Baler Breakfast,Tara Let’s Eat!

Breakfast is indeed a very important meal. A good breakfast fuels you up and gets you ready for the day.

 After I sauntered the stretch of Sabang Beach, the breakfast was ready. “I need to eat a lot today because it is the day that we will be trekking to Ditumabo Falls and climb the largest Belete Tree in Asia”.

 

A cup of coffee was perfect for the cold weather. Coffee may taste good and get you going in the morning. Just smelling coffee could make you less stressed. Everyone was preparing their coffee and drink it while eyeing the sea.

Various foods were also prepared like Suman, Corn, Kutsenta, Peanuts, Breads, Puto and Etc.

Below are the photos during our breakfast.

Good Morning Baler!

It was great morning after the long night of singing and partying. The cold weather was truly astounding. It was like waking up in an air-conditioned room, so refreshing. I took a glance outside and it was still raining; a drizzle cause by low pressure. I checked my tent installed outside and it was totally wet. Thanks God, I transferred and secured my things inside the cottage last night or else I may suffer.

I went outside and it seems that all were hungry. They were looking at the infinity towards the Sabang Beach.

I really love the feeling being in a different place. It was very tranquil with the thought that you slept well last night and woke up early in a different set up and in a different place. I felt like you are kinda far away from the problems and predicaments that you usually encountered while living in an urban area. I can see those dew drops, fogs and hear those waves; I can feel on my skin that cold breeze… perfect for evaluating ourselves.

I sauntered the stretch of Sabang Beach in front of Costa Pacifica all by myself. So Peaceful… So relaxing… I am telling you guys…you should try it. Maybe that’s one good thing that you need to crack. Try to separate yourself from others, give space for yourself and evaluate yourself by reflection.

Unfortunately, I was not able to witness the sunrise due to bad weather. But I was still blissful to wake up with a glad smile.

I knew everyone was also indulging that moment. Everyone was silent and doing the same thing what I did.

Sigh.. ….While I am glaring towards the sea, I realized how lucky I am. Maybe I am not wealthy as businessmen had but I appreciated the fact that I experienced these things in bare minimum. Moreover, a chance to witness the beauty of the World far away from the stressful work every day is a huge thing for me.  Not all individuals can experience “self-reflection” and relaxation, but all individuals will experience stress without choice.

Good Morning Baler!

Review of LJ and AJ Kainan sa Barangay

All are set, the Team is going back home and everyone feel post travel syndrome. While our bus is on the way to Nueva Ecija, I can feel the tiredness. And as always, “ Babalik na ako sa realidad”, with the fast pacing life in Manila.
 
But wait, there’s more! Before we totally reach back home, let us do a side tripping at Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. Well, basically it is food tripping, to be specific it is a heavy dinner.
 
We dropped by at LJ and AJ Kainan sa Barangay. It is a Filipino eatery located at the stretch of Maharlika Highway. They served mostly Filipino cuisines that will surely complement your taste. Their bestselling dishes are Ihaw-Ihaw and Papaitan. And their advantage compared to their competitors is the so called “ICE COLD TUBA”- it is a wine from fermentation of Coconut Tree.

The Service Crew:
As you order at the lobby of the establishment (which is adjacent to the highway), most of their (frontline) service crews are alluring women. That is why “Monti” (one of the travelers) enjoyed so much. He even asked one woman for picture taking ( Monti! Pervert ha-ha).

Moreover, the orders are also delivered to your table quickly. Try to shout out “SABAW” (soup) or “EXTRA RICE PA NGA!” and you will get it shortly. Kudos!
The Foods

I ordered one cup of rice, beef afritada and Soup. (Don’t worry water is for free for tight budget) It was very affordable because I only pay 45 pesos; in fact beef in Manila is expensive. Foods are well prepared and it is displayed outside. The preparation and the appearance are very appetizing. (Baka tlaga gutom ako)

In addition, utensils are sterilized .

