Braving the Rapids

After many years of living in the Philippines, I had finally set foot on Mindanao. Locals and travelers are intimidated to travel around here due to the conflicts between the Muslim and the army. But there are places worth seeing in Mindanao that are safe to travel to. This time, I came to Cagayan de Oro only for one thing and what it's famous for - white water rafting. I've traveled by this rugged ship from Camiguin to Cagayan de Oro. It was just...

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One Minute High

I came to Butuan City in Agusan del Norte only for one thing – the 1.3 km zipline. I just wanted to accomplish my mission of riding the so-called longest zipline in Asia. I didn't know any other places worth seeing here. I just knew that I wouldn't stay here for long.  Coming from Cagayan de Oro, I arrived in this strange city with no idea where to sleep as usual. I remember looking for a cheap guesthouse where I can put my stuff and rest for...

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Bumming Around Bohol

I think of that famous Chocolate Hills and that little monkey called Tarsier whenever I hear about Bohol. I flew from Manila to Tagbilaran after a much deserved vacation from work, making Bohol as my first destination during my long holiday trip. I met a local working as a policeman who helped me get to Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier conservation place.  Chocolate hills are well, small greenish brown hills in the countryside. The hill is a beautiful work of nature...

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It's Christmas Time in Camiguin

I remember when I was inside this fast craft traveling from Bohol, I heard the cries of mothers and their children as the boat braved the rough sea. I saw some nervous foreign travelers transferred to another seat. I could see the waves crashing toward the windows. But that didn't last for long, the sea calmed down and we all arrived in our destination safely. It was Christmas Eve and I still had no place to stay. All hostels by the rocky...

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Surf's Up in Siargao!

I came to Siargao to fulfill one thing in my Bucketlist - Learn some watersport. I was traveling around Visayas and Mindanao during my long Holiday Christmas vacation, started from Bohol Island and ended up in Siargao Island. And here is where I learned surfing.  “It’s like the mafia. Once you’re in, you’re in. There’s no getting out.” It was life-changing. And I wonder how come I was spending the rest of my life elsewhere. Here in Siargao is where the real...

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Life in Nha Trang

I still have these mixed feelings about Vietnam until now. But as we all know, a worst day in traveling is still better than a worst day in job. Traveling in Vietnam is just amazing however confusing. Living here is another thing. This is the first foreign country I lived in, and it is a totally different world for me. There are just things that you don’t have to understand, and I am not only talking about the language - lifestyle, way of doing things, young and old people,...

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