Visiting Caleruega Church of Nasugbu, Batangas

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Over at Barangay Caylaway (Kaylaway) of Batulao at Nasugbu, Batangas lies the Caleruega church and all its glory. Some people spell its name as Calaruega and is often mistaken as located in Tagaytay, Cavite. Just as how we mistaken the Taal Volcano as part of Tagaytay, but in reality it is part of Batangas.

Regardless of where this church is located, it probably ranks lower than the many splendid architectural masterpieces because of its simplicity. But I believe there is greatness in being simple since too much complexity may become too "noisy" or complicated to the eye.

Many have said that the church is "a peaceful sanctuary to meditate and pray. You don't only commune with God but also with nature Albeit going there is an uphill climb with rough and rugged roads, but once you get there, it's all worth it!"

The church is small, but you will feel the solemnity and serenity of the area. However, it becomes crowded when mass is going on since not too many people can fit inside.

There's a Php 20 environment fee collected on our way to the church and an entrance fee Php 30 at the gate. Parking is small and majority of which are along the road prior to the entrance. You can rent a trike from the highway to go there. The fare is around Php 50 going in, and would become Php 60 when going out.

Marveling the Craftsmanship of Sisiman Bay Boat Makers of Mariveles, Bataan

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Sisiman Bay, located in Mariveles, Bataan, offers a closer view of the San Miguel Peak and the famous Sisiman Light house.

But aside from those captivating tourist eye-candies, you will also notice the many colorful boats floating on the waters itself. You'll be amazed of these creations that creates a picturesque post-card image for us to admire. Wait until sunset, and the diminishing light from the skies will further display wonderful hues of different colors. Nothing beats the sight of nature and man-made masterpieces harmoniously blending together in perfect unison.

Mariveles is about 165 kilometers from Manila (roughly 4 hours of travel time) and is located in a cove at the southern most tip of the Bataan peninsula, and obviously composed of fisher folks as seen from the many boats. These boats are mostly hand-made tediously by carpenters who could also be the fishermen themselves. At this particular part of the country, it is best that one is a a jack-of-all trades and knows how to multi-task using their multiple skills.

These boat makers are impressive since they spend several days building boats that would lasts years enough for the fishermen to get back the money they used to buy materials for the boats. I can imagine all that hard work and lengthy times toiled under the sun as they build boats that can handle the waters of Sisiman Bay - through rough or calm waters, and durable enough to carry a heavy load of men and catch for the day.

More photos of boats as they are built can be found below:

Tips to London Splurges You Can Afford

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There’s a saying that goes something like ‘when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’. The UK city just has it all – you can’t get bored in London, but you can get poor if you aren’t careful. To put it mildly, the city isn’t the cheapest of places to hang out in, but luckily, there are ways to enjoy London splurges without destroying the wallet. Here are the tips to keep in mind.


Use an Oyster Card

You need to travel around if you want to enjoy the great city to the full. But travelling in London is not cheap nor that fun (tube strikes, yack!). Luckily, the magnificent Oyster card scheme can cut down your travel cost and a monthly or an annual pass is a must-have for anyone looking to travel around the city.

Oyster cards are even useful for those visiting the city. Instead of spending money on the Travelcards, just get the Visitor Oyster Card. It’s 50% cheaper than using single tickets or the one-day Travelcard.


Enjoy the free attractions

While London has plenty of attractions that can cost a fortune, others are completely free. You can treat yourself to most London museums and galleries without spending a pound. Check out, for example, Tate Modern, the British Museum and the National Gallery. If you want to have a sophisticated walk around the city, the parks offer plenty to see. You can snap perfect Instagram photos at Hyde Park or Hampstead Heath.

Not to mention, you can splurge on all things royal without spending any money. Changing the Guard is a free event and you could wave to the Queen during the opening of the Parliament, for example.


Last-minute tickets

London is famous for its West End shows and you definitely want to splurge some money on a good show. However, you can be smart about your spending and shop for last-minute tickets at the official TKTS booth in Leicester Square. It’s the official booth so you won’t get ripped off and the tickets for the day’s shows are a lot cheaper than if you bought them beforehand. If you are sure of the show you want to see and you don’t mind queuing, you could just show up before the show and see if there are stand-by tickets and returns available.


Local theatre and shows

Now, London is a big city with thriving local communities. While the central London tends to have all the attention, there are plenty of stunning things happening on the other boroughs. If you want to enjoy theatre, comedy and cabaret, then just move further away from central London and find local shows in small theatres and pubs. These are not less worthy of your attention and they will help you save quite a bit of money.


