Discover Corregidor

Corregidor is a small rocky island approximately 48 kilometers west of Manila by a ferry ride. The island served as a military fortress to American and Filipino troops during World War II. However, the island fell to the Japanese forces when they invaded the Philippines in 1942. 

Although Corregidor is in close proximity to Manila, I never had the opportunity to visit this historical island. This year, we didn’t miss the chance to visit the island of Corregidor when we saw the deal in pakyaw.com.ph, Discover Corregidor: Sun Cruises Historical Day Tour with Malinta Light & Sound Show P2150 value for P998. Thanks to my friend Angel who told me about this deal. Erick booked our day tour tickets and called up Sun Cruises reservations office to schedule our tour. 

We decided to use our tickets last Sunday since it was a day before the Vday =)

Around 9am we were already in the ferry terminal and went around Harbor Square to kill time while waiting for our 11am departure. We finally arrived in Corregidor after more than an hour. We boarded the tranvia bus with an English speaking tour guide.

Touring via the Tranvia adds excitement to the Corregidor experience

First thing on our itinerary is lunch! After all, it was almost 1pm when we arrived in Corregidor. After our buffet lunch, we strolled along the South Dock. It’s been almost six months since I was out again in the beach. It felt good. The sun was bright and the cool breeze was very refreshing.

Such a lovely day to spend outside

There are lots of activities to do while in Corregidor, from hiking, biking, night lateral visit, camping, bird watching, rock balancing (which Erick wanted to try) and more. Of course, we did the easiest - sightseeing! Here are some of the highlights of our trip.

Go South

We spent almost half an hour along the South Dock before the proper tour started. We boarded the tranvia once more and went around the island. Too bad, we were only allowed by our tour guide to stay 5-10 minutes per spot because as he always told us we have to catch the Malinta Tunnel Light and Sound and Show at 4pm ;P

Middleside Barracks

The Middleside barracks houses one of the offices of the American and Filipino soldiers.

Rocky Corregidor beach

Corregidor has been called the Island of Rock, thus the rocky shoreline. It's a relatively small island; just three miles long and 1 1/2 miles at its widest.

One of the many batteries

There are 32 batteries in Corregidor but we visited only three. Seeing all the big guns and mortars made me wonder how of all these were transported to the island. The batteries were strategically positioned to defend the island fortress from potential attacks.

                      Pacific War Memorial

For me, the most important site in Corregidor is the Pacific War Memorial. In the complex, you can find the museum, the Eternal Flame Monument, and an altar which has an open circular ceiling. Every anniversary of the fall of Corregidor on May 6, the sun directly hits this open circular and the rays strike the altar. 

Eternal Flame of Freedom

Another spot that I loved is the Eternal Flame of Freedom Monument. It is made of red steel which appears to burn unceasingly when the sun shines on it. From where it stands, Manila Bay, Bataan peninsula, and Cavite coastline can be seen.

Malinta Tunnel

And of course don't miss the Malinta Tunnel Light and Sound Show where the four-year war history of Corregidor is narrated and presented in 30 minutes. There was even a simulated bomb explosion. Interesting!

Overall, our Corregidor experience was great and worth every penny!

contact information:

Pakyaw! - It's a Big Deal
www.pakyaw.com.ph

Sun Cruises
CCP Terminal A. CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines
Tel. Nos. (632) 831-8140,(632) 834-6857 to 58
Fax No. (632) 834-1523
suncruises@magsaysay.com.ph
www.corregidorphilippines.com

Day Tour: Daily
Inclusions: Roundtrip ferry transfers; shrine, entrance and terminal fees; guided island tour and buffet lunch
A. Day tour with buffet lunch - 1,999.00 Php /person
B. Day tour - Child rate (tour and transfers with kiddie meal) - 1,118.00 Php /person

Overnight
Inclusions: Roundtrip ferry transfers; shrine, entrance and terminal fees; Guided island tour, (1) buffet lunch on day 1 and overnight accomodation at Corregidor Inn

Single - 2,880.00 Php /person
Php /person Twin/ Double/ Triple - 1,999.00 Php + /person

Optional: Malinta Tunnel Lights and Sound Show - 150.00 Php

12 Most Romantic Places in the Philippines

Just because it's Valentine's day, let me share this article from the Philippine Daily Inquirer. I can attest to #8 Camiguin as one of the places in the Philippines to be with your significant other. Going back to White Island is an experience I want to relive this year, hopefully on my birthday.

