Annyeong haseyo Korea!

I wasn't expecting that I can go to Korea this year. My colleagues asked me to go with them to book ASAP the cheap airfare they found on the web. And from then on, we started saving up for this ultimate summer getaway!

It was Spring in Korea and the cool air was just right for us. Except during the night when it was freezing cold! 

What I loved about Korea is its interesting rich culture. It is apparent that the Korean government and different Korean institutions preserve and promote their culture. And, the Korean patronize their own. (No wonder K-pop and K-dramas are popular).

      Gyeongbok Palace

       Hanok village

Korea also keeps up with modernity - the airport, the buildings, transportation, etc. I fell in love with Myeongdong - the shopping district in Korea. Why I love this place? Vehicles were all new so even though there were a lot of them along the highway, I can't see any traces of smoke; plus the cool weather that makes it fun to loiter around the place. (This opinion comes from someone who lives in a polluted city). I also love this place because of the shopping haven to Korean beauty products which are sold twice the price in Manila. 

When it comes to food, there was just little difference to the taste of Korean foods in Manila and I still didn't dare to eat kimchi. >.<

We biked around Nami island while the cherry blossoms were flowing. I appreciate the historical background behind the island but when it comes to natural parks and islands, Philippines is still the one for me.

We also went to Petite France, Namsan tower, Uijeongbu, and Insadong. Thank God for the accessible but a little complicated (so relied to my travel buddies lol) railway system for taking us to our destinations. Inside the trains, the smell is a little strange (smells kimchi) but it's Korea after all, right? 

 Gamsahamnida Korea! <3

Singapore Lah!

Traveling alone after a break up is one of the most liberating experiences a person can have. I did it plus the fact that it was my first time to go abroad. (I had to because I received a sponsorship to attend an international conference.) Traveling alone is like riding a roller coaster - exciting, happy, and scary!

When I reached the immigration in Singapore, the officer asked me for the "white cat" which appeared to be the embarkation card. LOL. It was signed and hello Singapore!

First impression: Singapore is a big, green city and a safe country. I did a lot of walking but the public transportation is organized. Public buses are disciplined with the loading and unloading zones and the trains reach almost every corner of the country. Walking alone in the streets at night is safe.

Confession: I did jay-walking! After few days of walking around and studying the map, I realized how small Singapore is.

I stayed at Days Hotel Singapore. The room was quite small but the bed and comfort room were huge enough. Basic hotel needs such as breakfast, hot/cold shower, iron and board, flat screen TV, personal ref, side table, and a wide window to get a look at nearby places were available in my room.

Meals are usually found at food courts. These are some of the foods liked in Singapore. 

The best part: Universal Studios! <3

At the end of my tour, I conclude that Singapore is a tourist-friendly city despite its very humid and hot weather. CCTV cameras on public places, English-speaking nationals and signage, friendly and well-disciplined public transportation, and kid- and adult-friendly amusement park make this little modern city a must-see destination.

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Among the places I've been to, Puerto Princesa, Palawan strucked me the most. As a nature-lover, Palawan has almost everything awesome the Creator has made - friendly city, mountains, the sunset and sunrise, rich soil, soul-refreshing beach and shores, jaw-dropping underground river, and the amazing huge marine sanctuary. If there were two words to describe Palawan, it would be "peaceful" and "world-class". 

This is the Puerto Princesss city at 6AM.

Going around is as easy as hiring tricycle drivers to take you where you want to go.


Going to the underground river, Pambato reef and other most visited places in Palawan is a two-hour drive along the mountains. It was fun especially with the beautiful scenes like these.

This is the Sabang beach. What I loved about this place is that there are just few people and cottages even if its peak season (summer). Great for those who seek peace of mind.



And here we are: the UNESCO's 7th wonder of the world: the underground river!


This underground cave is like a cathedral of stalactites formed into holy figures like the face of Jesus Christ, the Holy Family, etc.


Honda bay consists of several islets with crystal blue water perfect for snorkeling.


My most favorite part of our adventure is the Pambato reef - a huge marine sanctuary in the middle of the sea - no islands, no anything; we had to stop and jump off the boat to witness this awesome creation. Too bad I did not have an underwater camera.


Part of our city tour is the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm where prisoners showcase their talents in painting, carving and souvenir-making.


This is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the grandest church in Puerto Princess.


Adjacent to the Cathedral is the Plaza Cuartel which has a historical value set during the World War II days.


Last but not the least, we went to Baker's Hill, prominent for its delicious hopia and children's park.


Truly, Puerto Princessa is a world-class Philippine destination. It will make anyone appreciate the wonders of nature. I so blessed to have been here.