It was a challenging weekend – three consecutive mornings spent in three different airports, in three different cities. This is the upside and the downside of business trips. They come for free but expect less or no sightseeing in the itinerary. I was going back to two southern cities — Cebu and Cagayan de Oro — …
In December 2011, amid the holiday frenzy, the Philippines was struck with a challenge when typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) suddenly took everyone by surprise as it caused severe flooding in the southern region of the country. The cities that were heavily hit were Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental and Cagayan de Oro and Iligan …
By Matthew Nunn. I went to Chiang Mai more than a year ago and I like it to be featured again by another traveler. So I’m putting this up on my blog. Thailand as a country offers many diverse and varied activities for travelers, from the mainstream well-trodden paths to off-the-beaten-track authentic travel. Tour operators …
I remember the time when I was called to a meeting for a big project to be initiated by young people. We just finished the Jimmy Carter Work Project in 1999 that garnered a huge number of volunteers and partners. We had to keep the excitement building…or in building (homes). It was then when we hatched …
The Philippines’ tourism department recently launched the new campaign, “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” To this, I totally agree. There are 7,107 reasons why it is more fun to be in this part of the world than anywhere else. It’s even a lot more fun for a first-time traveler to see the wonders the …
Read more “It’s More Fun in the Philippines for a First-time Traveler”
A first-time tourist in Manila may enjoy going around the city by the traditional jeepney. But smog and traffic can probably make you think twice before loading the jeep. Getting around Manila with all its traffic jams, especially on rush hours, can sometimes become a bane. So why not try taking the route of its …
While excitement at work kicked in pretty hard for me in 2011, it also hindered me to do a lot of exploring outside of my job description and workplace. It’s a good thing though that despite the demands of my job, I was able to do a bit of traveling last year. First off, I did …
Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines and located in the mountainous region in the north, is a favorite destination of residents of Manila and nearby towns. It is about six hours from Manila by private vehicle or non-stop bus, and can even exceed if one will ride the regular bus routes. I recently went …
Mt. Kanlaon is shrouded in mystery. I grew up hearing tales of hermits, fairies and other enchantments that happen around the tallest peak in the island of Negros. This same volcano divides the eastern part of Negros from its western counterpart, represented by the two provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, creating two worlds …
I was recently back in Bangkok for the Asia-Pacific Leadership Conference of various Habitat for Humanity offices in the region. Yes, it’s back to business trips for me. Not that I abhor going abroad for work. There were certainly some perks, like fewer expenses. Yet, most of the time, days were spent cooped inside the …
Bangkok is the first city outside my own country that I have ever visited. Now, it’s the most-visited city for me. Although shopping is not really at the top of my agenda when visiting Bangkok, I couldn’t help but put it on my itinerary. For those who are after cheap commodities, from clothes and apparel …
I was in the plane this morning en route to Bangkok, Thailand. The people at the other side of my aisle were chatting, asking questions about each other. Of course, one question was on where the other was heading. The Australian lady told the Filipino guy that she and her friend were off to Chiang …
It’s neither the one in Morocco nor the hotel in New York. It’s not even the movie. It’s the private resort along the National Highway of Tagaytay City, the Philippines that has a breathtaking view of the smallest volcano in the world, Taal. The infinity pool gives a visual effect of extending towards Taal Lake. …
It was Holy Thursday and families in the Philippines were trooping to the churches to witness the reenactment of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Since I was a kid, it has been our tradition to visit Catholic churches at this time of the year. We call it Visita Iglesia. This year, as I was in …
It has taken me a few more days to put this together due to some late submissions and my increased work load in my day job. I couldn’t accommodate more submissions though because I have set a deadline. I hope you enjoy whatever I have compiled in this blog carnival for blogcarnival.com. What does it …