How about you? Where's the most romantic place for you? :)

12 Most Romantic Places in the Philippines

By Ross Harper-Alonso
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:33:00 02/10/2008

Filed Under: Tourism & Leisure, Travel & Commuting


MANILA, Philippines - “Spend a candlelit evening with violins in the background, roses for the beloved and starlight in her eyes,” so goes most ads for trysting places this Valentine’s Day. But alas, the ads always prove too enticing and you wind up with 10,000 other couples waiting for tables at this “romantic” hideaway, your passion dissipating and the roses wilting with each ticking minute.

With Filipinos famously known for being such suckers for romance (we send the most number of love-related text messages in the world on any given day), one wonders if there remain some undiscovered places in the country where a couple can still bask in equal doses of passion, solitude and creature comforts.

Here are some suggestions from people who, because of their jobs, have explored places off the beaten path:

1. Sonya’s Garden, Tagaytay
“The secret is the way it naturally brings in the outdoors and the subtle blend of English countryside, rustic Asian influence and a touch of old Filipiniana. The privacy and the relaxed warmth due largely to the staff makes this an ideal escape to share quiet moments, while being served an excellent meal on fine English china and pampered with a massage.”—Romy Gacad, Agence France-Presse chief photographer

2. Flower Island, Palawan
“A small private island surrounded by clear blue waters and white sand has to be the most romantic place for people who enjoy being outdoors. Flower Island is an unspoiled haven just minutes away from the nature preserves of Palawan. You can spoil yourself with the resort’s amenities and still feel close to the wilderness and the indigenous culture. Most impressive are the massive schools of fish and the healthy hard corals. Whether I’m diving and taking photos of marine life, just lazing around or watching the sunset as it disappears in a blaze of orange, I’m constantly reminded how special this island is.” —Gutsy Tuason, award-winning underwater photographer

3. Mt. Maculot Rockies, Cuenca, Batangas
“Watching the sunrise from the top of Mt. Maculot Rockies can be a big romantic high. It's an easy day hike that begins when the air is still cold and everything around is just beginning to stir from sleep. Standing on a flat rock is the perfect way to watch the sun as it slowly rises and sweeps over Taal Lake, the neighboring towns of Batangas and Balayan Bay like a magic wand. Bring a picnic basket, a chilled bottled of sparkling wine, and toast your years of love and devotion. Now you’re literally on top of the world!”— Banny Hermanos, member, Phil. Everest Expedition Support Team

4. Cape Engaño off the Babuyan Channel
“One of the most romantic spots in the country due to its isolation. It straddles both the Pacific Ocean and the Babuyan Channel and is a very ‘Wuthering Heights’ setting. The lighthouse at the tip of Palaui Island has a spectacular view of both bodies of water. Best time to visit is after a storm when the waves crash on the rocks below. Camping on this windswept island, with the ruins of a century-old lighthouse and with just the bare essentials, makes for a truly romantic escape.”—Manuel Maximo L.C. Noche, author, “Lonely Sentinels”; asst. professor, UST College of Architecture and Fine Arts

5. Siquijor Island
“The island’s reputation for being a center for witchcraft might set some people off, but it could also explain why Siquijor has managed to stay pristine with its virgin forests and turquoise waters. Imaginative tales about love potions appeal to both the romantic and the adventurous, making it an ideal place to spice up any relationship. It doesn’t promise five-star accommodations but sitting on a desolate white beach under a star-filled night surrounded by a calm sea, more than makes up for that.”—VJ Villafranca, photojournalist

