Until Then: On travel, love, and everything in between

So before February ends, let us take a shot at love and all the butter lavishly spread on it -- in a traveler's point of view of course.

the most enjoyable date. 

First date. Ha! That nerve-wracking, anxiety-inducing experience everyone goes through.  Sure, it's not really that big of a deal, but hey, pre-first-date jitters are totally acceptable and normal, in my book that is. Of course, first dates can make or break a potential love life.  It's like that one-shot-to-seize-everything-you-ever-wanted moment, you know.

She spends hours and hours and hours trying on outfits worrying if it's too casual, too formal, or too slutty.  He showers about 897 times and gargles mouthwash about 165,753 times.  She stalks him looks him up on Facebook to take a peek on his interests and have a general idea of what he's like.  He wonders if she'll survive long hikes or if she's into adventure and extreme sports.  Both make mental notes of all possible topics they could delve into to avoid that dreaded awkward silence -- family, career, schools, childhood experiences, yada yada yada.  

But with a traveler, first-date conversations can go beyond the got-any-brothers-or-sisters, what-do-you-do-for-a-living, and do-you-have-any-pets questions.  Just ask the traveler about his/her past travel destinations. For sure, there wouldn't be a need to move on to the next topic on the prepared mental checklist.  She'll talk about the weirdest food she had ever tried. He, about that drink that mysteriously caused him to crawl back home. She'll excitedly recount how her knees wobbled on her first zipline experience. He, about his misadventures on his first ever solo backpacking trip.  She'll share that Vigan is her ultimate travel destination, and if it all works out, he'll be the knight in shining armor and take her there one day to make her dream come true. ~_^

the ultimate travel buddy.

GTKY (getting to know you) phase of dating is more fun with a traveler.  He'll see how giddy she gets as she researches about a place he suggested over dinner.  She'll notice how he gets excited with adrenaline rush in every adventure.  He'll observe how she's cranky in the mornings.  She'll know how he handles hangovers.  For each adventure and misadventure shared, he'll get bits and pieces of her likes and dislikes as well as her attitude, personality, and culture; and likewise for her.

The traveling couple will then have the time of their lives as they explore the world.  He'll take her through sunrises and sunsets.  She'll take photos of his jump shots and I'm-the-king-of-the-world poses.  He'll hold her hand as they fly through hot air balloons and go skydiving and parasailing.  She'll convince him to try feasting on frogs and bats and then finish off the meal with maggot toffee apples.

[src]

true purpose in life.

Eventually, traveling opens the couple's eyes to the world and teaches them compassion.  Her heart will break as she sees first-hand the reality of child labor.  He'll witness the devastation caused by disasters.  Then they start to care for issues bigger than themselves and realize that there's more to life than chasing down every temporary high (yes, that's from a Stacie Orrico song). 

Then travel for them becomes more meaningful and worthwhile.  The traveling nomads become agents of change.  He accompanies her as she climbs mountains to bring school supplies for kids.  She is there as he bikes through the hinterlands to monitor the growth of seedlings they planted a couple of years back.  They inspire their friends to be involved in causes.  They instill compassion in others.  They spread love.

love, sweet love.

Speaking of love, together, the traveling couple learns to say I-love-you's in gazillion dialects and languages.  Because learning it straight from the people who naturally speak the language is so much different from learning "Je t'aime. Te amo. I love you. Watashi wa anata o aishtemasu. Ich liebe dich.  Iniibig kita. Gua ay di." through a song popularized a loooooong time ago.

Well that must have appeared to be ripped off of a page of a teen magazine -- too good to be true, unrealistic, naive.  Though a part of me somehow hopes I'm the "she" found by a "he" and has this kind of happily-ever-after, a bigger part of me believes it is NOT bound to happen. Not because my birth name is a jinx for my so-called love life; nor is it because I have ceased to believe in the power of love.  This love story is just too simple and predictable for me. Someone like me -- who seems to be perpetually single (but with very good reasons, I tell you) -- deserves a unique never-before-seen love story.  Until God decides it's time to unfold the greatest story of all time, I shall continue to do what I do -- live, love, and travel happily.

