3rd year in blogging, I grabbed the opportunity to reserve a slot to the said event.

For an amount of PHP 2500.00, I deposited it in his Bank account. I sent the deposit receipt to his EMAIL and he replied that it was all set. He also texted to remind me what to bring and the latest changes of meeting place. (WOW si IDOL NAGTEXT)


Septmember 28, 2013 3AM Quezon Avenue Macdo near MRT-

On my way in the Taxi, I am excited to see him. Pwamis!!

At last, I was able now to meet my Idol. (Honestly, I never idolized an actor or even an actress the most both local and foreign). A simple man with Tanned skin welcomed me to the group. At first, I was not able to recognize him until I noticed his board short; it was the board short that I usually saw in his blog. “Hi, I am Jonathan!” I introduced myself.

James was busy that time; we were more than thirty travelers all in all so he needs to talk each one of us especially to those who are newbies. Before departure, he gathered all of the travelers for some reminders and he assigned us which Van we will ride.


September 28, 2013 8AM Quickie Stopover at The Magic Lagoon Bar in Olongapo City-

Everyone was out of the van since that was already 8 in the morning, the whole “James’ Aura” is more visually good to see. He is taller than me, he really looks like a real traveler, and actually he is. I can’t still believe, I am travelling with my IDOL. He started to converse every one of us, he is friendly to all of us regardless of diversity.

September 28, 2013 9AM Arrival (Setting up the Tents)

Some grabbed their bite, some were waiting and some were preparing for the Tent to be Set Up.
James with his waive-1 started to set the tents at the Campsite.

September 28. 2013 10 AM Surfing with JAMES.

With James and his local friends (instructor), we started Surfing / Training.

September 28, 2013 12 nn Heavy Lunch

I was impressed James, eating with bares hands.


September 28, 2013 4PM Games and Fellowship.

James with his organizer Mitch Sy, organized a Filipino games to break the ice. Before the “game proper” James speaks for the opening remark. “To be Rich or To be free?”



To be Rich or to be free?

(This is James' True Story)

Someone emailed me for a meeting; she was a Financial Analyst working in BGC, she set up a schedule. So, basically we met somewhere in BGC. She discussed about getting rich, how to save, how to invest in a stocks. And lot more. Yadeh yadah !!!so on and so forth…

After she discussed most likely about 15 mins, it was time for me to shine, I answer her. “I DON’T WANT TO BE RICH!” The woman was shocked due to my answer, I can see it in her eyes and she can’t even speak or even rebuttal towards my statement. The only phrase she uttered was “HOW, WHY?” Maybe she is not prepared about my answer.

I answered “ALL I WANT IS TO BE FREE! Getting rich is so easy and overrated; try something more challenging like being free and touching people’s lives. Getting rich is everybody’s ambition, it is so common. Being free yourself is the best achievement and ambition.

Tansyong’s Reaction: Yes it is true; imagine you are working 7 days a week. Earning money is your priority yet the bottom line is you are not happy and you will feel incomplete, you are not aware that the WORLD is huge; you just need to go out inside the box, explore and enjoy life. Being rich is not measured through the amount of your assets, instead the happiness of the way you live life is the most important.

September 29, 2012 James said “If you are already 21 years old, try to separate yourself from your Parents”

Together with the newbie travelers, we were having fun at one corner, when JAMES tried to reach out the group and joined our conversation. He started asking everyone a slambook approach questions. Everyone was laughing due to the fact that JAMES started to punch some haveey jokes, (but lot of waleey joke hahah). Up until he started a topic.

The Topic was about age, he stated that “If you are already 21 years old, try to separate yourself from your Parents”. Why? Because the time that you are about to settled
 And build your own family, you are 21 age above and you are still under with your parents, and time will problem comes, the tendency is YOU ARE GOING TO GO BACK YOUR PARENTS AND STILL DEPENDS ON THEM, YOU WILL NOT LEARN TO STAND AGAINST THE PROBLEMS THAT YOUR OWN FAMILY GUYS ARE FACING.