6. Hacienda Tabukol in Murcia, Negros Occidental
“This 140-hectare jungle allows for maximum appreciation of nature’s superstructures. The unspoilt wilderness is home to almost every endemic specie of bird, insect and wildlife, including the endangered Visayan Leopard Cat. Sit quietly by the river, feel the fresh water spray on your face, listen to the sounds of the jungle and imagine yourself on a romantic safari, Pinoy style. To enhance that ‘Out of Africa’ experience, rest and dine in a Balinese inspired two-bedroom cottage with an outdoor bathtub. Truly a wildlife haven!”—Cristina de Leon Hinlo, outdoor enthusiast and environmentalist

7. Bee Farm, Bohol
“Great place, great vibes and nice folks running it. It's a bit of a must-visit for anyone traveling through Bohol so there's a steady flow of visitors but you can always find a quiet spot to be alone. Good accommodations and a great place to have a romantic dinner for two. And did I mention the sunset?”—Paolo Abrera, TV host

8. Camiguin Island
“When I think of Camiguin today, I remember a photo of two young people in love, balancing on a fallen tree by the sea with wide smiles on their faces.”—Howie Severino, broadcast journalist

9. Taal Lake, Batangas City
“Deceptively serene and beautiful, Taal Lake has had to face a number of environmental concerns. I think it’s romantic to come to a lady’s rescue and try to protect her from losing all that make her a natural treasure.”—Peter Capotosto, co-founder of Philippine Hobie Challenge

10. Silliman Hall Heritage Building, Dumaguete City
“Silliman Hall by the sea is arguably the most romantic, iconic landmark of Dumaguete City. One of the few remaining architectural masterpieces in the country, it is flanked by local palms and shaded by giant acacia trees. Its American mansion-inspired facade has for 105 years cemented the city's status not only as an educational Mecca, but also as a melting pot of various cultures from around the world. To me, Silliman Hall stands as an ode to the romantic way cultures mingle in this quaint little city.”—Leon Medado, Journalism senior, Silliman University

11. Baluarte San Diego Wall, Intramuros
“The most romantic spot in Manila is atop the Baluarte San Diego at the southwest corner of Intramuros. It overlooks the Manila Hotel, the golf links, and the trees of Luneta Park. It's a bit of a cliche spot but it does get the job done in getting that sweeping romantic feeling. Sunset is an especially enchanting moment to be there. Bring your own bottle of wine or Royal Tru Orange, of course.”—Carlos Celdran, tour guide

12. Ogod River, Donsol, Sorsogon
“I didn’t expect to be so taken by the fireflies at the Ogod River in Donsol. There is an incredible stillness and a sense of isolation when exploring the river. Watching hundreds of fireflies light up the mangroves is romantic in a surreal way. The experience allows one to slip away from everyday life and enjoy nature by night. The rest of the world might be surrounded by static but the Ogod River and its fireflies gave me a welcome respite from all that.”—Johan Espiritu, lawyer-photographer

Batanes (Day 3)

On our last day, we explored the northern part of Batan Island. We wanted to make the most on our remaining day but the van we rented broke so we hired another one. It took us more than an hour to rent an old van but it was very reliable.

Since it was already close to noon, our tour guide suggested we eat lunch first. We had a hearty lunch which included a local cuisine – coconut crab. It was the first time that I’ve seen such a huge crab. We also had coconut crab soup, fried fish, and veggies. 

Coconut crab - it's a giant crab!

Fountain of Youth
We trekked on the rocky shoreline to get to the fountain. I’m used to hiking/trekking but walking on a rocky surface was quite hard. We let ourselves stop and rest for a while and appreciate the view of the sea. 

Beautiful day at the beach

The Fountain of Youth has a small man-made waterfall which flows into an infinity pool. The water was cool and the view from the pool was very refreshing. It was believed that bathing in the fountain would give you a youthful glow.

Quick dip in the pool

Marlboro Country
The Marlboro Country as the name suggests is known for green luscious hills where horses feed on the grass. But nowadays cows grazed on the grass because they’re easier to tend. From where we were standing, the view is simply stunning. Fundacion Pacita can be seen and the blue sea sparkles under the bright sun. The place is perfect for picnics and moments when you want to ponder.