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This is Travel Jam's first-ever entry for the
Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival.


The February 2012 Blog Carnival is
hosted by Lauren Gaile of Epic Potato
on the topic, "Why You Should Date a Traveler"

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Posted in: blog carnival,date a traveler,valentine's,why you should date a traveler

Road Trip: Pasalubong Stopovers | Davao City - Iligan City (PART 1 of 2)

Whenever we travel, souvenir stopovers are always part of the itinerary.  We shop for pasalubong* for our friends and family.  This is perhaps one of the most widely practiced Filipino traditions. It is customary to bring souvenir items from a recent trip.

Here are some souvenir ideas you can pass by on road trip from Davao City back to Iligan City. I did my best to document pasalubong stopovers and a few pictorial stopovers in between.

                                          View Davao-Iligan City in a larger map

Stopover 1:  CALINAN


Calinan is approximately 26 km from Davao City proper.  It is said to be the fruit capital of Davao City, known for its durian and bananas.

Pasalubong Ideas:  Durian and Pomelo

Tip:  If you're traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, bring an airtight container with you (or a cooler), newspaper, and packaging tape. Have the durian opened by the vendor, and place the durian flesh in a plastic bag before putting it in the container.  Seal with packaging tape. Cover with layers of newspaper. ^_~




Stopover 2:  SEAGULL MOUNTAIN RESORT


Seagull Mountain Resort is located in Marilog, along Buda (Bukidnon-Davao) Road.  It is a perfect spot for bladder break and picture taking.  They also have yummy muffins for sale.

And while you're here, you might as well take the chance to take beautiful overlooking landscape photos.  At an elevation of 4000 feet, the view is unquestionably awesome.  You can also help some of the kids here who sell souvenir items.

Pasalubong Ideas:  Muffins from Seagull Coffee Shop (P35 each) and souvenir bracelets (P10 each)


Stopover 3:  ARAKAN


Arakan is actually part of Cotabato.  If you know someone who is into plants and gardening, along the highways of Arakan, you can find flowers and other plants available for sale.  Sometimes, strawberry jams are also sold here.

Pasalubong Ideas:  Plants and strawberry jam

Stopover 4:  KITAOTAO


Kitatao is in the southern part of Bukidnon.  Along the highway, there's an animal health quarantine in Lorega, Kitaotao for vehicles coming from Davao City.  You can have a bladder break in their pay toilet here, and there are also a lot of souvenir items to choose from. ^__^

Pasalubong Ideas:  Bracelets, wallets, baskets, cowboy hats, plants, etc.




To be continued...







*Pasalubong is a homecoming gift or souvenir brought for someone brought by a traveler returning from a trip.  The word is a Tagalog term derived from the root word "salubong" which means "(to) welcome" or "to meet."  The prefix "pa-" is roughly equivalent to the English suffix "-er". Thus, the word "pasalubong" can be roughly translated as "something meant for you when you welcome me back." [src]

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Posted in: bukidnon,davao,iligan city,mindanao,pasalubong,philippines,road trip

Excited for Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0!

Five more days, and then I, together with the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc., will be attending Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0! Five days? Five days... Five days. Five days! Fiiiive daaaaaayyysss!!!!!  I'm sickeningly overexcited!  And there's definitely very good reasons for the excitement.

1.  Blogfest 2.0 and Philippine Blog Awards in one.  The year 2011, if I should say, is really bongga for my bloglife.  Founded Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. in February, attended Cebu Blog Camp in May, hosted Mindanao Bloggers Summit in October, and now, I'd be hitting two birds with one stone by attending Blogfest 2.0 and the Mindanao leg of Philippine Blog Awards on November 26! Woohoo!  But wait, there's more! Two blogs  from IBS members have been nominated! Of course, bongga ang support for Pinay Travelista (Travel Blog) and Adventures in Life (Personal Blog) -- FULL FORCE! :p

