Discovering Jabuyo Falls.

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Surprisingly, due to our disappointment, one local tour guide was approaching us. He offered to bring us to a small waterfalls located in Brgy. Jabuyo. Anyway, Baler is known to various water falls around. Right away, we ride going to the said location, it was just 15 minutes bus ride to get at the jump off.

According to the local tour guide, we are the second group ever to visit Jubuyo Falls.

It was really challenging. During the trek, the whole group was unconsciously subdivided into small groups. Our group was the first on the line and the rest were behind us. The way going to the falls was very dense of wild grass. Furthermore, muddy and small way was surely the main reason why the other trekkers were to slow to walk. They were totally behind us.

The group which I belong was very happy while walking despite of the difficulties. Every one of us loves to take pictures. I was with Elora, Mia, Erwin, Amor, Miss Bully and others.

Before reaching the waterfalls, you will see cemented a water tank which is intended for water supply towards the local of Brgy. Jabuyo. The water is very fresh and cool… You can feel the freshness … In every leaves, due drops exist. The forest is truly virgin.

As per the local tour guide, it takes only forty five minutes to trek however, maybe because we were not used to it, it took almost one hour for us to reach the exact place.

The falls is definably high and very astonishing to see from down under. Water comes from the top of the mountain. We are expecting a basin on it so that we can do swimming but the falls is for picture-taking only. No basin at all so the water from the falls directly flow going to the irrigation system of the said Barangay.

We took pictures as a remembrance of the place. It was very huge disappointment that we were not able to glance the mother falls but blessing in disguise, it’s more important that we prioritize our safety.

After the picture-taking, we went back ahead to the jump off. The group behind us arrived when we already done the picture taking.....

Travel Bible: How my Wanderlust Starts.

 We are living such stressful life just to pursue what we want; smartphone, house and lot, job promotion or perhaps the latest make and model of a car. But most of the time we are doing it because of one reason –for a living- ; paying the rental for your room, water bill, electric bill and for your foods. –I knew it- and I knew where you coming from.

 Genesis( Start )
Indeed, after I finished my college degree. I decided to work to save up because I want to experience Boracay escapade. After 6 months, I haven’t yet saved enough funds for it. I resigned (AWOL to be specific); I transferred to BPO industry since it is highly paid job. Luckily, I was able to experience and reach my dream: The playground of beach bummers and partyphiles - Boracay Island. From then, my desire to travel starts.

 Exodus (Trials and tribulations)

Experiencing Boracay was a challenge to me. I already had my tickets and all the preparations were perfectly arranged. EXCEPT my vacation leave slot, it was approved but it was cancelled by my superiors due to some reason (yes, that’s life in call center –fast decisions, fast pacing and rapid changes). But then again, I pushed my luck; and continue my travel.

When I returned to my work, I was given a disciplinary action. – (Attendance Issue thingy).

But that was just a start of long journey.

Leviticus (Tribe)

James Betia and Jonathan Orbuda

Undeniably, the world of those people with same interests is certainly small. I call it a tribe, tribe of travelers and true blooded nomadic. I was exposed to these people who are NPA (no permanent address), some are my idols that I was luckily able to meet, and some are my favorites that until now they inspired me of pushing my dream to in real.

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James Betia- A tanned gorgeous man who backpacked the Philippines in 100 days. I am lucky to be part of his tours.

Rinell Banda- A masculine man who travelled the whole world and he documented it by a dance video. We met and do an interview.

Mervin- A sweet smiling-face who façades the 80 provinces of the Philippines. With his one comment in my blog post, it gave me the motivation to continue what I loved the most.

 Lois- a very strong woman who decided to quit her job to travel. I always read her inspiring blog.

Ganessa the Explorer - Who empowered me, saying “time constraint, money, and other personal issues are not a big deal if you really want to travel.”

Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap – I really admire his way of writing, very professional and perfectly-construct.

There are lots of travelers who are my Idols, too many to mention. As Lois said in her blog “You'll soon realize you have less in common with your friends (co-workers) and more in common with those scruffy backpackers you often see in bus stations”, that’s what I mean TRIBE.

Number (LAW)

Traveling is boundless yet there are laws that we need to follow. You have your own and I also have. Here is the list of mine

Anti- Comfort Zone Law- I believed that when you are already in your comfort zone, you’re stagnant anymore. Challenging oneself is the best option to escape your comfort zone. For me, I will never allowed my whole month will end up always saying “Thank you for calling ______”, as my opening spiel in my work”, there must something new and that is to travel.