The Establishment.
The Dining area is wide enough and the motif of the design is very Filipino. They also use the appetizing color of the table covers as well as the chairs which is Yellow. It gives a cooler atmosphere and pleasant visually.
 
There are also two Comfort Rooms for the guests located outside. (Kudos for this because comfort rooms are far from the dining).
 
We were only spending a short span of time in Cabanatuan City. However, even in a limited time I enjoyed it through the taste of their foods. I will surely come back here!

Lenten Special :Prayers for Travelers

One of Bohol's Church during my Bohol Travel

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Do you have a business trip, a vacation coming up, a backpacking this weekend or you are trying to escape from the daily routine and simply travel? How prepared are you? Well, I am sure it is a long preparation (e.g. physical, mental and financial) and you are very excited about the destination and what to expect ahead. Are you guided by that time? Well I am sure you already had a tour guide or a friend waiting ahead at your destination.

How about spiritually? Are spiritually prepared? Are you spiritually guided? Think of these questions!

Having insurance for travel (provided by insurance companies) is not enough. Think of these prayers for travelers below as a little extra insurance for a safe journey. Not surprisingly, nowadays they’re good for your regular commute to and from work these days as well. After all there are lots of “speed demons” on the road these days, as well as people driving while intoxicated or distracted by cell phones or “texting.”


Today, Let me share you this prayer to avoid any misadventures.

O almighty and merciful God, Who hast commissioned Thy angels to guide and protect us, command them to be our assiduous companions from our setting out until our return; to clothe us with their invisible protection; to keep us from all danger of collision, of fire, of explosion, of falls and bruises; and finally, having preserved us from all evil, and especially from sin, to guide us to our heavenly home. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

📹 The Prayer - Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli Cover - Glorrieta Activity Center

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I Dare You Juan, Can You Spell TRAVEL?

Every Juan is dreaming ….
 To experience the Juanderful Hidden Gems…
   To capture those picturesque and Juantastic Scenes

    Shout it out to the world,“Let’s Visit Philippines!"

 Jonathan Orbuda

FYI : Its not just a country , its Philippines ! ( Bohol Beach Club)

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I was born and nurtured in a remote place in Bohol where I started to build my dreams. I  always looked up to the sky every time I heard an airplane passes by and  I wonder how it feels to fly. Sigh……

After High School, I decided to move to Manila to study in a State University. It was my first time to travel - unfortunately via ship. Sigh…..

It was never an easy road for me; it was a great fracas towards the rapid changes of my lifestyle and adapting to an environment I’m not used to. I had to survive in bare minimum and continue studying despite of scarcity. Luckily, I became a student leader and University Publication Section Editor which had its benefits (e.g. free meals). Regardless of these sacrifices, I never failed to recall my dream … To experience being in an Airplane to soar high and see the view from above…. Sigh…

But those hardships ended when I finished my degree. Aside from my Diploma, the greatest gift that I received was a round trip air-ticket to Bohol for free from the Publication team. I had the opportunity to fly home with the University Publication staff.  It was very glorifying and indescribable feeling. It made my dream come to reality. I no longer needed  to look up because I was seeing the world in a different angle - from above... Thanks to Cebu Pacific Air. Sigh...

HHWW : A romantic scene in Panglao Island , perfect for lovers

When the airplane landed, I was nostalgic and there was a sudden flashback from childhood. Tears fell down from my eyes. I was no longer dreaming of being on a plane Ive experienced it.  We visited the Baclayon Church, Loboc River, Tarsier Sagbayan Peak, Chocolate Hills, Wildlife Sanctuary and the wide white beaches of Panglao Island (prior to the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake). I never realized how rich Bohol is, though I grew up here yet I never experienced these hidden beauties before.

After that experience, I started to dream all over again ; to TRAVEL perpetually.

‘We meet People maybe because we are either meant to change their lives or ours.  

Boracay :In the dark, you can do what you want;you can also explore 

yourself and know who you are.