Tansyong’s Reaction: I agree on that, being separated from the parents’ custody is one motivation to everybody to become mature. You can able face the reality of the World; you will become responsible to yourself and allow yourself to accept any job for a living. “EH ANG SISIW NGA HUMIHIWALAY SA INA PAG MALAKI NA”


September 29, 2013 2PM BYE LIW-LIWA (Shopping at Subic Bay)

Travelers after the shopping (The last Picture that will surely last )

Truly, the experience of meeting in person of my idol is such a great gift for me in my Birthday September 4. I was able to learned some things, thought of a man who already proved of his capacity. He was able to influence anyone who already read his blog.

The time my feet leave the place, I’m not sad because I was able to bring home the best pasalubong. The tales of this place and the event with Journeying JAMES that I can narrate to my friend and especially to my cousin who referred me to his BLOG

Quickie Stopover at Magic Lagoon Bar/Grill/Restaurant Subic Bay, Zambales

When I took a glance outside right from our van, I noticed a Magic Lagoon Bar/Grill/Restaurant signage. Everyone came out from the van, so I joined.

I am with Lealeny Mani aka the 711 Girl

Outside, it was awesome morning, plus the green environment was perfect for picture taking. Some were smoking, some were looking for the rest room, and others were having a conversation. I went ahead to the bar with some of my newly friends, it was cold and nice weather. We took pictures and started to rove around.
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I am with Bella Donna aka the Bully Teacher

At the back of the Bar or simply adjacent to its location is the lagoon. I was amazed with the picturesque view of the entire lagoon. Surrounded with trees that adds up the panoramic nature. The vicinity is perfect for jogging during morning. You can also take a break at a placid and casual waterway. Actually, the bar is a classy facility with immaculate restrooms. The beauty of the large lake is open 24 hrs for you to relax and for fishing so if you are a shift worker, you can stop-by anytime of the day or night to relax at this unique establishment. This fun facility is located across the street from the Subic Yacht Club, beside Le’ Mans Go Kart, along Rizal Highway which is the main road leading into the Freeport.

Since, It was just only quickie stop over for only 20 minutes; I don’t have enough time to taste their specialties. I asked one of the employees what are their best menus if ever I’ll come back. Classic Filipino dishes such as Inihaw na Sugpo, Talaba, Inihaw na Pusit, Inihaw na Baboy, Adobong Hito, Steamed Alimango, Deep Fried Hito, Sisig, Fried Rice, Pinaputok na Tilapia, Calameres. I checked also their menus listed Kare Kare, Samot Saring Gulay, Inihaw na Tilapia, Tinola Native Manok, Inihaw Tahong and Leche Flan. You will also find a few standard American items such as a Club House Sandwich.

Moreover, Sit back and sip on your beer or eat a home-style, grilled Filipino meal at a private native-style table with your own large umbrella made of large coconut leaves. You may alternately choose to sit under the very large shaded and covered common bar area next to the water. Yes, there is a full bar serving mixed drinks, beer and wine.

This Place is also perfect for the nature lovers; you may choose to spend some time on the docks, rent a fishing poll and throw your line in the water to test your hand as an expert fisherperson. This is a full-featured facility with fishing, boating and hiking available to all patrons. Yes, you can even rent a boat and venture onto the very large lake/lagoon to investigate the various little coves or find your special fishing spot. This is family fun at its best!

If you are in need of a little exercise, simply take a walk around the paths of the tree-lined facility. You and your children will enjoy viewing the various turkeys, geese, ducks, and other fouls around the park.

The Magic Lagoon Bar/Grill/Restaurant
Building 716 Bincentenial Park
Rizal Highway
Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines
Phone: (047)-252-1475

From Left Christoper Sarmiento, It's me Athan, Lealeny and Mariel

continue trip to LIW-LIWA ..

Surfing: Another Art of Balancing (Liw-Liwa , San Felipe, Zambalez)

I already featured here the Art of Balancing which is conducted in Tanay Rizal the so called Rock Balancing.


But today, another experience, yes my first ever experience doing another form of art in balancing in the water the so called surfing, rides using the surf board facing forward of a moving wave that normally carrying the “surfer” towards the shore line.

Waves can me natural or man-made depending on the availability, it can be also an extreme large waves or just a small one depending on the surfer capacity. Waves suitable for surfing are primarily found in the ocean, but can also be found in lakes or in rivers in the form of a standing wave or tidal bore.

