Backpacking Beijing (Part 1)

“The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.” 

― G.K. Chesterton

I was fortunate enough to have obtained a Chinese Visa despite of a not so good relationship between the 2 states (PH & CH). I have traveled to a number of countries, often alone; however, traveling to China is one heck of a challenge.

First, people in China do not speak English (well, at most majorities). Second, Beijing is so BIG. By big I mean its land area and its crowded population making it hard to move around the city. Lastly, I was limited to a 3-day trip which I had to carefully maximize. 

Bonding at Bondi Beach Sydney [PhotoBlog]

This is the view that welcomes us after getting off the bus. I took this photo from the road right at the bus stop.

Who says beach is only for summer? Well, this is not true for Aussies as Bondi Beach was swamped with locals and tourists even during Fall. 

It was a weekend in Sydney when my very good friend Yanti toured me in some of the beautiful sites of the city. After a steeply walk in The Gap, Yanti brought me to Bondi Beach.

Bondi is one of the many beaches in Sydney that is located just few minutes from the CBD. It took us a smooth 20-minute bus ride to reach the beach. Since it was Fall, the sea breeze was really cold which we often refer to a winter breeze. 

Experiencing NSW Australia's capital, Sydney!

My week of hectic schedule in Auckland and Wellington New Zealand was set to end in Sydney. Australia was part of my business itinerary for the following week. I opted to spend my weekend in Sydney as i had a couple of friends to meet. Yanti was one of them. She was the former Team Lead of the accounts i am currentl managing in Cebu when the business was still in Sydney.

I got a very early flight (06:10AM) with Air New Zealand. With that being said, i had to be in the Wellington International Airport as early as 3:30AM. Geez, i woke up at 2:45AM! Anyway, fast forward. Sydney is 3 hours flight away from Wellington. We landed at the Sydney International airport at 07:20AM local time. Hmmm, wondering about the time? Well, Sydney is 2 hours behind NZ so just do thr math. 

Kiwi's Capital: Wellington, NewZealand

After my few days of meeting my clients in Auckland, i was set to fly down to the country's capital city - Wellington. This time i was traveling with my colleague from Auckland so didn't get much photo on our way. Well, Kiwis are not fond of selfies or taking photos.

Anyway, our flight was at 10:50AM. We arrived at the Auckland International Airport, Domestic wing just an hour and a half earlier. The domestic wing of the airport is a bit small but with many gates and air bridges. For passengers departing, you could actually meet the arriving passengers are there were no divisions between the two areas. Both the arriving and departing guests pass by and use the same gate/section of the airport.

Fall in love in Fall at New Zealand: Auckland

I was a bit lucky that my company was sending me to New Zealand to meet up the top executives of the banks i managed in the Cebu Center. Since it was a business trip, there's no sweat at all in getting a visa. Of course every thing was handled by our travel agency. I obtained a single entry visa for business purposes (which cost around Php3,000).

Just like every time when i travel overseas, i did my homework. I researched a lot about Auckland and Wellington. Since May is Autumn in New Zealand where the outside temperature could drop to below 10 degrees celcius, i had to bring a couple of warm (woolen) clothes for my week stay there.

Heaven on Earth: Plantation Bay Resort and Spa (Part I)

   

09.25.13. What a beautiful day to embrace in paradise. Not only that this day marked my 25th birthday, i also was courageous enough to shell outa big amount just to stay at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

Join me as i bring you to an extra-ordinary experience with an extra-ordinary haven. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is a 5-star resort oozing with luxurious accommodation and man made lagoons.

Lantaw Native Restaurant Busay

Lantaw Native Restaurant Busay: a perfect place to dine with a picturesque backdrop of the City

September 11, 2013. It was a on a Wednesday evening when the group headed to the mountains of Busay to have our dinner. This place had intrigued us because of its location on top of the mountain. Since it is located in a far far away land, going to the restaurant is very hard. There's no public transportation going their other than fixed-fare Taxi and motorbike (habal-habal). Thanks to Anton who brought his car that night.

The entrance of the Restaurant with its logo perfect for photo ops.

Gusto Urban Cafe and Wine Bar

  

Gusto Urban Cafe and Wine Bar

G/F Calyx Center, IT Park Lahug Cebu City 6000

Business hours: 08:00AM - 02:00AM (Fri-Sat) / 08:00AM - 01:00AM (Sun-Thur)

Type: Italian Restaurant

Mode of Payment: Cash / Credit

Kamana Sanctuary Resort and Spa Subic

A taste of luxury. Yes! indeed, what a wonderful way to end our Luzon trip. After 4 days of a bumpy long ride from the Northern Ilocos Region, we finally set foot at Subic City!

August 6, 2013. After a fun and wild half day adventure at Zoobic Olongapo, we finally succumb to bed. But before arriving to our chosen hotel, let me tell you first how we came up with Kamana resort.

Going Up North: Exploring Ilocos Region

August 2, 2013. Friday. It was around 03:30PM when we arrived at the Mactan Cebu International Airport. I was travelling with Crisly, Berna and Cary going up North of the Philippines. We were able to get into the terminal hassle free. Thanks to Cebu Pacific web check in capability, no need to queue on the check-in counter.

I, Berna and Crisly... excited for the adventure.

The Vigor of Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (KLCC), Bukit Bintang

                                     

                                     Hello Kuala Lumpur City Center.

July 22.2013. It was in a hot Monday afternoon, we were on to our one day excursion to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. We just arrived at the KL Sentral (KL's Train hub) from the Batu Caves. It was already past 4PM and we could see the station being filled with so many people - rush hours.

We immediately purchase our train pass in one of the many retail kiosks in the station. This time, from KL Sentral to KLCC is our route. Of course, who would ever want to miss the picturesque beauty of Petronas Twin towers?  

The Vigor of Malaysia: Batu Caves

                             

July 22,2013. Monday. Backpacking Malaysia. On to our next destination from an hour bus ride from  highlands to KL Sentral. Again, KL Sentral is the main hub of Malaysian Public Transportation so better are the days to explore Malaysia nowadays.