The best part of travelling is you get to meet and talk with random people in the middle of the road – People that when you meet as acquaintances would end as a friend.  And sometimes would be so inspiring that it would change your perspective of life.

As I continued to travel and experience the different cultures one place has to offer, Boracay would be one of the best.

Boracay everybody’s dream destination. Known for its powdery white sand, blue and clear water,Definitely a tourist target, but for me, it was more.

Behind the paradise are Innumerable Tales ... 

7PM wherein the Boracay  rave culture starts, the people begin to paint the town red, the sea is totally silent but the shoreline of Station Two is alive of various entertainments – ei. Boracay Fire Dancing. I planned to drink and party all night without spending money (Yes, I have to be insightful and it’s a challenge.) .So I sauntered the stretch of Station Two and Three alone. Since it was summer, every twenty meters you will find a free taste of liquors as part of Brand Promotions .Until I realized that I had way too much to drink.  And found myself  lying in the middle of the wide shore of Station One – far from the crowd and the placid environment exist. Until I noticed a silhouette coming …

“It seems that you’re drunk, are you with someone? Are you alright?” a modulated voice uttered. “Yes, I am ok, I’m just indulging the beauty of the place because I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back here” I answered. He introduced himself and so did I. We began to talk and as the night went on we got to share a lot of things even though we barely knew each other. “I grew up in a luxurious life, I can do what I want, and I almost have everything” he said. “But wealth is worthless if you are not happy , if you are limited .I travel to enjoy life because life is too short.” He stressed in a sad manner. “I’m immune-suppressed and diagnosed for three years now” as he blurted out these words, I was shocked; I didn’t know how to respond, he didn’t even look sick.

He continued to travel even on medication. I felt a sudden gush of emotions and tears fell.  And in that very moment, I was changed. It improved how I looked at things, to should spend my every waking moments and to enjoy being in the moment. For all we know, it could be the last. 

Can you afford spending your life in a status quo? Or can you now spell the word TRAVEL?

When I had youth I had no money; now I have the money I have no time; and when I get the time, if I ever do, I shall have no health to enjoy life.-  Louisa May Alcott

This Article is an “I Love Tansyong” Official entry in a Writing/Blogging Contest organized by Wego in partnership with Cebu Pacific Air, the Tourism Promotions Board, and ABS-CBN Choose Philippines with a theme “Your Life-Changing Travel Story”

Thank you Eliza J. Diaz (Market Development Manager for Wego Philippines) for the invitation.

Also thank you to the four judges, Anita Duffin, Doming Ramon C. Enerio III, Phillip Kimpo Jr.

Post by Wego.

Doing extraordinary things...Defying the Gravity and pushing the limit

Green Minded  Team : Athan, Irene, Bonj as execute their trademark pose in every travels (Mitra's Ranch )

I always stressed, “I will not allow my life to pass without doing an extraordinary thing”. Living in my comfort zone is a big no no for me. Trying something new to spice up my life is my goal. Can you afford spending all day long in a four-corner room doing nothing ?. A person who is afraid to  take  risks will not enjoy life. The world is huge outside.

My eagerness to travel became my passion. I make sure that wherever I go I had pictures or souvenirs as proof that I was able to do it. I learned to plan  ahead of time and also how to prepare myself for these travels both physically and mentally. Then I started to share my trips through my travel blog. And was motivated to be a practical nomad. I was inspired by a letter from Lois Yasay, - a woman who quit her job just to travel Southeast Asia for six months with PHP 100,000 (non-stop). James Betia (I joined some of his travels and learned surfing),-who backpacked the Philippines for 100 days for PHP50, 000 (non-stop). Lastly, Rinell Banda a Filipino Dreamer who travelled the whole World.

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After knowing these true-blooded nomads personally, I learned to celebrate the Panorama of life, to travel and not to be afraid. We must take risks  in order to know where we truly belong.  And as with travelling you’ll never know what to expect.

