Travel with a Purpose

Traveling with friends, specifically, with my favorite people outside Cebu has always been my long-time dream. I thought it would be the best graduation gift since I’ve been deprived of things like this because of my hectic schedule in medical school. It was indeed an answered prayer when my parents allowed me to have this dream travel. Trust me, I felt like a happy kid who just got out from her room for the first time!

Travel and good friends are very important to me.  I always feel good when I’m surrounded by my close friends. Adventures keep life exciting and when you can enjoy them with good friends they’re twice as fun.

Our chosen destination was at Malapascua Island, an island located in North Cebu, which attracts local and foreign tourists, especially divers, because of its rich marine sanctuary.

 

It was also surprising and exciting at the same time that Aljon, who was working in Manila, was able to join our escapade and volunteered to drive for us using his new car named.. Strontium? Rhodium? Ruthenium? Hahaha! Forgive me, Aljon, for forgetting your car’s name.

Arrival at Maya Port

Hotels dot the shore, restaurants lining along the beach, and dive tours are offered at almost every corner. No pave roads around. No crowd. Just what I have always wanted, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Casino Peak

This was indeed a great time with bestfriend, Eviejoy.

Our signature Best friend pose

Kawasan Falls

Walking to Kawasan Falls in South Cebu is quite an adventure and exciting…

More than the color of its water, Kawasan’s other charm is its rustic appeal.

A short 15-minute walk from the national highway will lead you to the majestic waterfall.

This is the reward for many travelers that await- the grandeur waterfall with gentle rushing and flowing of ice cold natural spring water.

Perhaps it’s the water that draws local and foreign tourists alike to this charming destination in Cebu.

There is actually other waterfalls to visit in the area, and they are located just above the famous Kawasan Waterfall. These waterfalls are a bit smaller, but they still have beautiful turquoise waters.

 

BREAKING RECORD: 5 places in 1 day

Hurray!

After what seemed to be a long and dreadful semester of being a 3rd year medical student, I have finally had the chance to exercise thy freedom of excitement! Yes! No more books to read! No more sleepless nights! No more research papers! No more 10 hour duties with toxic patients! No more alarm clocks!

Since it was my post birthday, my bestfriend, Eviejoy, decided to take me out on a date. Wohoo, another B and B moment. It was like a you-deserve-a-break and catching up date and was partly a treat for my birthday even though she already drowned me with birthday surprises.

On our way to our destination, it was a nostalgic feeling to be back in Gaas and experience the rollercoaster ride of twist and turns, of direct assaults and downhills once again. With Cebu’s scorching weather, I really missed the cool wind carressing my cheeks and the white fogs blocking the road. When I breathe in, it’s like I am breathing in the laughter, thoughts, memories,  joys and moments I shared with this lass a few years back!

First stop: Buwakan ni Alejandra

After Sirao Flower Garden, the newest tourist destination that Cebuanos is crazy about is Buwakan ni Alejandra.

Upon entering the garden, you will see the colorful varieties of different types of flowers. Too bad we can’t afford to have a drone to really let you see the whole garden but it’s a beautiful sight I tell you!

By just looking at it, it has really been carefully planned and designed. I love that the owner made sure to create foot paths in the garden. This way, you can’t accidentally step on the plants and flowers.

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”

And, the good thing about these flowers is that they bloom all year round so everyone can visit the place anytime in its full glory. I’d give this place a thumbs up! A must visit especially to those who love flowers and plants!

Taipei, Taiwan Day 3

Day 3

Dec. 20, 2016

First stop: Maokong

The weather that time was a perfect fit to go on another exciting tour!

The first thing to do is: BUY CARD! I have with me cards for both the cable car ride and the MRT.

When asked what’s the best place to visit, people would never forget to mention the famous Maokong. They say it’s one of the unique things to try in Taipei City and I couldn’t agree more! Why? I think it’s because Maokong Gondola’s scenic cable car ride is the bomb!

Walking our way to the entrance to wait in queue.