Living Life at the present- Don’t live in your past life, instead use your past experiences to move on and be equipped for your future. Don’t live for your future; believe me, if you will do that you won’t enjoy life. However, you will focus on how to be rich, how to earn and how to be stable to the point that you almost forget to laugh. Im not saying that you need to disregard your future, you just need to be prepared those fortuitous events that might be happen without sacrificing your present.

Keep Moving- Like what I always said in my previous posts, I am not an aficionado of Vacation. Those people who will travel in a specific place and will stay for relaxation. What I want is to travel from one place to another.


To be continue …..

🍲 Pizza Hut : Treat yourself to compensate from your hardwork.

Today another food escapade will be my post, it’s gonna be Tadaaaan! Pizza Hut!

Pizza Hut is an American restaurant chain, one of the largest restaurant companies which franchised worldwide. It caters various styles of pizza along with side dishes such as salad, pasta, Buffalo wings, breadsticks, garlic bread and desserts.

I was with my friends for food trip in  BGC in Taguig City. Actually, we came from a job interview and after that we decided to grab a bite before going home. We walked throughout the place to search for an affordable food chain. Until our hungry stomach told us to choose the restaurant that I’ve mentioned above.
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Honestly, it was my first time to eat at that restaurant; maybe because I am more into eateries rather than an air-conditioned resto, perhaps I am more on eating cheaper foods or emma say that I can afford it, yeah really!. I have lots of monthly bill to prioritize than spending an amount for luxurious foods lol!

Since BGC is an exclusive area, therefore you cant see any eateries there.

The moment that I’m entering the door, I said to myself that it was the moment of no return and no way out. I am with my friends so there is no way for me to refuse their invitation. Plus the fact that I am already dizzy due to hunger.

We ordered pasta, pizza, salad and soup (combo). It was great experience eating with friends with savory foods. I was surprised that when I took a glance on the menu, it was just PHP99 for all the foods (combo order). Yeah, I just realized, it was not bad spending 99 for a combo meal that will surely satisfy your craving stomach.

 We also need to spend sometimes an amount to treat ourselves in compensation from our hard work.  Allocating a budget for food is not bad especially if we are working for it.

Food…. Food…. Food…. Work hard….. Eat harder……

Related Post : Are You Craving for Yellow Cab Pizza? Meet Yellow Cab Pizza Company?

Survey :Which Philippine Department of Tourism Video Campaign is convincing ?

Image courtesy  by energizepinas.com

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While browsing in Youtube , I come up an idea why not posting the videos made by DOT to promote Tourism.

Below are the videos and the campaigns.

In your opinion which video is more effective?
 

It's More Fun in the Philippines!

Choose Philippines

WOW Philippines

(Videos are hosted by Youtube)

Outdoor Brainstorming on the Top of the Mountain.

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Until one day, our adviser told us to go out for brainstorming.

We planned where to go, decided to go for a trekking.

Everyone chose the mountain situated at the heart of San Carlos, Brgy, Tayuman in Binangonan Rizal. It can be viewed right at Manila East Hi-way. You will pass through the Historical Site named Vicente Manansala House. From Gate 3, it is just 45 minutes trek to reach the summit.

We started to hike at exactly 3PM, not bad for a newbie. The temperature at that moment was tolerable; however we make sure to bring our own bottled water. The team brought also some foods.

The whole time we hike was fun and enjoyable, given the fact that it was our first time to go to an elevated area just for a brainstorming.

When we reached on the top, it was glorifying feeling. I can see the entire Municipalities of Binangonan and Angono from a different point of view. The horizon of the Laguna Lake that met the orange sky was very relaxing. It was perfect for picture taking. Moreover, by staring at the sunset; you will appreciate the beauty of the nature. The blow of the wind will make you ease, too cool.

We put the picnic mattress and start the brainstorming.

Surprisingly, it was effective. We were able to share ideas on what will be content on our upcoming magazine issue.

After the meeting, we ate the foods and we prepared to go back to the four corners of the newsroom.

 Great Memory for me!

Love Life, Love Travel: The 21st Travel Tour Expo 2014 at SMX Convention Center.

The said event runs from Feb. 14 to 16, 2014, to be held this year at the SMX Convention Center to be specific in Halls 1 to 4 (ground floor) and Function Room 5 (second floor), SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. These three days event is said to be the biggest and most diverse in terms of exhibitors compared on previous annual expos. In participation of 53 travel agencies and tour operators, 27 airlines, five cruise lines, 96 hotels and resorts, 14 embassies and travel organizations, and six theme parks.