You know it's Marlboro country

Jumpology

Ivana Town
Last stop in our itinerary is Ivana town. While in Ivana, we visited the oldest Ivatan woman. We had a photo op and chatted for a few minutes with Lola.

Photo op with Lola from Ivana

Honesty Coffee Shop

As the name suggests, honesty is valued in this establishment. There are no attendants in the store. The rule is simple. If you’d like to buy something, help yourself out, list the item in the notebook, and place your money in the wooden cash box. Make sure you pay the exact amount since no one will give you a change.  It really pays to be honest. No one looks after the store since it’s expected that everyone is honest.

Honesty is the best policy.

We also biked for a few minutes outside, well at least my friends did. I tried but I can’t. hehe Biking is a mode of transportation in Batanes as well as a famous outdoor activity. 

Mahatao Church
On our way back to Basco, we passed by Mahatao Church and we met the parish priest. Churches in Batanes have some resemblance and their structures are very well-preserved judging on their exterior and interior architectural designs.

Mahatao Church at sundown

I hope it won't be long til I'm back in Batanes.

Dios Mamajes Batanes!

Conduran Run for the Dolphins 2011

Erick and I recently joined the premiere running event sponsored by Condura last Sunday. For this year, Condura will donate part of the run proceeds to the advocacy of dolphin protection. The fund will be given to Siliman University which they will use for their scientific research on dolphin protection programs. It was a fun run, with over a thousand participants from all age groups. This is my second 5k run in over four months; the first one was the La Salle Greenovation Run last November. 

All set to run!

There were a lot of freebies after the event which we took advantage of. hehe To name a few, there were free drinks including beer!, unlimited ice cream, back issues of magazines, vitamins, and a photo booth which we enjoyed. It took awhile before our photos were finally taken and geeesh I blinked on the first click. haha Oh well. 

Running for a good cause \m/

Beer after the run

We had a quick lunch afterwards at Mercato Centrale and ate much to feed our hungry stomachs. We had buffalo wings, liempo-lechon, and a quarter pounder!

Mercato Centrale @ BGC

Burger, burger!

It was a day of run, beer, and burger!  

PS: I finished the race in 35:19 and Erick was ahead of me, finishing in 30:36. Will aim for 10k on my next run :)

contact information:

Mercato Centrale@BGC
Corner of 9th Avenue and 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City (near The Spa)
10pm-3am (Friday) Midnight Mercato
7am-2pm (Saturdays and Sundays), Weekend market

Batanes (Day 2)

Our second day in Batanes is all about roughing up. We woke up at 4am and hurriedly prepared for our Sabtang Island tour. Sabtang Island is a 30 to 45 minute falowa ride from Mahatao town. Falowa is a boat without an outrigger so it can freely glide along the strong waves of Batanes. Riding the falowa is an adventure itself. I didn’t get seasick but I got a bit scared during the 45-minute boat ride as the strong waves crash against our boat. Falowa would look like paper boat cruising against Batanes’ big waves.  After surviving the grueling boat ride, we finally arrived in Sabtang. Sabtang is known for the heritage towns of Savidug and Chavayan which are famous for its stone and lime houses (bahay na bato).

Arriving safe and sound in Sabtang

We had a stopover at the tourism office to register and recover from the boat ride. Just a few steps from the tourism office is the Sabtang Church. The church was built by the Dominican friars in 1785.

San Vicente Ferrer Church

Barrio Savidug

Although some stone and lime houses were not preserved, it was a sight to see the rows of centuries-old bahay na bato still inhabited by local Ivatans. The village is a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage List. We got the chance to enter one of the houses and we saw a little boy watching Cartoon Network (note: they have a satellite dish). It was good knowing that technology has reached even the remote islands of the country. We toured around a few more houses and we boarded the jeep to get to our next destination.

Posing before traditional Ivatan houses

Bahay mo ba'to?

Savidug Idjang

Kuya Roger pointed to us a mountain range as we were passing on an unpaved road. It was Savidug Idjang. During times of tribal conflicts between the Ivatans, the stone fortress served as a shelter to the tribes. I had a hard time concentrating during the tour because of the very bumpy ride. I think only 10% of the roads are paved in Sabtang.