 

Maokong Gondola is a gondola lift transportation system that offers you to view the city on different perspectives. You will be able to fly and witness panoramas beyond your expectations that will definitely take your breath away. There are two types of cable cars: the normal cabin and the crystal cabin (glass-bottom cars). Of course, we chose the crystal cabins for better view!

Weeee! Ain’t it a good view?

Taipei, Taiwan Day 1 & 2

Dec. 17, 2016

Like Thailand, Cambodia and other Asian countries, Taiwan is the kind of country that you can always fall back to when you want culture, nature and food.

My family and I arrived 3:00 am in the morning at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

Yes, it’s indeed a family goal!

We spent the next few minutes queuing up at the immigration counter and as soon as we got out of the airport, a van picked us up and brought us to our hotel.

We actually stayed in Go Sleep Hotel-our home for the next 3 nights. I actually did search about the hotel when I knew where we were staying before the trip and found some undesirable pictures. However, because we were on a tight budget I just prayed that it wouldn’t completely disappoint us when we get there. Surprisingly, the place is good for a budget hotel. It has a great location, there are lots of shops and restaurants right outside and the Metro is just a short walk. We occupied 7 rooms and it was clean and spacious. I also loved the modern-look.

Day 1

Dec. 18, 2016

We had too little sleep that day since we were expected to be all ready and prepared around 8:00 in the morning. Good thing we were able to wake up early despite the 2-hour sleep. It’s okay, a little sacrifice won’t hurt.

There’s free breakfast in the lobby early in the morning and I must say they serve good food.  You can also avail their free drinks 24/7 whether it’s coffee, tea, juice or soft drinks. Just visit their lobby and go straight to their vending machines.

Another day, another wall. Lol

Stargate Dream Vacation Resort

Star Gate is a vacation resort in Cagayan De Oro. Upon arrival, it was my first time to see a resort with creatively designed dream houses. I was like having a world tour for the reason that every house has its different theme. From White House, Mediterranen House to Victorian House and more! Here are some of the pictures that I got.

The Colonial house

The Mediterranean house

The Victorian house

Plantation Bay, Cebu

Say Goodbye to Books and hello DecemBREAK! After a few months of stressful days, I am happy to announce that it is already our semester break. The amount of caffeine overload and sleepless nights were intense the past Bimonthlies but I’m thankful I was able to endure the stress and pressure. Hello December! My favorite month (well, next to my birth month); needless to say it’s Christmas time. A time where all emotions are elated and joyous festivity are happening all month round. Indeed, the happiest month for me because I have ample of time to rest and enjoy the Christmas season with family and friends.

Here comes the sun!

If you and your family and friends are looking for a good place to visit during the vacation. Try visiting Plantation bay resort in the city of Cebu. It’s a place where you can enjoy the beautiful sky reflecting the clear salt waters.

Siem Reap, Cambodia II

DAY 2: Bayon Temple, Hot air balloon ride, Silk Farm 

The Bayon is the most impressive temple I have seen in Angkor Thom city and  is really one of the most spectacular ruins of Angkor because of its splendor gigantic smiling faces looking at different directions. I find it quite an art.

Question: How many multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers do you see? Though the faces are not really visible in this picture, there are over 200 massive stone faces looking in all direction.

Siem Reap, Cambodia Part I

Day 1 in Angkor Wat

Our first day in Cambodia was our eldest sister’s 28th birthday and Ate Jane who happens to be a friend of my mom who traveled with us. It was a very special day for them so it was made sure that our first tour was something that’s new and very… special.

Our first activity was to watch the sunrise in Angkor Wat. It was quite a demanding day since from the time of our arrival early in the morning , we have to wake up around 4:30 am to catch up the sunrise.

 

I tried to take a few photos from different angles around the Temple area and that is not easy either as there are hundreds of people (if not thousands) also trying to do the same! But this was one of the highlights that day; Watching the sunrise in Angkor Wat. Isn’t it spectacular? Now I get it why they said there will be 2 suns showing up during the sunrise! It’s because of the reflection of the puddle. Truly amazing sight and a sunrise I won’t forget for a long time.