I was able to rove, survive and enjoy the so called “City in the Forest” for only PHP4500. Together with my friends, we booked a round trip air ticket to Puerto Princesa City and this trip took six days from April 4 -10,2013.

April 4, 2013 at 6PM we arrived at the airport with no plans, no accommodations  and no fixed itinerary at hand. But that didn’t stop us from laughing and taking pictures. Literally, all we cared about was having fun and being in the moment.  We then  proceeded to this  restaurant the offers Birds nest soup. You haven’t been to Palawan if you haven’t tasted it.

Moreover, with the PHP4500 fund which we spread out for six days. It covered the round trip tickets, accommodations, foods ( Chaolong , Nido Soup, Sea foods), Swimming at pristine beach, experience Underground River, City tour, Bar Hopping, Hair Tattoo and of course “pasalubong (souvenirs)” .

Since I was trying to push my limit in terms of travelling I got to thinking how far would PHP500 take me? This idea pushed me to dare my friends to go on a 3 day trip to Rizal from August 9-11, 2013. To go as far as we can with that thought in mind.  It was crazy yet exciting.

First day we met in Cainta Rizal (Goodies Capital), and then we went to Taytay, Rizal known for its  Garments and Woodcraft products to visit the “Bantayog ng mga Bayani (Guerillas Memorial Shrine)” and in Jardin Miramar situated in  Antipolo City. The second day, we hired a tricycle for PHP300 for the entire trip. From Morong Rizal, we went to Baras, Rizal to visit the longstanding church, then lunch at Daranak Falls in Tanay, Rizal and experienced the Art of Rock Balancing , then off to the Floating Restaurant in Pililia, Rizal and ended up in Jala Jala, Rizal. On  our last day, we visited Angono Rizal (Art Capital and Home of Original Hegantes) before we went straight to Thunderbird Casino and Resort where I was invited to conduct a motivational speech for a journalism seminar. It was indeed relaxing and an unforgettable experience. The best part of it? It was totally FREE !

Doing Crazy Thing : Zambales

Aside from the tourist spots, the historical sites, the innumerable resorts, culture and practices;truly Rizal Province is definitely more fun because of its local inhabitants.

Who would expect that I got the chance to interview (impromptu) a businesswoman and the owner of the World’s Popular “Casa Santa in Antipolo City”. How about the creative man who revives “Stone Age” through his craftsmanship in Binangonan, Rizal and a fisherman who lived at the heart of Laguna Lake in a Nipa Hut that narrates his tales of resiliency and triumph against typhoons.

Not surprisingly, after these challenges  mentioned above , I learned some things that I never acquired during schooling. Those things wherein you can only encounter outdoor; how to deal with people , how to manage any fortuitous events might happen , how to live life in a simple way. And in the same manner, I was able to discover who am I and my capacity level.

“Travelling doesn’t need to be expensive” that’s what I learned. You just have to know how to be resourceful, wise and make TIME for it.  And as a full time employee, getting approval for a vacation leave is not easy, so being tactful is also required .

As Jack Canfield said “ If we  are not a little bit uncomfortable every day, were not growing. All the good stuff is outside our comfort zone.” 

This Article is an “I Love Tansyong” Official entry in a Writing/Blogging Contest organized by Wego in partnership with Cebu Pacific Air, the Tourism Promotions Board, and ABS-CBN Choose Philippines with a theme “Your Life-Changing Travel Story”

Thank you Eliza J. Diaz (Market Development Manager for Wego Philippines) for the invitation.

Also thank you to the four judges, Anita Duffin, Doming Ramon C. Enerio III, Phillip Kimpo Jr.

Post by Wego.

Abundant Food Preparation by Chef Arvin David Quilloy. (Baler, Aurora)

After the disappointing experience in Ditumabo Falls, the exciting trek to Jabuyo Falls, climbing the largest Balete Tree in Asia and getting wet the entire morning. Everyone is hungry, tired and immobilized.