Pass it out

Looking to explore the most famous London attractions? If you want to splurge on places like Madame Tussaud’s and the Buckingham Palace, you shouldn’t forget to buy the London Pass. After the initial payment of around £100, you get to visit all these popular destinations for free! Not to mention the pass gives you the power to skip the queues (in most instances), so it can definitely worth it if you have limited time available to hang out in the capital city. The pass occasionally runs extra savings campaigns so check out the offers from the website.


Wine and dine with discounts

Eating out in London offers tons of splurges and most are affordable with the help of discount schemes. Tastecard.co.uk offers the option to eat out at some of the city’s hottest restaurants without paying the full price! Indeed, you can often find offers that help you enjoy 2 for 1-deals or get starters and drinks for free.

Furthermore, wining and dining is super cheap if you are willing to skip the restaurant table. Street food is huge in London – some of the best eateries in the city are humble street food trucks in changing locations.


Booking online

Finally, the best way to finding splurges you can afford is going online. If you book your tickets online, you can cut the cost of your ticket and you don’t need to stand in a queue on the big day. For example, tickets to London Eye are almost 10% cheaper online than if you just showed up to buy the ticket in person. So, when you know what you want to do, check if the price is cheaper online.

So, think which attractions, restaurant and hotels you want to visit and book your spots online. Just make sure to leave room for getting from place A to B – London traffic can really be a pain.

Hopefully, with the above tips in mind, you are able to have a good time in London and splurge without breaking the budget.

Up In the Air Again at the 21st Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

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We flew on a hot air balloon again at the 21st Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF)!

Thanks to our sponsors like Power Mac Center and Adam elements, who also made a product launch to coincide with the event, we got to return once again to Clark to witness for the nth time the PIHABF and all its glory.

The venue may have changed, but the wonder of seeing numerous colorful hot air balloons, some of different shapes and sizes, that are slowly being inflated until they are fully on their grandest form, is still a sight to behold. This becomes a lot more spectacular so soon as they slowly fly off into the Pampanga sky, and each one joining them until all are out of sight.

Yup! The event is not something to be missed even only as a spectator from afar. The photos up close are exhilarating but it becomes even more amazing if we get to capture the hot air balloons as a group from a distance.

Some would do videos to immortalize the moment - an opportunity to rerun the scenes all over again every time we want to reminisce the majestic flights. We may be witnessing the very last production of the Clark hot air balloon event since there were rumors that it may be the last run. But some are telling us that the contract can be renewed if both parties agree to continue the longest-running weekend of everything that flies.

Top 10 Travel Insurance Claims That Travellers Make

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Getting a travel insurance will be no good if you don’t know how to get travel insurance claims when needed. However, not all people who travel have the right tips for making a travel insurance claim. So what kind of claims are the most common for travellers? If you frequently travel—be it for business, pleasure or both—then knowing these top 10 reasons for travel claims would be a must-read for you.


1. Cancelled flights

Cancelled flights take the top spot for the most common reason why people ask for a travel claim. Why do flights get cancelled anyway? A really bad weather bordering on dangerous is a good reason. A security threat is another. Also, mechanical problems can happen that might force the airline to cancel the flight.

2. Medical emergencies

One of the most important reasons why travellers are encouraged to get a travel insurance is due to medical emergencies. You may not plan to get sick or hurt yourself but accidents happen. Some food may not go well with your stomach and the water can make you sick, too. Next to cancelled flights, travel insurance claims that are medical-related are the most common among travellers.

3. Lost or stolen credit card

Another case for claiming on travel insurance is when you lose your credit card. Just like with IDs and money, a lost credit card should be reported to the authorities. The issuing bank should also be notified to freeze the account.

4. Lost or stolen money

Losing your precious money while travelling is a total nightmare—but it happens especially in places where theft is a common hazard. Most people get travel insurance claims on stolen money. However, take note that insurance companies can only cover a certain amount of money lost.

5. Lost or stolen personal items

Money is not just the only thing that is prone to being stolen when travelling. Personal and valuable items such as jewellery, cameras, and even smartphones can become lost or stolen, even inside a hotel room. Some insurance companies provide a cover benefit for lost items while others do not. The travel insurance claim process for lost items usually requires a police report or some more proof that when an item is really stolen. 

6. Lost luggage

Another common reason for travel insurance claims is the lost of items or luggage. Most of the time, some people get the wrong luggage upon checkout. Others misplace their bags especially if they carry more than one bag when travelling.

7. Lost passport or ID

One of the worst horrors of travelling is losing your IDs or passport. Most of the time, lost or stolen documents should be reported to the police. As for the insurance company, the insured have to file a travel claim for the loss passport or ID. The travel insurance claim process for this would require the report complete with a date and details of the lost documents. Having a photocopy or a softcopy of your IDs or passport whenever you travel will also help to expedite the replacement process in case you lost yours.

