From Taiwan: Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas

Before I continue my posts on the Asian Invasion that my kumare and I had, I just want to share once again this song by Angeline Quinto, "Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas". My friend Tsai, from Taiwan is totally loving this tourism video promotion that was launched for Choose Philippines Campaign of ABSCBN.

Revisiting Mount Caniao

Finally, I am home. I am so glad to be back in my hometown. As promised, I would be going home at least twice a year. One for the mid year and another during Christmas and New Year season. Our relatives from Manila and Laguna were also in town as it was the big day of my younger brother. Aside from this event, I have also been looking forward for our outdoor activities as part of our bonding.

Remember when my siblings and I climbed Mount Caniao and how I managed to get down, now, WE'RE BACK!!

Run 350 for the Earth

So, I am a bit overdue of all the things I wanted to post due to some technical and personal matters. But here's to the travels and events I wanted to share in my upcoming posts:

January - My Christmas/New Year Holiday in my hometown/ *UPDATE: Chinese New Year at Batam, Indonesia
February - Phuket, Thailand
March - Batam, Indonesia
April - Penang Island, Malaysia
April 22 - Run 350 Event
April/May - Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand

But to start with is the Run 350 event.

Sendong My Heart To Mindanao

As of this writing, the Tropical Storm Sendong or known internationally as 'Washi' has left an alarming number of casualties, hitting over 1,000 people dead and hundreds of thousands displaced.

Let's continue sending our hearts to those families affected about this tragedy. (You can click the images for more information.)

The Climb To Mount Pinatubo

After the 4x4 adventure ride we had, we are now down to the base of Mount Pinatubo. This is the Skyway Route where our easy trek to the Pinatubo Crater Lake starts. It would only take a few minutes to take. And as the signage would suggests..
(uhmm.. ehemm.. excuse me mare, mali ang blocking mo.. hehe)
Anyways, here's what it say..

For Young age, 15 minutes
Middle age, 18 minutes
Senior Citizen, 20 minutes

Where do you belong?

(Dito na magkakabukingan.. bwahaha)

Pinatubo, here we come!!!


Actually this is just a normal walk on the mountains.


Stony and sometimes slippery. But not too rough or hard. Who's gonna say it is tiring?


Well, the other route should have been about 4 hours trek in Crow Valley.

We hurried as we saw a glimpse of this unwavering beauty and then BAM!!!


We were in absolute awe seeing this view as spectacular as it can be. As in, A-W-E-S-O-M-E.


Yeahhhh!!! We are finally here.. I still can't believe.


We settled our things to our little pink tents that were assembled near the turquoise water of Mount Pinatubo.


Then we took our lunch first to replenish our strength and have enough because we'll definitely have to take a plunge into the waters.


Soon after, we got into a boat that took us to the other side of Pinatubo Crater Lake where the swimming area is recommended as it has warm waters that one can really enjoy.


And this is actually the place where they say it is warm. Here is the place where we get to swim. LOL


Seriously, the water along the shoreline is hot. Eventually it gets warm but as you go deeper or in the middle, its really cold.


We really have so much fun and photo shoots on the side. And now, it's time to leave a mark. Strike a pose!!


We went back to our camp. And finally giving our last glance to Mount Pinatubo which we will always treasure.


But who knows it might not be the last?

The 4x4 Experience To Mount Pinatubo

It was a 1-day activity of pure fun and excitement... After a long wait of dreaming the climb to Pinatubo, we finally put an end to this last year, 2010.

Our group met at Partas Terminal, Cubao and got to the bus heading to the north. And after about 2 and a half hour away from Manila.

Our conquest starts with a long 4x4 drive...


There were a lot of dust from the sands of lahar...


but we still did love how the wind waves our hair.. and the sun rising over our skin..



Our excitement grew as we shared laughs on this road trip,


witnessed with splashes of water..


.. as we passed by streams, river and hotsprings..



We even had a stopover for kodak moments..


see.. :P


We felt like we have been to Splash Island or in Rio Grande at Enchanted Kingdom that moment.