1PM- We bound to Sabang for the lunch. The weather is still quite bad. We are looking forward a heavy meal once we arrive in our camp site.

Chef Arvin David Quilloy

Meanwhile, Chef Arvin David Quilloy  is the official cook of “JourneyingJames’ Tour”, his various menus is a trademark and icon of deliciousness. He owned a restaurant and catering services based in Laguna. He also conducts a feeding program to selected provinces in the Philippines which most of his target are malnourished children. Further, his burning passion as an environmentalist made him  an intense nature lover .

 

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When we arrived at the campsite, foods were all prepared.

Main course, side dish, dessert and drinks.

Unlimited rice and soup of Sinigang na baboy, Litson kawali, Fresh Fruit,Crispy Pata.

The amount that I spent for the entire trip was very worth spending for.

Travel Income from Google Adsense, Nuffnang, Bidvertiser, Yahoo Ads and Direct Ads.

A soldier will not go to a battlefield without an arm. Just like a backpacker, a rational backpacker won’t take risk without preparation. These preparations can be physical, psychological and financial. So, you really need to allocate a certain amount from your salary for your weekend getaways.

But what if, you experienced scarcity of resources due to your monthly bills (e.i electric, water, rental, foods, food for you dog, internet connection, etc) and you really want to travel. Don’t worry; we are in the same page. So let me share you some of my sidelines that will surely help you in fulfilling your dreams to travel.

I don’t just Travel instead I blogged every places I’ve been, every adventures I’ve experienced, every food I’ve tasted. “How you earned in blogging?” my friends always ask me that. I simply smiled to them without giving further explanation.

Truly, I love documenting every travel. So why not earning from it? In fact, I am just practical, Do what you love the most and earn from it.

Google Adsense.

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Google AdSense is a program run by Google that allows publishers in the Google Network of content sites to serve automatic text, image, video, or interactive media advertisements that are targeted to site content and audience. These advertisements are administered, sorted, and maintained by Google, and they can generate revenue on either a per-click or per-impression basis. Adsense is reliable source of income.

You just need to sign up for an AdSense account. However, getting an approval in AdSense is like travelling in Sahara Desert (you know what I meant). But there are techniques and tricks to have a quick approval from AdSense team. Actually, I already had an AdSense account prior on doing a travel blog and I earned from it but unfortunately got suspended due to some policy violations. That’s how google AdSense strictly monitored your account especially if you become a highest paid blogger. Getting an approval before was very easy compared today.

What I did?

1. Create a GMAIL Account. Sign up a YouTube account and upload an original content video. Apply for partnership for AdSense and within 24hr you will get a notification for the approval.

2. After you get an approval using your YouTube, you can now access your AdSense account using your GMAIL.

3. Google required you to have more than 6 months old blog, active, informative, with at least 50 posts with average of 500 words every post. Actually, you can search some tricks but this is my own experience. Ignore all the requirements; all you need to do is create a dummy blog. Submit it to AdSense, of course AdSense will check your dummy blog and expectedly they will reject it because obviously you were not able to meet there requirements. But don’t worry here is the trick. Before AdSense can check your dummy blog, they will provide a JavaScript code that you will need to paste it on your dummy blog. That HTML/JavaScript code is very important. Keep it and copy it. Don’t worry the rejected dummy blog.

4. Start now your legit blog, I meant you official blog. This time, paste the HTML/JavaScript that you copied. Surprisingly, Google AdSense ADS will run in your official blog without waiting for 6 months and writing 50 posts. And you will start now earning.

5. Once your revenue reaches 10 dollars, Google AdSense will automatically verify your address that you used during the “sign up” by simply sending you a snail mail containing the PIN code. That pin code is required in verifying your address. You need to enter that PIN code right in your AdSense account, once verified, AdSense will not hold your payout anymore.

How I discovered these tips and tricks.