8. Missed flight

If cancelled flights are under the jurisdiction of the airline, missed flights happen when you can’t get around the traffic and came in late before boarding time. Usually, travel insurance companies offer a cover for this for the fare adjustment and the rescheduling of the next available flight. Of course, the travel insurance claims may vary from provider to provider.

9. Property damage
There are also cases when travel insurance claims are made for items that are damaged while travelling. For example, checked in baggage with fragile contents that turned out damaged on the checked out can be filed for a travel claim. Also, some insurance company provide a cover benefit for property damage in case of an accident.

10. Rental car breakdown

Some people who need the convenience of a car when travelling usually go for a rental. But just in case the rental car breaks down, you can make a travel claim on it. But while this belongs to the top travel insurance claims, tire blowouts are not as frequent as other incidents on this list.

Some more tips for making a travel insurance claim: make sure that you carry your travel insurance document with you at all times. Beware of policies and exemptions that apply to your travel insurance. Also, make sure to report any incident of theft or damage to support your claim and expedite your travel insurance claim process.

Get more tips on travel insurance claims with GoBear Philippines and use the service to find and compare travel insurance that best suits your needs.

The following article is a contribution of GoBear — Asia’s first and only unbiased metasearch engine or comparison website for travel insurance, personal loans, credit cards and car insurance. Compare with GoBear and apply online today.

3 Countries to Visit in Europe

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Switzerland

Obviously, the Alps are on nearly everyone’s bucket list and the impeccable times to visit them are late in to summer and early springtime. Switzerland is home to many festivals, also. One of the most famous is Lucerne Festival of Classical Music. In the Italian speaking part of the country, the Ticino, the Locarno International Film Festival is one not to miss in early August where you can watch an evening screening below the stars. Switzerland is simply all round beautiful.

Also, please remember when travelling inside of the EU for citizens in the European Economic Area it is a good idea to get you a European health card. It covers you for whichever medical care you may need, whether you become ill or endure any harm during an accident.

Italy

Italy is the home of some of the most admired and celebrated cities in the world, counting; Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples and Venice. Rome itself has been classified as one of the 10 most-visited towns in the world. The Italian cuisine is extremely popular across the globe and the country itself has an unbelievable historical worth. Most towns are quaint and full of character.



Spain
Every year millions choose Spain as their holiday destination. Culture, sun and scenery are the three most significant features of Spain. Not to forget the glorious nightlife, pleasant community and landscapes. Spain also offers great accommodation, a huge selection and endless attractions.

Air Travel - Advantages and Disadvantages

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Humanity never lost its ability to dream and always wanted to achieve that which was impossible at first. Flight is one such thing. Countless myths and legends are based around the idea of flying - like that of Daedelus and Icarus. History of flight is extensive and filled with incredible mishaps and breakthroughs. 

From initial efforts in ancient China to Leonardo Da Vinci's flying machine and to the legacy of Wright brothers - who are known for the first recorded flight in 1903. All of these developments are significant in illustrating the strong desire humankind had, the urge to stop being bound to the ground and explore unseen heights.

Ever since humanity learned to fly air transport improved by leaps and bounds, in massive increments.

Aerial vehicles have particular uses now — military and transportation.

Many varieties if air transport were developed over the years — helicopters, planes that range from small ones like Cessnas to huge airliners like the Airbus and to military marvels like the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (it holds the record as the fastest aircraft for about 40 years at this point).

The less conventional ones – hang gliders, hot air balloons, zeppelins, blimps, and parachutes - can also be used as a means of transportation, but for the sake of this article their characteristics will not be included in the advantage/disadvantage rundown.

When it comes to traveling, every kind of transport comes with its set of pros and cons. 

What are the advantages of air transport?

Speed, Mobility, and Punctuality

Airliners are not balloons or blimps. The have a streamlined design, and powerful jet engines allow them to reach tremendous speeds. Cruise liners travel at around 80% of Mach 1 (M1 is the speed of sound – 1,236 km/h; 768 mph).

No land vehicle can come close to air transport regarding sheer speed and consistency.

Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains and railways can get very fast, but they're still not there yet and won't be for quite some time.

Speed is a factor not only due to jet engines, but there are also no roads or limiting factors in terms of mobility. The route is a direct line from point A to point B. There is no delay in procuring clearance, and there is no concept of traffic. No railways, no roads, no additional construction of any kind is required, apart from the airstrips.

On the other side of mobility spectrum, there are helicopters. They only need a small landing pad to take off as do some VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) vehicles like Harrier jets.

Planes and helicopters are used in agricultural applications (spreading pesticides or other pest deterrents to save a harvest of crops) and to combat raging forest fires.