Surfing is one of the activities prepared by Journeying James on his 3rd year Blog anniversary and #PROJECTJOMALIG thanksgiving Sept 28 and 29, 2013 in Liw-Liwa, San Felipe, Zambalez. Surfing was also included to our Tour Package to experience and learn surfing free for one hour with instructor. But if you  are going to rent a surfboard , prices varies depending the length of time you’re gonna use the board, i.e. for 1hr rent worth 200, with instructor per hour is 200 also. But if you are already a surfer, you can rent a surf board without an instructor for an amount of 400 half day. But if you guys are beginners, I advise you to get an instructor because they will help you on timing and balancing. They will also conduct a basic training prior on surfing for safety purposes.

First few minutes, a trainer will orient the newbies at the shoreline.

View Pictures Below.

Lying position with the stomach under on the Surf Board

Standing on the Surf Board, One foot forward (It can be right foot or left)

It was great experience, the first time you ascend on the surf board it was scary but the time you started to stand up, expect that you will fall down. As you will do it all over again, you will learned to balance now, and the feeling was glorifying and fulfilling, in just a few seconds standing and balancing on a surfboard your stress disappear. Up until you will not notice the time that one hour is finished.

The first day September 28, 2013 I used my slot for surfing and luckily another free slot was offered to me when Irish (one of the travelers/campers/surfers) don’t want to avail her surfing lesson and she gave her slot to me. Therefore September 29, 2013, afternoon, another free Surfing Lesson I enjoyed THANKS IRISH!

Tax- Free Shopping at Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Local selling a Pasalubong

Second day of the itinerary, when we are about to go home, we dropped off at Subic Bay for Shopping or simply “buying pasalubong” for one hour. Some were grabbing a bite at the fast-food located within the vicinity, but most of us travelers we were roving around for shopping.

I went around aimlessly, I checked the originals branded dresses in out warehouse outlet, I also looked some chocolates and other goodies at duty-free store, and I inquired some of the pasalubong stuffs but I never got an item. Until I saw a store, a store that captured my attention and interest. The said store was RJ guitar store. I went inside and check the guitars that were being displayed. When I saw the price that was pretty affordable compared to the guitar in SM Megmall, Shangrila Mall and even in Carriedo (It’s been a long time, I am planning a new guitar in replacement of my damaged guitar, that’s why I am already aware the pricing of the guitars.)

Cups with Subic Bay labels for sale

When I take a look at and test the guitar, it was best in sounding, it was durable and it was surely authentic. So I didn’t think twice, so I paid it right way for only PHP1, 175.00 for my extra allowance. It was not actually my plan to buy such guitar right then and then, because of my tight budget but then again, the chance of buying is already there.  I asked the store taker, “Why is it the price here is lower compared in Carriedo/Raon, in fact Carriedo and Raon is popular of selling guitars with low prices” I asked. “Because it is tax-free” he answered. When I audit my receipt, I saw the proof that truly I am not paying for the tax, it was not indicated in the official receipt (OR).

Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), which is known simply as Subic Bay, is the Philippines' first successful case of a military base converted through volunteerism into a tax- and duty-free zone similar to Hong Kong and Singapore, operated and managed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA. So it was my first time buying such item in a commercial establishment without tax. It was quit cheaper, no wonder lot of commercial establishments are scattered around the proximity. Authentic branded apparels are very affordable.

Subic Bay is surrounded by the municipalities of Subic and Olongapo City in Zambales and Hermosa and Morong in Bataan .It was converted into a commercial zone largely through the efforts of some 8,000 residents of nearby Olongapo City.  After I buy the guitar, I wonder around and innumerable items are available. Home Furniture and display, bracelet, T-Shirt and cup with Subic label, shells for displays, and many more which are best for Pasalubong.

Subic Bay, the Philippines' first free port, continues to be one of the country's major economic engines with more than 700 investment projects, including the 4th largest shipbuilding facility in the world. Not only are those, hotels bars and resorts proofs of increasing economic growth of the said place. Shopping centers here are Harbor Point, Subic Royal, Subic Duty Free Mall, Puregold Duty Free, Freeport Exchange and the Outlet Store.

All I can say, MASARAP SANA MAMILI KUNG MADAMI LANG AKONG PERA!

HERE IS THE MAP
Some of the local Products for sale

The Team took our last Group Pictures and went inside the vans, ready for the three hours of road trip going back to the Reality of life waiting in MANILLA.