Advertisement by Google: Since February 1994, PTAA has been handling and organizing TTE. John Paul Cabalza is the TTE 2014 organizing chairman and headed by newly- appointed executive director Marciano “Nit” Ragaza. Moreover, the project director and PTAA President Jojo Clemente proudly stressed that TTE  is constantly increasing yearly. In fact, 76,000 visitors with over 500 booths with 235 exhibitors from the travel and tourism industry including travel agencies, tour companies, airlines, hotels, resorts, national tourism organizations and more, were participating last year.

In addition, the increasing number of local travelers, backpackers, travel bloggers, travel magazines and other travel stakeholders are the factors why rapid growth of Tourism in the Philippines became sustainable. This is the main reason and maybe the motivation to the promotions and expositions being held by the Philippine Travel. Not surprisingly, The Department of Tourism (DOT) schemes revenues from domestic tourism to hit PI .4 trillion in 2014, which is  higher by P110.6 billion of the expected earnings from domestic tourism in 2013 due in large part to a forecasted increase in the daily expenditures by domestic tourists.

Meanwhile, It has been announced that TTE 2014 is participated by Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Major Sponsors are Citibank, Globe Telecom , Asia Miles with Philstar as the official media partner. Entrance fees are P50 for the general public (including students and children) and P20 for senior citizens from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 16.

Costa Rica Resort is a four-star hotel and a newly-established at the beach front of Sabang Beach, Baler.

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Actually, it is easy for you to get there, if you have a private vehicle travel time would be around 5 to 6 hours. From Manila, vehicle can take NLEX via Sta. Rita exit and head towards Nueva Ecija. Just go straight, passing by Cabanatuan City then take the Camiling-Pantabangan road straight up. Travelers will be passing through several mountains on the way up until it reaches the province of Aurora. Another option would be to pass the NLEX-SCTEX route passing through Tarlac-Zaragoza-Sta. Rosa and continue on to Cabanatuan City, which will lead you all the way to Aurora.

If you are a tight budget backpacker, your option is public transportation the Joybus would be highly recommended. It is the executive coach bus line of Genesis Transport that goes directly to Baler. The terminal is located at the corner of Edsa and New York Street in Cubao. Just a heads-up, there are only two scheduled trips: 12 midnight and another one at 2:30 a.m. Reserving a few days in advance is highly encouraged since it gets fully-booked easily.

If you are planning for Surfing adventure, this resort is perfect for your stay. Costa Rica Resort is just meters away from the huge waves of the Beach. In addition to that, the said resort is also near to the town proper wherein Museo de Baler and Dona Aurora’s House are located, and so other destinations such as, balete tree, Ermita Hill, Waterfalls and coves.

Costa Pacifica’s facilities will also help you relieve all the stress that you had after a long week at the office and will give you a vibrant feel with its outdoor pool, a kid’s activity room for your little ones as well as a gym to set a tone for your daily workout regimen. Moreover, mouthwatering dishes will suit your fine dining experience with a touch of local vibe feel for a reasonable price. If you are travel blogger, don’t worry you can still post and stay connected with the resort’s free Wi-Fi

Economistas’ Outing the Cheapest Way Possible in Siniloan, Laguna.

My University Organization named “Future Undertakers for Sustainable Economy” or simply FUSE embraced the Municipality of Siniloan, Laguna located at the boundary between the Municipality of Mabitac on the west, Pañguil on the east, Real, Quezon on the North and Laguna de Bay on the South.

The said outing was well-planned with the organization officers, from the budget for foods, transportation, accommodation, and itinerary. Since our group deals on how to manage scarce resources therefore it is easy for us to allocate our finances. We brought our food and with regards to our accommodation, we got it for free because we have one member who is residing in Siniloan.



It was a long travel via Jeepney. From Binangonan, Rizal where we originated we took a 45mins Travel going to Tanay Rizal amounting to PHP25. In Tanay Rizal, the Terminal going to Siniloan is there. Another one hour of a zigzag road is waiting ahead that surely it will result in dizziness (actually I vomit that time) before you will reach the Town Proper of Siniloan. But if you want an alternative route if you are from Manilla, The town proper or población is about 84 kilometers (52 mi) from Manila, passing Manila East Road or Marcos Highway, and about 113 kilometers (70 mi) via the South Luzon Expressway passing the town of Santa Crúz, the capital of the province.