Air transport is a prompt and convenient way to travel and transport goods.

Some of the Best Climbing Destinations in India

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Bangalore is by far considered as one of the most wonderful place in India with the different climate conditions through the year. It was enclosed accordingly and this place is just one of the best in India for the landscapes and rock climbing. Those who wish to discover their strengths and how far they could go, Bangalore is just the place to go to. This place is well known for rock climbers and those who wish to try rock climbing.

The Himalayans just loved to climb, especially during the month of April until June. It is Terra Firma that has the best rock climbing facilities in the place. In the southern part of India, rock climbing is just ideal any time of the year and people go to Mumbra or Dudha in November until April, which are the best months there. However, in Delhi, winter months are the best for rocking climbing, so if you what to experience rock climbing during the winter months, Delhi is just the best place for you. Find the best deals for your trip to India visit here. 

Himachal Pradesh, Valleys of Parvati, Sar Pass and Miyar Valley

For the travelers who are fond of rock climbing, there are certain places in India that are best for you. The Himachal Pradesh, Valleys of Parvati, Sar Pass and Miyar Valley are best for those who wish to see some snowcapped blooms along with robust outcrops, the valley is also famous and known among the best spots for rock climbing in India. The valley of flowers likes in the northwestern part of Spiti, which is a part of the Himachal Pradesh. The Miyark Valley is located on the fringes of Sanskar as well as Ladakh. This place has the best conditions for rock climbers with its rich woodlands and streams. 

Jammu & Kashmir (Shey rock) 

On the north part of the Shey town comes a 20 minute travel going on the mountain scenes in Shey Rock, which is a paradise for those who lives in Jammu & Kashmir. This place is represented by the beautiful and exotic rock formations; this place is just the best for newbies and for veteran rock climbers. Accordingly, the mountain climbing activity here stands out from the rest of the place. The boldness of the crests of the Himalayas along with the high mountain ranges of Jammu & Kashmir made this place, a place overloaded with guests from various parts of the globe. Summer is the best time to visit this place and it is also the ideal time of the year for climbers enjoy the fun filled activity of rock climbing. The promo code for Musafir can be used for your next travel. You can also use it when you have decided to visit India and explore the fun filled activities along with exotic places in this country.

Top 10 Things to Do in Ukraine

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From its captivating history to serene beaches and tasty food, Ukraine will charm you before you even know it. To make sure you take the most out of your visit, here are top 10 things to do in Ukraine.


1. Celebrate traditional holidays with distinctive Ukrainian traditions

Join the celebration of Ivana Kupala, a popular pagan festival widely celebrated across the country. In the evening, couples scour the woods for medicinal herbs, while unmarried women weave head-wreaths before lowering them into a river - if the wreath floats, it means they'll get married. The emphasis of the festival is on cleansing rituals: during the night, participants immerse themselves completely into the water and couples hold hands and leap over bonfires to ‘cure’ all that ails them. More common holiday – Easter – is celebrated in Ukraine with a beautiful melding of traditional Christian practices, folklore and ancient pagan symbolism. The Orthodox Easter has the same sacral meaning as for the rest of Christian world, while it is celebrated on a different date and with distinguishable rituals and traditions. Easter is the feast of Christ’s resurrection, which combines both pagan and Christian elements in its observance. It has been celebrated over a long period of history and has had many rich folk traditions.


2. Check out the churches

Ukraine’s churches – in Kiev, Chernihiv, Lviv and the Carpathian region – are all real gems that are worth seeing. Many of them make a part of UNESCO World Heritage List, so one is lucky to get a chance to see them all in one country.



3. Visit castles and fortresses

In western Ukraine, the stone fortress town of Kamyanets-Podilsky - a Unesco World Heritage Site - sits on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by a deep gorge that encircles it almost completely, with the clear waters of river Smotrych flowing far below. Moving not far away from this geographic area, you should also check out castles near Lviv that are one of the major tourist attractions in this region. Their beautiful architecture, mystical history and scenic landscape setting attract many visitors. Khortytsia islands, located in the heart of Zaporizhzhia city on Dnipro River, are attracting the most people to the region with its reputation of being the homeland and residency of famous Ukrainian Cossacks. Khortytsia is a beautiful national historical and natural reserve, where many types of rare plants and animals can be found. Also in the South, Akkerman fortress (the biggest in country) is a unique monument to the defensive architecture of the 13th -15th centuries. Despite its age and all the historical events that it has witnessed, the fortress managed to preserve its original structure. Today it is considered to be the best preserved medieval fortification facility in Ukraine. Pick up few places to see or visit them all – it’s up to you!