2.  This year's roster of speakers is interesting.  I'm sooooo looking forward to new things I will be learning from Mr. Bob Martin, Ms. Darlene Custodio, Mr. Jack Madrid, Mr. Raffy Tima, Mr. Flow Galindez, Mr. Abe Olandres, Ms. Mae Paner, and Mr. Manolo Quezon.  It's an interesting mix with someone from politics, from traditional media, in business, and even people known for their advocacy.  With a theme of "The emergence of blogs and social media," I'm sure I will pick up a lot of new stuff.  [Note to self:  Bring your trusty notebook and notepad.  Bring tons of pens just in case. :p]

3.  It's an opportunity to meet the faces behind the blogs I stalk follow.  I'm a newbie to the blogosphere, and an opportunity to join "the grandest eyeball of bloggers, online writers/publishers and social networking enthusiasts in Southern Philippines" is not to be missed.  And again, there's more!  On our way back from the events, we'll be dropping by Davao and Bukidnon (Lake Apo). We're contacting Davao and Bukidnon-based bloggers as well for meet-ups. :) 

4. It's my first out-of-town trip with my IBS family! The core group of Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is one happy, clingy, boisterous bunch.  Imagine the riot if you put 10 of us in one place for five days.  I'm sure this is going to be soooooooooo much fun!  

5.  This is a chance to explore General Santos City.  I must admit.  This isn't my first time to visit the City of Champions.  My father is from Sarangani Province, and I have cousins in the city. I lost count of the number of times I have been there.  But, but, but, my prior Gensan tours are limited to KCC Mall, Gaisano Mall, and just recently, Robinson's and their city plaza.  Sad (but true) story. So now is my chance to see what Gensan has to offer. ^__^

GenSan Plaza Lights, taken 05.22.2011 from this album.

And here's a bonus reason for excitement. I hope time and sense of direction will be good to me and I get to see this cutesy little baby.  Makagigiiiiiil!!! Grrrrrrrrrrr...

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Posted in: blogfest,events,general santos city,gensan,iligan bloggers,mindanao,philippine blog awards,philippines

Remembering Puerto Princesa Underground River

I woke up to this wonderful news a couple of days back:  Palawan's Puerto Princesa Underground River made it to the provisional New7Wonders of Nature based on the first count of vote results on 11/11/11*.   It flooded my newsfeed, along with tons of shout-outs showing Filipino pride.  

[src]

Here's a clip of the announcement:

And here's a little background of this wonderful site:

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is one of the most important biodiversity conservation areas of the Philippines. It features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape that contains an 8.2 km long underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower half portion of the river is brackish and subject to tidal influence. The area also represents significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. It contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protects forests, which are among the most significant in Asia. [source]

I had a chance to witness this marvel a couple of years back. I, along with a few friends, joined the group of the parents of a former classmate.  We totally ignored the OP-ness (if there ever is such a word) we should be feeling -- all for the Palawan dream. Good thing we did because as it turned out, there was really no reason to be OP (out of place).

There two routes on getting to the Underground River:  (a) to take a boat from Sabang Pier or (b) go by foot via the Monkey or Jungle Trail.  The original plan was to take the boat. Unfortunately, the waters think we need the extra exercise. 

It was a good thing though because aside from burning calories, we got to enjoy the breathtaking views and lush forest.  So there, we're set for a looooooooong adventure!

It started with a paddle boat ride through the mangrove to cross to the other side of the beach.

And then we need to walk along a stretch of picturesque beach...

Then climb through a wooded staircase...

And then at some point, there's fork in the path where travelers have to choose between the monkey trail and the jungle trail.  We walked through the monkey trail because it's easier.

So we walked and walked and walked...

Until we reached picnic grounds near the mouth of the Underground River.  We got to catch our breaths and eat and drink and rest while enjoying the view and monitor lizards and monkeys around. :)

[source]

And then finally, the calm waters greeted us! The scene would make you forget that the trail was extra looooooong for someone who has had no recent physical activities. 

And then a few moments later... 

We were cruising inside the underground river...