On our first day, we went to a vegetable plantation to harvest some vegetables (for free). We cooked it for our dinner and luckily the parents of our member who owned the house offered us a native chicken. We spent our whole day learning about Siniloan by talking to the locals. Sinilóan is politically subdivided into 20 barangays. Of these, 13 are classified as urban and 7 are classified as rural.

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• Acevida
• Valderráma/ Bagong Pag-Asa (Población)
• Bagumbarangay (Población)
• Buháy
• General Luna
• Hálayháyin
• Mendiola
• Kapatálan
• Laguio
• Liyang
• Llávac
• Pandeño
• Magsaysay
• Macatad
• Mayatba
• Padre Burgos
• G. Redor (Población)
• Sálubungán
• Wawâ East
• José Rizal (Población)



On the second day, we visited the river named Río Romelo runs through the center of the town and is used for fishing ground and irrigation purposes. We were a trekker that time bringing our food to reach the beautiful part of the river. Our way to reach that was very challenging but then again since we trek as a group we forgot the hardship instead we enjoyed it a lot.

When we reached the Climax, the place was beyond description, a green environment with cold and freshwater. Clean atmosphere, In short, it was perfect for swimming. There are small falls and a large basin wherein you can dive.

We spent all day long at the place.  There were also other groups of travelers at that time.

Great experience with the Economists. I missed you guys, to my Alma mater.

Year 2014 SM MOA Pyrolympics: Firework Display Trivia, Tips, Spots and Schedules

Last Year, I was able to witness the amazing fireworks competition. Actually, this event started as part of Chinese tradition of welcoming the New Year. With a dazzling display of fireworks and firecrackers, it has been believed that evil spirits that bring negative vibes maybe scared and banished away so a prosperous year will be waiting for anyone. Moreover, with the said tradition it has been innovated for a reason of aesthetic and entertainment value. Pyrotechnic appreciation became an annual competition.

This 2014, Eleven participating countries will fight head-to-head in this competition namely Australia, Spain, United Kingdom, France, Japan, China, Germany, Finland, Canada, USA and the Philippines. More than just a demonstration of finesse and beauty, this exhibition is the Olympics of fireworks and each country is expected to give its best shot. Indeed, delight at the grand profusion of colorful lights in time with music all across genres that showcase the artistry and skills of each competing team. Take pride in the Filipino progress in the field of pyrotechnics and delight at witnessing the country’s global competitiveness.

Each week two countries are competing and showcasing their Fireworks. In the same manner, there are establishments are offering a fine dining in front of the said event. So let’s take a glance of the exhibition while dining with your love ones. Tickets for the entrance are available in SM tickets, you can also avail it at the entrance point.  But if you are tight budget and you don’t want to spend for tickets, I will give you some tips and spots where to see the display clearly.

Best Spots:

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1. Parking Lot at Ocean Drive. - In this place you can easily watch the display in a different point of view.
2. 2ecom Prism Plaza. - Just go to the 3rd floor using the escalator, in this place you can clearly watch the firework.
3. Seaside Blvd- This Street will be closed however you can stay there if you are early at the railings.

Tips- You can bring your picnic blanket. Bring your own bottled water and foods. But foods are available also. If you are about to go home, make sure to stay at least 1 hour and avoid the huge number of audience that will also go home.



The PyroMusical Competition 2014 schedule:

February 15: 
 Platinum Fireworks Inc of the Philippines
 (Opening Exhibition)
 Howard and Sons fireworks of Austrailia

February 22 
 Spain - Brunchu Pyro Experience
 Jubilee Fireworks of United Kingdom

March 1 
 Brezac Artifices of France
 Tamaya Kitahara of Japan

March 8
 Liuyang New Year Fireworks of China
 Vulcan Europe of Germany

March 15 
 Oy Pyroman Finland Ltd of Finland
 Royal Pyrotechnie of Canada

March 22
 Atlas Pyrovision of USA
 Platinum Fireworks Inc. of the Philippines -
 (Closing Exhibition)

📹 A Video Blog In Baler, Aurora

Baler is the provincial capital of Aurora, which is 230km away from Manila and is accessible through a mountain pass by either a private vehicle or bus. For surfers and surf wannabes this place is best and nearest among the surfing spots in the Philippines. Baler is famous for Cemento beach, Sabang Beach, and Baler Bay.

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