4. Get lost in Lviv

Lviv, with its attractive mélange of baroque, renaissance and art nouveau architecture and friendly vibe is the complete antithesis of the post-Soviet industrial cities of Eastern Europe and is one of the must-visit places in Ukraine. You can spend days admiring the highlights, which include the central Rynok Square, surrounded by wealthy merchants' homes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, the Armenian cathedral and the Moorish old Jewish hospital. The best panoramic views of the city are from the High Castle Park on northeast side of Lviv. The symbol of the city is a lion: it is carved into facades, on doorknobs, keystones and gates.



5. Hit the beaches

Usually it’s hard to get lot of pleasure from going to the most popular and easy-to-find beaches. For those who love to spend more time alone and further away from the city noise, there are plenty of yet unknown and extremely beautiful beaches in Ukraine to visit.



6. Visit the hidden mysterious places

For a post-apocalyptic experience, there are some places to visit in Ukraine as well. Head to Chernobyl exclusion zone near Kiev, take Lviv Undergrounds and Dungeons tour to discover Lviv’s mystifying underground world and listen to some spooky legends from city’s history or go down Odessa catacombs - the longest network of catacombs in the world, which is also the only one that has not been fully mapped. Intriguing, isn’t it?



7. Eat with lots of emotions

Lviv is famous not only for its astonishing architecture, romantic mood and unforgettable charm. It is also the center of gastronomic events in the country. The main gastronomic festivals in Lviv, dedicated to wine, cheese, chocolate and coffee, always attract lots of visitors. Moreover, the most interesting concept restaurants in Ukraine are also located here!



8. Shop at the markets

A visit to a good product market will overwhelm you with sights, tastes and smells. Go early in the morning, when the products are the freshest and the housewives and grandmothers come out in force, enticed by the market sellers offering a taste of their wares. Try out the two most famous markets in Ukraine to get the full range of emotions – Bessarbsky in Kiev and Privoz in Odessa, you will find lots of things to do there!



9. Drink wine

Shabo is not just one of the leading Ukrainian Wineries that follows the standards of high grape growing and winemaking culture. It is also the Wine Culture Center, aimed at promoting high culture of noble beverages drinking. Shabo Winery and Wine Culture Center are located in a resort area in the Odessa Region, one of Europe’s oldest regions where winemaking traditions are dated as far back as the ancient times. The center offers highly popular organized tours, hosts tastings and various events aimed at improving the drinking culture, popularizing healthy lifestyle and strengthening family traditions.



10. Get closer to nature

Ukraine has a large territory and is located in many climate zones. This fact makes it an interesting place for ‘green’ tourism that will get you to hit the road immediately! Discover Ukraine’s natural wonders, such as Vilkovo – the ‘Ukrainian Venice’, Bugsky Guard National Park, Askania-Nova reserve, Oleshky Sands Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians that will surprise you with pure beauty and stunning nature!



It is hard to find time to cross out all the points in the list of top 10 things to do in Ukraine, you can read mote at destinations.com.ua. However, this means that you always have motivation to come back any time of the year!

Zoomanity Hosts 4th Farm Tourism Conference at Paradizoo

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Robert Yupangco, the visionary head honcho and mastermind of the Zoomanity Group of companies, personally met with us during our visit at Paradizoo and Residence Inn Tagaytay properties. We were actually invited there to witness the 4th Farm Tourism Conference being held at Paradizoo from July 14 to 16, 2016 and attended by several delegates from all over the country.

Among the many known farm spots in Tagaytay, Paradizoo was chosen as one of the featured successful farm tour destination during the 4th Farm Tourism Conference.

The Zoomanity group also took the opportunity to show us the Residence Inn property so we could also see how they are fully engaged in farm tourism. So aside from petting and feeding animals, tasting their meals cooked with fresh poultry, livestock and fruits and veggies directly sourced from the Paradizoo farm itself, we also got to experience almost the same within the few minutes at Residence Inn munching on their pancit and pineapple jam spread on toasted bread, a short tour of the many animals showcased there, and the zipline highlight to end the tour with lots of shrieks and laughter as we coursed through the amazing zipline overlooking the Tagaytay lake.

The Zoomanity theme parks, which can be found at different parts of the country and even two abroad, are focused on farm and agri tourism where people can get up close and personal with both animals and plant life. However, the farms were built more as an advocacy geared in promoting best practices in living a better and healthier life.

What to Visit in Bangkok

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Your trip to Thailand would be incomplete without visiting its capital city Bangkok. Every tourist will find something to their taste here since this metropolis harmoniously combines the spirit of East and West, ancient and modern, traditional and up-to-date. Bangkok is also a gateway to other Thai cities so even if it’s not your final destination in Thailand, you should definitely spend at least several hours here and see its major attractions. You can always find the cheapest business-class tickets to Bangkok via cheapfirstclass.com.