Chamantad-Tinyan Sitio

After the seemingly unending bumpy ride, we arrived at Chamantad. This is my favorite place in Sabtang Island. It has a certain rustic feel and provides a great panoramic view of the Sabtang coast. You have to climb steep mountain slopes to see all the views. Every angle is picturesque; any photo taken looks very natural and could pass for a travel magazine cover. 

Chamantad Arc

View from the top

Happy day ;)

Chavayan Village

In Chavayan, we were welcomed by the sight of stone houses lined up along the narrow streets of the village. We had fresh coconut for refreshments. We also had the chance to wear the traditional vakul, a head-gear worn by Ivatan women to protect them from the rain and heat. We also met the oldest Ivatan who is 103 years old. We asked Lolo what his diet consists and he gladly answered “camote, ube, and togue”. We passed by several more houses until we reached a small chapel at the far end of the village

Lovin' my new do

Quaint Ivatan stone house

With the oldest-living Ivatan man

At the spur of the moment, we decided to ride in the topload of the jeep on the way to Nakabuang Beach. It was such a liberating experience.  Everytime our jeep had to make a curve, my heart skipped a beat. It was like living on the edge.

Spur of the moment ride

Nakabuang Beach and Arc

We had our seafood lunch at Nakabuang Beach. The beach is known for its natural arc formation. After our sumptuous meal, we headed to the beach. Yihee. Beaching in Batanes finally. Batanes doesn’t have white powdery sands like Boracay or Palawan but it sure has character. It was low tide so it was impossible to swim and there were corals. So we just waded in the water and enjoyed our time.

Natural arc formation

Beachin' in Batanes

Going back to Batan Island

Around 3pm we headed to Batan. Unlike our morning boat ride, the waves were cooperative this time. We arrived in Basco in less than an hour and we asked Kuya Roger to dropped us at Café Napoli – the only pizza place in Basco. Batanes has no fastfood restaurants and we were craving for some comfort food. We decided to take home the pizza and eat at the lodge.

"Prime" banca seats

The one and only pizza place in Batanes

Our day was full of adventure, starting from the boat ride, visiting the heritage towns of Savidug and Chavayan, climbing up slopes in Chamantad, beaching in Nakabuang, and our spur of the moment topload jeepney ride. Need I say more? 

Batanes spells a-d-v-e-n-t-u-r-e!

Batanes (Day 1)

I really wanted for long to go to Batanes when I first learned it has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Who would not be enticed by that fact? Besides, Batanes is the northernmost tip of the Philippines and in close proximity to Taiwan. Given these, it's no surprise that flights to remote Batanes is expensive and limited. But thanks to Seair's promo, we booked to Batanes at Php4800 roundtrip. Normal roundtrip fare costs Php12000++. Teehee. What a great deal! Booking the ticket was not a breeze but it was all worth it.

Fast forward to September 2010. After six months of waiting, it was finally Batanes vacay.

Our flight was actually cancelled due to weather conditions in Batanes but we were still hoping that we’d be able to make it. We texted our guide in Batanes and he told us that it was lightly raining in Basco. Who knows if it was a drizzle based on his standards or he meant a downpour. The supposedly 6am flight was moved to 7am. It was fine as long as we’re going. The Seair flight went smoothly which I didn’t expect. After all, it was a 32-seater Dornier plane and we were seated at the last row. Boo.. Nonetheless, it gave the comfort of an airbus but it’s also capable of short distance landing and take-off. We were hoping for a fine weather in Batanes and we were not disappointed.

                                                  Batanes-bound

It was an hour plane ride from Manila to Basco, capital of Batanes. As I looked through the window, the first sights of Batanes were just indescribable. We were greeted by green mountains and cliffsides where the waves constantly meet the shoreline. It makes you wonder if you are really in the Philippines. As soon the as the pilot announced that we are landing in Basco shortly, I couldn’t contain my excitement. My dream of going to Batanes is finally happening.