The guide pointed out many interesting stalactite/stalagmite limestone formations. There's the cathedral and the vegetable section among others.  Trust me, it was awesome, magical, and simply breathtaking... every bit worthy to be listed among the New7Wonders of Nature. We oooohhhh'ed and aaaaaahhhhhh'ed and wooooooooowww'ed while inside.  I would have to go back there to try to take photos na pang-travel magazine. Chos! :p

So after almost an hour in the darkness with only a handy spotlight to illuminate the way, our tour has come to an end. :)

NOTES

• Amazon (South America), Halong Bay (Vietnam), Iguazo Falls (Argentina), Jeju Island (South Korea), Komodo (Indonesia) and Table Mountain (South Africa) made it to the list as well.  The website noted that the stated provisional New7Wonders of Nature are listed in alphabetical order, not in any position or ranking. The voting calculation is now being checked, validated and independently verified, and the confirmed winners will be announced starting early 2012 during the Official Inauguration ceremonies.
• Photos grabbed from various albums (Friendster days pa lang). :p
• More photos HERE. Just don't mind the jejemon/emo feel of the site. :p

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Posted in: palawan,philippines,puerto princesa,Puerto Princesa Underground River,tourism,travel

Bread Factory's Chocolate Bun

When passing by a bakery, we often experience the aroma of freshly baked bread.  It is that enticing smell which tempts you to buy some even if you're not really hungry. Well at least that's true for an impulsive buyer (and eater?) like me. 

The Bread Factory in Davao City is a recent addition to my favorite bakeshops.  It has a homey feel despite being located in a mall.  It is actually NCCC's (New City Commercial Corporation) specialty shop offering breads and pastries.  I particularly like walking inside bakeries with self-service areas allowing customers to choose from a variety of scrumptious breads on display.  The Bread Factory offers this kind of experience. :)

What really caught my eye in Bread Factory is their chocolate bun, a kind of sweet bread that is dome-shaped with a flat bottom.  It reminded me of Roti Mum's coffee buns, which was delicious but pricey. I was intrigued by Bread Factory's version of this treat because it was sold at only P20 each. 

The bread did not disappoint.  It was freshly baked, warm, and smelled heavenly.  The surface was crispy and grainy and yes, chocolate-y.  When your teeth hits the core, the awesome burst of flavor comes.  It was soft, and sweet, which compliments its surface.  And inside the bun holds a pleasant surprise too.  So worth the P20!

When you're in Davao City, do give it a try. :)

Bread Factory

Address: NCCC Main, R. Magsaysay Ave., Davao City

Telephone No: (6382) 227-1083 local 207, 305-8746

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Remembering Boracay...

One year ago today, I set foot in the beautiful island of Boracay.  
A year ago today, I was in one of the world's best beaches. 
One year ago today, I immersed in a powder white sand beach with crystal clear blue water.
A year ago today, I was in paradise. ♥♥♥

More photos here:

Boracay: Once Upon a Sem Break Slideshow: TravelJams’s trip to Boracay, Visayas, Philippines was created by TripAdvisor. See another Boracay slideshow. Create a free slideshow with music from your travel photos.

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Posted in: boracay,peektures,philippines,pilipinas tara na,tourism,travel

I'm dreaming of Coron, and this could be the answer.

If you have been stalking following me on my other blog, then perhaps you know that I've been a fan of AyosDito.ph.  I've been using this site, keeping an eye open for possible investments. (Naks naman! Akala mo naman mayaman. Haha!) 

Anyways, kidding aside, AyosDito.ph is truly an ideal site to "Buy, Sell, Find. Almost Anything." Vehicles, properties, gadgets, business opportunities, job opportunities, and yes, tour packages are here too. I really, really, really want to go to Coron, #Christmaswishlist. So I just checked on the options.

But something on the sidebar caught my attention today:  

Lookie here!  AyosDito recently launched AyosDito Connect, which is a web-based application that integrates the features of Facebook Connect with AyosDito.ph.  This added feature will definitely enhance our buying and selling experience. 

And then there's more.  AyosDito is launching this feature with the Connect and Win promo with the coolest prizes:  1 million pesos in cash plus weekly prizes of iPhone 4's and iPad 2's. It's really super easy to join:  Just log-in with your Facebook account at AyosDito.ph and register. 