Grand PalaceThe Grand Palace is a number-one attraction in Bangkok and visiting it is a must. Built in 1782, it served as a royal residence for centuries. Although the present king doesn’t reside here, the building is still used for official ceremonies. The palace complex is a true masterpiece: after seeing it, you’ll understand why Bangkok is called the City of Angels (Krung Thep).

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

There are about 400 Buddhist temples in Bangkok but the most important and most visited one is the Temple of the Emerald (or Jade) Buddha. It’s situated right on the territory of the Grand Palace so you’ll have an opportunity to see two main attractions at once. The temple is famous for its highly revered statue of Emerald Buddha carved from a block of jade. The inside walls of the temple’s compound are covered with numerous mural paintings depicting the scenes from the famous epic "Ramayana".

Temple of Dawn

Situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, this temple encrusted with colorful porcelain stands majestically over the water. Despite its name, it’s especially beautiful at the sunset. The Temple of Dawn is one of the most photographed symbols of Thailand. Its central pagoda (a many-tiered tower), which has the height of a 20-storey building, is the highest in the country. If you climb up the stairs to the balcony, you’ll be awarded a stunning and breathtaking view of the river and the surroundings.

Bangkok National Museum

If you’re interested in Thai art and history, then the Bangkok National Museum will be a perfect place to gain insight into or at least get acquainted with it. Being the largest museum in Southeast Asia, it houses one of the best and richest collections of art and artifacts. Due to its scale, be ready to spend here several hours so plan your visit accordingly.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Those who can’t imagine their trip without shopping should definitely visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Although Bangkok is full of shopping malls and markets, none of them can be compared to the Chatuchak Weekend Market. With 15,000 booths divided into 27 sections, this is one of the largest markets in the world. You can find virtually everything here and buy it at a local (not tourist) price.

Lumpini Park

This is the largest public park in the city where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center and get a reviving breath of fresh air. There are a lot of things to see and do here. You can go for a boat ride on the artificial lake or just stroll around the park watching local people.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte: Hannah's Beach Resort and Convention Center

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Hannah's Beach Resort and Convention Center is a postcard picture wonder located in Barangay Balaoi, Sitio Malingay in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Even before entering Hannah's Beach Resort and Convention Center, one would already feel a sense of being at peace with nature. The sprawling mountains, the breathtaking views of the sea, and the sight of windmills all pave the way for the perfect getaway experience to come.

This seven-hectare exclusive paradise, nestled among endless turquoise waters and powdery white sand in Pagudpud, is emerging to be the crown jewel of Ilocos Norte. It is bounded by large forests and cliffs and an expansive sea. Literally carved from the earth are cliffs that jot out of the sea shore serving as a natural backdrop of the cove.

Hannah's Beach Resort and Convention Center is a place filled with wonders for all ages -like the many adorable statues of familiar characters and images like fastfood restaurant mascots and Disney fairy tales, dinosaurs, helicopter and soldiers, the POTUS, a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty, plus many more.

They also have the zip-line situated along the beach that would surely be a favorite for those who want extreme and fun action. There's something for everyone so that you'll be able to easily create wonderful memories here.

Below are several photos to persuade you more that this place should be your next destination.

Bangui Windmills of Ilocos Norte

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In this era of heightened environmental consciousness and the global drive to develop and use “green” power, windmills are on top of the pile of choices. They do not cause pollution, require no fuel, do not create greenhouse gases, and produce no waste.


The Bangui Windmills of Bangui, Ilocos Norte is the first “Wind Farm” in the Philippines consists of wind turbines on-shore facing the South China Sea and considered to be the biggest in Southeast. Asia. These gargantuan windmills are spread across a 6.5 km stretch or about 236 meters of the grey sand beach.

Standing 70 meters above ground and arranged in an arc spanning a total of nine kilometers straddling nine barangays, the windmills are difficult to miss, even by those who are several kilometers away.

The windmills, officially referred to as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project, aren’t there as whimsical adornments to the local landscape, because they actually provide forty percent (40%) of Ilocos Norte's 600,000 population's power requirements making Bangui the capital of green energy in the Philippines.

NorthWind Power Development Corporation, the Manila-based company that runs the farm, reported a P70-million annual savings passed on to consumers in the form of cheaper power rates.

There are actually three wind locations in Ilocos Norte, namely, the 33-MW Bangui Windmills, operated by NorthWind Power Development Corp.; and the wind farms in Burgos (150 MW), owned by the Energy Development Corp. (EDC), and Pagudpud (81 MW), of the North Luzon Renewable Energy Corp. (NLREC).

