Grand Palace

A Journey Through the Majestic Palaces in Asia

A palace stands as testaments to grandeur, power, and cultural heritage. Embarking on a journey to explore these magnificent structures allows us to step back in time and witness the opulence and architectural marvels of bygone eras. I am fond of royalties, especially of olden times, so I make it a point to take a …

AirAsia ASEAN50

AirAsia Low-Fare Flights for ASEAN’s 50th and new Manila-Iloilo route

In celebration of ASEAN‘s 50th year since its founding, AirAsia is offering low fares to all destinations across its regional network. Learn more about the ASEAN or any of its member-countries. You can start by exploring Philippine destinations, such as Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, and Clark; or discover interesting attractions in Singapore (when you fly direct …

Attractions in ASEAN Countries

50 Things to See in ASEAN Countries

On August 8, 1967, five countries banded together to form the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These are Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines. Now, the ASEAN marks its 50th year and it has grown into 10 countries, which now includes Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. I realized that I have visited all …

Mekong Fresh Noodle and Grill

The Taste of Mekong in Bacolod

One of my favorite foreign cuisines is the Thai cuisine. When I was working in Manila Hotel, I would always take the table closest at the Thai food station in Café Ilang-Ilang whenever I eat buffet. Last year, during my Thai trip, I brought home ingredients for a Tom Yum soup, scoured the internet for …

Borobudur

Different Kinds of Travels

We travel for different reasons and purposes. Traveling is an activity that encompasses a lot of things that it’s even harder now to box it in just one kind. The constant debate and comparison between a “tourist” and “traveler” had always been interesting but my personal take on this, which has been echoed by several …

Cambodia

First-time inside Cambodia’s markets

…with interesting finds! When the third blog carnival of the Lonely Planet blogsherpas rolled out, hosted by Orange Polka Dot I picked from among my travels which best suited the topic of interesting finds in a market I’ve visited abroad. I browsed through my photos and I remembered a trip I made last year, when I visited four cities and …

Hollywood

Highlight of 2009: My first-time travels

Watching travelers in an airport coffee shop while waiting for my flight, I couldn’t help but wonder what 2010 has for me when it comes to traveling. Of course, 2009 was a good one. I have covered almost 20,000 miles, visited four countries, and enjoyed several beaches and landmarks. It was my first time to …

First-time in Phnom Penh: A City of Contrasts and Charms

The little town of Siem Reap was filled with foreigners wanting to see Angkor Wat. Despite the incursion of travelers, it was still a small as compared to the more progressive city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia‘s capital. Two nights spent at Pub Street and the Night Market was already a great deal for us. A …

First-time in Angkor Archaeological Park: Kingdom of Lost Temples

As the first rays of the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the sprawling landscape, I stood in awe at the entrance of the Angkor Archaeological Park. The air was thick with a sense of anticipation and reverence, as if the ancient spirits of the Khmer Empire were whispering their tales. …

First-time in Siem Reap: An Expedition into Cambodia’s Jewel

Coming from Kuala Lumpur and flying early morning to Siem Reap, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Flying over Tonle Sap Lake, the small houses and boats were first barely discernible until figures of Buddhist temples and typical Asian architecture came into shape that I realized we have truly arrived in Siem Reap, gateway …

Vietnam

Prelude to Malaysia-Cambodia-Vietnam visits

Years ago, after my return to the Philippines from a seven-month stay in Indonesia, I gifted myself with a Southeast Asian Travel Guide. It was sold on a very big discount because it’s the non-updated version. I didn’t mind and I figured that it would always be useful and I can find out for myself …