Here's a blow by blow account of how I joined the contest:


That 'Join the promo now!" button opens a the "log in with Facebook"window.

Upon clicking the "Log In" button of the Facebook Login window, simply click on the "Allow" button to let the AyosDito Connect application proceed to the next step.

Then, you just have to provide your complete and correct personal information requested.

 Then voila! There you have it! 10 raffle entries. 10 chances of winning that iPhone or that iPad. or that 1 million pesos to take me to Coron. :)

Easy, eh?  And there's even more chances of winning:

Action	Raffle Entries
Registration	10
Post an ad	10 for every approved Ad
Invite a friend	1 per approved and registered invite
Share an ad	1 per Shared ad
Be recommended	1 for every Recommend
Like an ad	1 for every Liked ad

 A total of 30 x iPad 2’s, 20 iPhone 4’s and P1,000,000 in cash will be given away as prizes for the promo and will be distributed as follows:

•  Weekly Draws - The following will be raffled off in ten (10) weekly draws:

                o  3 iPad 2’s will be raffled off to all eligible Participants with valid raffle entries for the week
                o  2 iPhone 4’s will be raffled off to all eligible Participants with valid raffle entries for the week

• Grand Draw

              o   P1,000,000 will be raffled off in the Grand Raffle on Week 10 of the promo.

So what about you? Are you joining?

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Today's Craving: Aruma's Blueberry Cheesecake

I am missing Aruma's blueberry cheesecake.  It is definitely, absolutely, truly, seriously to die for! The soft, creamy, cheesy flavor of the filling plays well with the crust that has just the right texture, neither soggy nor dry. I get my own piece of heaven in a small plate that has a serving of this tempting and mouth-watering dessert. :)

ARUMA COFFEE LOUNGE

Preface Building, De Leon Corner
Burgos St.,Iligan City

Tel. (063)221-7913

Map HERE.

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Pilipinas, Tara Na! v.2 features Ma. Cristina Falls!

Last summer, the Department of Tourism revived a campaign that will entice more locals to travel around the Philippines.  Various Filipino singers* participated in a music video shown on television and social networking sites.  The campaign aims to promote destinations, festivals, local food in various Philippine regions.  


I am happy that along with Bicol Region, Palawan, Bohol and Boracay, the beautiful Northern Mindanao is given prominence in the global promotion efforts.  And yes, v.2 of the video campaign featured the majestic Ma. Cristina Falls of Iligan City! Woooot!

DOT's campaign truly stirred within Filipinos a renewed sense of pride in the beauty, history, and culture of our country...


So tara na, byahe tayo nang ating makita ang ganda ng Pilipinas, ang galing ng pilipino! :)

You view and listen to the first and second “Pilipinas, Tara Na!” music video by visiting the Pilipinas, Tara Na Facebook fanpage.  


I'm sooooooo looking forward to the third video! I hope Tinago Falls will be featured then!  ^^




**The artists who participated in this project are 6Cyclemind, Aiza Seguerra, Barbie Almalbis, Bayang Barrios, Billy Crawford, Bituin Escalante, Boboy Garovillo, Christian Bautista, Cookie Chua, Dolphy, Ebe Dancel, Gabby Alipe, Gail Blanco, Gloc-9, Itchyworms, Janno Gibbs, Jaya, Jay-R, Jed Madela, Jett Pangan, Jim Paredes, John Lesaca, Jong Cuenco, Karylle, Kevin Roy, Kitchie Nadal, Kris Lawrence, Kyla, Martin Nievera, Mike Villegas, Nikki Gil, Noel Cabangon, Ogie Alcasid, Pepe Smith, Raimund Marasigan, Regine Velasquez, Rico J. Puno, Rivermaya, Sam Concepcion, Spongecola, Yeng Constantino, and Zsa Zsa Padilla.  source: http://www.gov.ph/2011/08/10/pilipinas-tara-na-music-video-to-boost-domestic-tourism/

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Posted in: iligan city,ma. cristina falls,mindanao,philippines,pilipinas tara na,tourism,tourism triangle