Videos: Book Museum cum Ethnology Center Tour

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We were fortunate to be among the few selected to be part of the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center tour. This awesome underrated attraction is located in Marikina Heights and is hardly noticeable unless you take a closer peek of the insides of this establishment.

From the name itself, they offer not just a broad collection of rare books but also a great number of artifacts from both local and foreign sources which comprise their "ethnology center" part. They have three buildings of which two are sort of dedicated for the ethnology part, aside from the ladies dormitory at one building which they use as a source of income to maintain their collection.

You'd be surprised to find out that the owner, Atty. Dominador Buhain, of the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center is the same owner of the Rex Bookstore. But the bookstore came first, and the collection is a result of the owner's numerous travel in and out of the country which earned him the recognition as among the most traveled individuals in the world.

We decided to take videos so our readers would get an actual walk-through of the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center  so they could somehow experience the same amazement.

Of course, nothing beats being there in person so I encourage everyone to visit this place. Details can be found at their Facebook page or you can refer to our previous blog post about them.

The big bonus about the tour is that they packaged it with some lunch and snacks from two different restaurants. The organizers sure know how to pamper their guests.

3 Reasons to Go Out And S.E.E. the World

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I just came home from a 5-day trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia. I attended the 28th SSEAYP International General Assembly (SIGA). SSEAYP, or Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program, is an annual program sponsored by the Japanese government. Every year, hundreds of youth from Japan and the ASEAN countries gather to embrace cultural diversity, and collaborate to discuss social matters affecting the youth sector… aboard the luxury ship Nippon Maru for over 40 days. SIGA, on the other hand, is an annual grand reunion of all SSEAYP alumni, held in different ASEAN countries every year.

Being a SSEAYP delegate back in the year 2000 is one of the biggest milestones in my life. At the age of 21, I travelled abroad for the first time… and as a part of an international youth program!

Traveling, as they say, is food for the soul. I could not agree more with that statement. As a youth advocate and a motivational speaker, I have been to more than 50 provinces in the Philippines and 30 countries around the world. Going places helps me grow as an individual. I have gained more wisdom through traveling than anything else I have ever done in my life.

I encourage everyone to go out and S.E.E. the world, and here are the 3 reasons why:

Book Museum Cum Ethnology Center of Marikina Tour

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In the absence of actual travel, they used to say reading books, magazines or newspapers is the most affordable, fastest and easiest way to learn more about different destinations, cultures, traditions and other worthwhile stuff about our country and the world.

However, in these times when books are quickly being replaced by online content from blogs and social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and so many others, publications of traditional media outfits have immediately embraced the impending death of the printed form of publication and has incorporated their own online version to keep up with the times. They have now invested heavily on the management of online content to support their printed materials. Whether they publicly admit it or not, they are destined to die sooner than expected. Nothing can stop us from evolving and developing towards the more reasonable ways.

The Internet now rules when it comes to online promotion and presence since most of us just Google search for information using our Internet-connected smartphones and the convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity almost everywhere. From coffee shops to hotels, to malls and even government offices, the Internet has become no longer a luxury but a necessity for everyone, that they are all offering Internet connectivity for free.

Though most book buyers these days just purchase books to add to their personal home library collection, some would still say reading the actual book remains somewhat therapeutical. There is simply the incomparable feeling of flipping the actual pages of a book that would never comes close to swiping or tapping away from our smartphones or tablets.

The development of this trend is not only beneficial to the survival of our trees as we would no longer have to cut them down just to print paper for the publication, but it also made information to be effectively shared to the most number of people possible. Thus the words "viral" and "trending" has become an "IN" terminology that forever changed the way we send and receive information.

This is probably why there is now what they call a Book Museum cum Ethnology Center. Where else would these quickly decaying publications finally reside but at a museum - to be preserved and protected so that the next generation would still be able to see them when they are totally gone from this world.

Lubao International Balloon Festival 2016: Interview with Hot Air Balloon Pilots

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Hot air balloons from all over the world gathered together again for the third time at the Pradera Verde property located at Barangay Prado Siongco of Lubao, Pampanga to participate in the Lubao International Balloon Festival.

We ad the opportunity to interview a few hot air balloon pilots or ballonists before and after the actual balloon flights during the first day of the event on April 14, 2016. The #LubaoIBF2016 is a four day event happening from April 14 until April 17, 2016.

As expected, thousands of people from all over the country, and even from some parts of the world, could be seen admiring the colorful view of 40 hot air balloons all seen together as they are inflated and one by one flew up into the Pampanga sky.