After meeting our friendly tour guide Kuya Roger, we had breakfast at Hiro’s Café. The food was typical Filipino breakfast of tapa and sinangag and coffee. After eating, Kuya Roger dropped us at Batanes Seaside Lodge where we got the family room at Php1500/night good for 4 pax. After settling in, we rested a bit and our tour guide fetched us at around 12nn for lunch. We ate lunch at Hiro’s again and tried a Batanes dish - slugs cooked in coconut milk. Yep. I’m a bit adventurous when it comes to food. I expected it to taste similar to balot, but hell no. It tasted like it was something dug from the soil. So much for our hearty lunch! 

                                             Ginataang kuhol, anyone?

Our Batanes adventure starts now! 

Chawa View Deck. From where we were standing, we could see how the strong waves hit against the cliffside. It was a windy day and temperature was cool for a Batanes summer. Other Batanes islands can also be seen from our location. We stayed there for around 20 minutes and then we headed to Basco Pag-asa Station.    

                                                   

 

                                     Exhilarating view from Chawa

                                        Sure, it was a windy day

Basco Pagasa Station. Contrary to the notion that Batanes is frequently visited by typhoons; not all of them pass by Batanes. Pagasa has a station in Basco which serves a reference point for identifying the exit of typhoons. So yes, you got it right. Batanes is not always pounded by typhoons. We went inside the weather station and found out that they have antique-old equipment. I wonder if these instruments give accurate weather forecast.

                                      Basco Pagasa weather station

                                         

Fundacion Pacita. It's one of the best boutique hotels in the country. The place looks like an English cottage. How pretty is that. If I had the budget, I would definitely stay here. We were lucky enough to tour around the hotel’s premises which is not allowed for two years already. Kuya Roger repeatedly said that we were so lucky because we got the chance to roam around Fundacion since we were not hotel guests. The owner, a prominent cabinet secretary, was staying there along with other guests. Fundacion boasts the 360-degree view of the other islands of Batanes, Marlboro Country, cliffs, and the surrounding sea. The veranda provides a great morning view of the sea and the mountains. Ah, such a beautiful view to wake up in the morning. Fundacion Pacita is love! I wish I’d never leave this place.

                                       Fundacion Pacita from afar

                                                   Corner room

Valugan Boulder Beach. The boulders found in the beach are rocks spewed by Mt Iraya  . The boulders were smoothed over time by the tides of the Pacific Ocean. Sitting in one of the boulders and waiting for the waves to smash against the rocks is an experience that you shouldn’t miss while there. 

                   Trying to sit still while the waves hit the rocks

Basco Lighthouse. Batanes has a number of lighthouses and the one found in Basco is the most famous and accessible. The top of the lighthouse provides stunning views of the green mountains and sea.

                                                    The Lighthouse

Rolling Hills. The hills reminded me of the movie Sound of Music. It was indeed a view to remember! The view can also pass for New Zealand where cows are sent out to pasture on the green hills.

                                       Lush green hills all around

It took me less than a day to fall in love with Batanes. More lovely days in Batanes coming up!

Contact information

Seair

www.flyseair.com

Batanes Seaside Lodge

www.batanesseaside.com

63.921.2290-120, 63.915.9404.823 (Mobile numbers)

Fundacion Pacita

www.fundacionpacita.ph

Kuya Roger (tour guide)

Contact details available upon request.

Note: We only paid for the van rental since he was family friend of one of my companions. So we saved a lot!

hello world

Forgive me for not writing for six months or so. I've been busy with my new work, move in to our new condo, travels, relationships, and just life..I'm actually writing this short note an hour before I'm officially off from work. I'm bored and just waiting the clock to strike 6:00. hehe

Anyways, in the six months of my hibernation I've gone to Batanes, Singapore, and Bangkok. I've got so much stories to tell but that has to wait for a bit.

BRB =)

Acuatico Beach Resort, Laiya Batangas

Acuatico's floating bar rocks!

 Drink with me, my Love.