The “Youtube account thingy and applying as Partner” I learned it from other blog and it was very effective to have an AdSense account quickly.

Proudly, “The Dummy Blog Trick”, I discovered it on my own. I tried to meet there requirements, 6 months old blog and etc... I also buy a domain and submit it. Unfortunately, they rejected my Travel blog but when I tried to paste the HTML/Javascript that I used in the rejected Blog into my other blogs, surprisingly it runs. So therefore, it is possible for me to earn.

So since the ad is not working anymore in ilovetansyong.com. I tried to remove the domain and return to ilovetansyong.blogspot.com and luckily it’s working. Alas! I spent already for the domain however it’s not working for the ads.

Saturday, March 1, 2014, I received the letter from google to verify my address. I entered the Pin code into my AdSense account and I am now serving the ads.

I will make sure to follow the policies stated in the AdSense Agreement because getting an AdSense is not that easy. They are now strict because they maintain the safety of their advertisers. Moreover, I want to work with AdSense professionally without violating anymore just like what happened in my first account.

Nuffnang.com

Nuffnang.com is Asia-Pacific’s first and leading blog advertising community.Their online platform allows advertisers to serve graphic or video based advertisements onto more than 300,000 Malaysian blogs hosted on various platforms.
Nuffnang.com currently has offices in 4 countries, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Australia.

In Philippines, Nuffnang office is located in Taguig City.

I’ve been with nuffnang for a long time. And I already earned from it as an extra income.

Yahoo Ads/Medianet.net

The Yahoo! Bing Network Contextual Ads program enables web publishers to easily and effectively earn advertising revenue. Publishers can now use the Media.net self-serve platform to create and customize ad units that display relevant text ads consisting of sponsored links and ad topics from the Yahoo! Bing Network.

Same as Google AdSense, You need also to get an approval of your Blog so that the ads will run. Just submit the link of your blog where the HTML/JavaScript code placed and the Yahoo Ads will check it.

http://contextualads.yahoo.net/about.php

Bidvertiser

BidVertiser is a cost-per-click bidding system that allows you to advertise ads on sites of your choice. Simply create your text ad or upload your banner, choose the categories to advertise on, select your keywords, set the maximum price-per-click you are willing to pay and your ads will instantly start appearing.

BPI More Fun Prepaid Cards, Designed for Travellers and Alike.

In fact, I already have one for only PHP250. I made the application online; I customized the Image and submit it. You will get a notification in your email that BPI received your application. Just wait for a couple of days and BPI will send you an email that your MORE FUN PREPAID CARD is ready for pick up on your preferred branches. The email also includes an attachment of a FORM that you need to fill out and bring during the pickup. Bring your ID and pick up your CARD.

Personally, don’t apply for BPI More Fun Prepaid Cards at the counter because you need to go back after seven days. Much better if you apply it online because you just wait for the email, once the email is received, surely the CARD is ready. Another advantage if you apply it online, you can easily choose and upload your preferred photo for the background right from your Facebook account and choose what to write on it. Another piece of advice, during pick up, you need to go to the branch that you chose during the online application.

Loading your More Fun VISA Prepaid made it even easier! Aside from going to the bank or going online, starting October 7, 2013, you can load More Fun VISA Prepaid Card at the Bills Payment Counter of SM Department Stores, SM Supermarkets, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore branches.

Prepaid loading will be accepted daily (including weekends and holidays) from 10am to 8pm and will be posted to your credit card account or prepaid card after 3 banking days. For loading your More Fun VISA Prepaid Card, indicate your 16 digit card number.

To ensure correct posting of your payments or prepaid card loading, please verify the details indicated in your receipt before leaving the payment counter. Note that only cash payments will be accepted.
Exclusive travel perks, design the card with your own photos.

Truly, this is beneficial for travelers’ especially online booking for flight, food tripping in a restaurant and any emergency during travel.  Validity is good for one year.