I am one of the fortunate ones to get a chance to fly high up into the clouds aboard a hot air balloon thanks to the Ultra Magic hot air balloon from Spain flown by Jordi Diaz. It was my first time to ride a hot air balloon so that's another item checked off my bucket list. But I would tell the story of my hot air balloon ride on a separate article soon.

For now, I would want to share the different interviews we made during the first day of the event. We flew on a hot air balloon on the second day and spent the first day ogling on the various hot air balloons and messing around with the pilots while they take their breaks at the VIP area. Lol!

Below are a few of the interviews we made so enjoy:

Microtel by Wyndham’s Quezon City Hotels Media Familiarization Tour (Part 1)

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Quezon City is experiencing a renaissance. From historical and cultural sights, to a food scene that has exploded in popularity, Metro Manila’s biggest city is the new alternative hotspot for weekend vacations and lifestyle destinations."

I have to agree as QC has always been a very popular destination in the city for so many reasons. It is a city with attractions that you couldn't possibly finish within a single day.

Your Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas was recently invited to a Microtel by Wyndham’s Quezon City hotels media familiarization tour. The two hotels they have in Quezon City are located at UP Technohub (which is obviously within the UP Technohub complex and just a stone throw's away from the many government agencies surrpounding the Quezon Memorial Circle) and Acropolis (just opposite the Eastwood city commercial complex in Libis).

Microtel by Wyndham is a pioneer in the no-frills, back-to-basics service concept and considered as the fastest growing.  With 13 hotels across the Philippines, Microtel by Wyndham strategically positions itself at the center of leisure and business hubs in the country. It is the sole Microtel by Wyndham franchise in Asia belonging to the Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest and most diverse hotel company with over 7,800 properties and 678,000 rooms in 72 countries under 15 hotel brands.

As what Ms. Ali Makabenta, the General Manager of the Microtel by Wyndham Acropolis, reiterated during our interview with her, "Location, location, location" is a prime factor contributing to the hotel chain's success. But we get to meet Ms. Ali on the second day of our media fam tour when we visit their Acropolis branch which has a feature that's very interesting for me, and I'm sure for the rest of the readers, but I would put you in anticipation for the meantime.

Why Student Travel Is More Important Than Ever Before

Wazzup Pilipinas!

According to essayzoo.org, college education is important for the students’ population given that it helps in personal growth. This argument develops in the case that students have come across a website with essays that comment about college education and college life. This means that there is an ideal contribution to the college life to the student. A good case to argue is that many people from the college institutions usually attribute their school life to the fact that they have been able to travel while studying. This forms that basis of the argument given that these school trips help to expose the students to a variety of culture and tradition.

Another important point to note is that it becomes increasingly demanding to travel when one has finished their college years. This statement means that when one has graduated, the life after school becomes stressing with the increased bills. For example, after finishing school one does not have the opportunity to skip their responsibilities in the place of travelling. Thus, it is very important that students travel while still in school given that they have the opportunity, and they are allocated with student discounts. 

International experience is important for students given that the diverse world of employers would want to hire people with such experience. However, students tend to argue that travelling as a student is costly given the high airfare. In this view, it is important for students to realize that many schools or institutions offer a scholarship that accommodates the expenses. As such students should maximize the opportunities to engage in abroad study programs offered while in the school years. Importantly, travelling students acquire certain skills such as independence, opportunities to network with other people and bilingualism. As such, travelling as a student is like an investment that will generate benefits in the end.

Links Used:

http://travelmakersmd.com/summer-travel-for-students/

http://www.al-fanarmedia.org/2015/12/turkey-offers-refuge-to-expelled-egyptian-students/

TropicalSwells to Hold SurfCamp from Subic to Baler

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I'm not new to surfing as it has been introduced to me a couple of years ago when we covered an event in La Union, the surfing Capital of the North, with no less than Luke Landrigan as the surfing instructor, then it was followed with visits in Leyte for a media thanksgiving, then a few more opportunities at several other places.

Still, even though I was clearly stoked, I wanted to capture more of the action in both photo and video instead of actually experiencing it myself. I don't know why but I was more interested in showing the experience to my readers rather than have the time of my life spending the whole afternoon or weekend surfing out in the open seas.

Thus, I never really learned to master the activity, not because I was afraid to get hit on the head by the surf board and drown helplessly. It was because I was more concerned in sharing and immortalizing the stories. That is why even though I'm not an expert photo or videographer, I want o always have time documenting the experience.

For me, every travel opportunity, whether nearby or out-of-town, is a blessing. Thus, I always appreciate invitations that will take me into places I've never been before, or revisit a familiar place to find out what's new.

TropicalSwells, a Philippine surf school that offers a fun and safe surf experience for beginners, avid enthusiasts and all interested members of your family, invited members of the media, including bloggers, to a day of learning the basics of surfing.