Revisiting Sentosa: Enjoying its various attractions, the old and the new

There a lot of new things in Sentosa since the last time I visited this island resort cum theme park. It was a joy to revisit Sentosa and see the familiar and new attractions. The latest attraction in Sentosa is the Universal Studios Singapore which features the Transformers, Shrek, Revenge of the Mummies, and Jurassic …

First-time in Rucksack Inn

In my travels, I’ve stayed in luxury hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and inns. Yet, I always enjoy staying in hostels, like Rucksack Inn. Not only are they affordable but they are a good venue to interact with fellow travelers. I found Rucksack Inn as I was searching the internet, which is a good resource …

Seoul City Tour Bus

Seoul Unveiled: An exciting adventure aboard the Seoul City Tour Bus

Reflecting on my Seoul City Tour Bus adventure, I am filled with awe and gratitude for the unforgettable journey I experienced. From the majestic palaces and bustling markets to the serene hanoks and lively landmarks, I had the freedom to explore Seoul’s iconic landmarks, immerse myself in its rich culture, and stumble upon hidden gems …

World Cup 2010

World Cup 2010 Fever: Is the Philippines Ready to Catch It?

I was living in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2002, when the Japan/Korea World Cup fever swept Asia. It was the buzz wherever I went. Streets were usually deserted when a game was going on. Everywhere I went, I was seeing products and pictures with the FIFA World Cup logo or paraphernalia.  When I was in Bangkok …

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 …

Batanes

First-time in Batan Island, Batanes

For years, I had my eyes set on the northernmost tip of the Philippines. It was a place that only few has conquered because of its isolation and unpredictable weather conditions. It was the closest place to Taiwan and surrounded by the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This is Batanes. Brief Preview of …

Farmerbrown

First-time in Farmerbrown San Francisco

Farmerbrown. The name wasn’t familiar to me before until I encountered it and it definitely stuck in my memory bank. Not only was the place where I had my first dinner in San Francisco, if not in the USA, but how I got there was in itself an interesting tale. I was in this beautiful …

About The Author

First-time Travels. My passion is traveling so prepare for an adventure-filled journey into the world of an enthusiastic globetrotter, me! Traveling is not just a hobby; it’s my ultimate passion, and I can’t resist capturing every mesmerizing moment with my trusty camera. Whether it’s the awe-inspiring sights or the little wonders that catch my eye, …

NCVS

NCVS 2009 with Michelle Obama and some Hollywood stars

Forty-five hundred people. Thirty-something new friends. A grand opening session. This has been the biggest conference I have attended so far. This was the National Conference on Volunteering and Service (NCVS) 2009. It was a gathering of various non-profits, government agencies, and corporations all over the United States. So, why was Hands On Manila part of …

Cebu

First-time in Cebu City: The Queen City of the Philippines

With a stroke of imagination and a palette of vibrant words, let me paint for you the sprawling canvas of Cebu City. Imagine a tapestry woven from the threads of rich history and pulsating modernity, where the skyline dances with skyscrapers, and colonial remnants stand proudly as testament to bygone eras. The streets are the …

Shenzhen, China

First-time in Shenzhen: Exploring the Wonders of the World

In Shenzhen, a bustling metropolis, I embarked on a transformative journey that revealed the world’s wonders within one city. It was an extraordinary voyage where time and distance seemed irrelevant. Shenzhen, a gateway to boundless exploration, offered travelers a unique chance to witness a kaleidoscope of global marvels in just a day. Shenzhen opens a …

Table of Contents

This Table of Contents provides easy links to the articles written in this site. You’ll find articles below in Chronological Order of posting. For places, check the tag or the drop-down banner. You can also use the “SEARCH” Box by clicking the button (rightmost) at the header. Posts in chronological order from the latest: 2024 …

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 …

Jakarta

First-time in Jakarta: A Dynamic Megacity of Southeast Asia

“Selamat datang.” Welcome to Jakarta, the vibrant and bustling capital city of Indonesia! Situated on the northwest coast of the island of Java, Jakarta is not only the largest city in Indonesia but also one of the most populous cities in the world. Known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and thriving economy, Jakarta …

Guangzhou

First-time in Guangzhou: Exploring China’s Southern Gem

While the neighboring autonomous regions of Hong Kong and Macau enjoy a great influx of tourists, South China’s Guangzhou and Shenzhen wouldn’t want to be left behind with what both cities can offer.  When one thinks of China, one would instantly associate it with Beijing (Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Olympics 2008), Shanghai (ShanghaiTower), …