To infinity and beyond!

the Beach

Let the pictures speak for themselves. The place is truly relaxing and heavenly. Nothing beats my weekend. I will definitely go back soon :)

CLOSED SEASON: not travelling

I haven't traveled recently and I'm thirsting to feel the rush of travel again. You see, I can only stay put for a few months; let's say 6 weeks. That's the longest period (so far) that I haven't gone anywhere, even short getaways. So yeah, my feet is itching already, my mind is wandering, and I'm deeply longing to see the world again!

But for now, I must stay still.

P.S.
July is the start of the surf season in La Union which makes it feel even worse..

Paulo Coelho's Tips for Travelling

 The Big Apple at night (photo from Google)

Read Paulo Coelho's tips for travelling and know why a city is like a capricious woman; she takes time to be seduced and to reveal herself completely.

1. Avoid museums. This might seem to be absurd advice, but let’s just think about it a little: if you are in a foreign city, isn’t it far more interesting to go in search of the present than of the past? It’s just that people feel obliged to go to museums because they learned as children that travelling was about seeking out that kind of culture. Obviously museums are important, but they require time and objectivity – you need to know what you want to see there, otherwise you will leave with a sense of having seen a few really fundamental things, except that you can’t remember what they were.

2. Hang out in bars. Bars are the places where life in the city reveals itself, not in museums. By bars I don’t mean nightclubs, but the places where ordinary people go, have a drink, ponder the weather, and are always ready for a chat. Buy a newspaper and enjoy the ebb and flow of people. If someone strikes up a conversation, however silly, join in: you cannot judge the beauty of a particular path just by looking at the gate.

3. Be open. The best tour guide is someone who lives in the place, knows everything about it, is proud of his or her city, but does not work for an agency. Go out into the street, choose the person you want to talk to, and ask them something (Where is the cathedral? Where is the post office?). If nothing comes of it, try someone else – I guarantee that at the end of the day you will have found yourself an excellent companion.

4. Try to travel alone or – if you are married – with your spouse. It will be harder work, no one will be there taking care of you, but only in this way can you truly leave your own country behind. Travelling with a group is a way of being in a foreign country while speaking your mother tongue, doing whatever the leader of the flock tells you to do, and taking more interest in group gossip than in the place you are visiting.

5. Don’t compare. Don’t compare anything – prices, standards of hygiene, quality of life, means of transport, nothing! You are not travelling in order to prove that you have a better life than other people – your aim is to find out how other people live, what they can teach you, how they deal with reality and with the extraordinary.

6. Understand that everyone understands you. Even if you don’t speak the language, don’t be afraid: I’ve been in lots of places where I could not communicate with words at all, and I always found support, guidance, useful advice, and even girlfriends. Some people think that if they travel alone, they will set off down the street and be lost forever. Just make sure you have the hotel card in your pocket and – if the worst comes to the worst – flag down a taxi and show the card to the driver.

7. Don’t buy too much. Spend your money on things you won’t need to carry: tickets to a good play, restaurants, trips. Nowadays, with the global economy and the Internet, you can buy anything you want without having to pay excess baggage.

8. Don’t try to see the world in a month. It is far better to stay in a city for four or five days than to visit five cities in a week. A city is like a capricious woman (or a capricious man, if you are a woman): she/he takes time to be seduced and to reveal him/herself completely.

9. A journey is an adventure. Henry Miller used to say that it is far more important to discover a church that no one else has ever heard of than to go to Rome and feel obliged to visit the Sistine Chapel with two hundred thousand other tourists bellowing in your ear. By all means go to the Sistine Chapel, but wander the streets too, explore alleyways, experience the freedom of looking for something – quite what you don’t know – but which, if you find it, will – you can be sure – change your life.

As an old hippie, I know what I’m talking about…


- Paulo Coelho, 7/20/2010

where i've been lately

Stopover at Patapat Viaduct which connects Ilocos and Cagayan

ILOCOS. Okay, not very recent but this is where I've been three weekends ago. One word to describe the trip: SULIT! From cultural and historical immersion in Vigan, animal encounters at Baluarte, foodtrip galore, ultimate roadtrip, trekking all the way to the falls, beach bumming in Pagudpud, sightseeing at Cape Bojeador, and finally seeing the Wind Mills. I can truly say WOW Philippines.