And as we draw nearer to this dream destination,


a rollercoaster ride would definitely add up to the total fun and excitement.


We passed by valleys of lahar..


bumpy and rough terrain.. and high steep slopes...


We were in adrenaline rush. Imagining how long our vehicle can hold on to this road and how will it surpass an almost 90 degrees highs and lows in our ride.


And suddenly, our vehicle went down.. good thing it was not too bad.. we just need to walk down and wait for the car below the safe ground..


And yes, we still managed to have photos with our fellow Aeta brothers... SMILE :D



So glad we chose more than an hour 4x4 drive of going to Mount Pinatubo. But there is another way of getting there -- by trekking approximately 2 hours that is equally challenging too.

You would definitely need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and if you're not kinda cool with the sun, apply sunblock or have an arm sleeves.

Going The Distance and Taking Chances

"This nation was built by men who took risks -
pioneers who were not afraid of the wilderness,
business men who were not afraid of failure,
scientists who were not afraid of the truth,
thinkers who were not afraid of progress,
dreamers who were not afraid of action."
~Brooks Atkinson

This is about a story a few months back when I gave up my job to pursue what I felt I needed to do.

Going The Distance
We all have our dreams. I have loads of them. And one is having to work outside my country -- Philippines.

I have always thought of working in a whole new environment - new place, new culture, new people, as in everything is all-new. Though a lot of my friends say how hard it is to be away from their loved ones just to seek for greener pastures and soon a better life. It was not new to me - I mean I have been used to living in the metro for a long time but still I managed to grow more closer and closer to them. It's really hard missing a lot of them -- their love and care, the joys and laughters, and everything about home plus of course, the food. I was just up to every possibilities on what is out there in the world. I guess, its all about the sacrifice and the dream.

Taking Chances
I have prepared myself from every tangible factors I needed for this bigger goal. But then came, the ramblings on my mind.

I have raised some questions on what it is that I have risk letting go of my current job. More importantly is my expense for day-to-day life, and also the obligations that needs to be attended to.

I have been asking myself these questions,

What if I don't find any job?

What if I go home empty-handed?

Would it be worth the risk?

But remembering the words one of my friends told me, "it's how bad you want it, so you really have to risk some things. And hey, if you'd gonna make it, the feeling would really be remarkable.".

I started to fight it. I am not gonna let that happen. And I am the type who wants to see the brighter side of things. On the first place, the reason I was leaving is more of the possibilities. And this time, more positive what ifs.

What if there's something out there for me?

What if this is the BIG BREAK I've been waiting for?

What if this would make me better? 

..besides, it was my dream.

They say if you never chase your dream, then you'll never gonna catch them. So I stood up and said to myself, I have already planned this. I will have to go. I want to do this now 'cause if I don't, I may never find the answers anymore. It was more of prepping my mind to all the positive views and I was so glad I have readied my feelings just in time before my resignation day. 

With all confidence and positivities, I dared to find the answers. Now, it's no dream no more, but reality.

RWS Universal Studios Tour in Singapore

This is what you see when you arrive in Vivo City at around 11 am.


Yes, as early as 11am - tickets are already sold out in just a blink.
This happened just a few weeks when it finally opened March 2010.
Good thing, a fellow tourists told us to book online because we won't be able to catch ticket booths in Vivo City. So we did, thanks to them and to CC too.

Getting to RWS Universal Studios
Since the place we stayed is just near Farrer Park MRT Station, we rode there going to Harbourfront MRT station. From there, you can opt either Sentosa Express or RWS 8 Bus for a flat fee of S$2.00.

Sentosa Express is at the 3rd level (Lobby L) of Vivo City shopping mall while RWS 8 is outside VivoCity or Merrill Lynch HarbourFront.














What I really enjoyed is The Return of the Mummy experience. It's really a must!

Well, I describe it as a gentle ride. (Medyo takot kasi ako sa mga rides, gusto ko yung gentle lang..)













Nga pala, kami pala magkakasama.. woot.. :P