tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73505099752730599182019-08-29T03:07:47.917+08:00Travels and PerspectivesThere's magic in the unknown!Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-37378939984106688492019-06-09T17:44:00.000+08:002019-08-29T03:04:32.278+08:00How traveling solo revealed an underlying crisisIt's been three years since my last solo journey.<br /><br />In 2016 I wandered through Visayas for a month. Good friends joined me on some legs of the trip, interesting strangers shared my journey through the rest.<br /><br />I clearly remember when it happened. It was a beautiful day and I was sitting in front of the beach, right outside my rented tiny cottage, when this slow, sinking feeling crept in. I don't know why I was doing what I did.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yttZYwt6dAE/XPwjZyEHARI/AAAAAAAANfk/6rsYy9r9GeU88iwRLQEK8qXGRvxt2bWdgCLcBGAs/s1600/15073432_10209084846576290_803659063556822040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yttZYwt6dAE/XPwjZyEHARI/AAAAAAAANfk/6rsYy9r9GeU88iwRLQEK8qXGRvxt2bWdgCLcBGAs/s640/15073432_10209084846576290_803659063556822040_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Maybe it was aggravated by the scenery - the turquoise sea, waves gently lapping on the shore, surrounded by the quietness of it all. I was sitting in the middle of beauty and still there was that nagging question, <i>"What the f*** am I doing this for again?"</i>.<br /><i><br /></i><i>"Because I can"</i>, along with other reasons that I came up with, were all unconvincing.<br /><br />It made me feel guilty. For all the freedom that I wanted and finally had, the location independence I dreamt of years back and worked so hard for, I was ashamed to acknowledge that there was a tinge of unhappiness, and that I did not feel fulfilled.<br /><br />I trudged on for days but that trip still ended well. Thanks to friends who flew in and joined me for the last leg in Bohol.<br /><br /><h2>Figuring it out</h2>I didn't have a plan when I got back to Manila, but I knew I had to start somewhere. Hearing the phrase <i>"Finding your purpose"</i> still make me cringe, as it's almost always followed by cliché advice - travel, explore, go somewhere. It's as if having no purpose can be solved by escaping. However, finding a purpose was exactly what I needed to do.<br /><br />Coming to terms with my aimlessness was a gentle awakening. I was lucky that I didn't go into a downward spiral to depression. It was more of a shake of hands, a nod of agreement - an acceptance that something had to be done. Maybe it was Stoicism, or S.N. Goenka's words, or my mom's constant prayers that pulled me through.<br /><br />I went in and deep. I started by always asking why am I doing things. I became ruthless in pruning connections and activities that didn't help me. I sought friends and contacts with whom conversations always left me full of insights, and sometimes made me question my own views on politics, economics, religion, and all other things. I realized how important it was to expose myself to diverse ideas, to learn before I form my own thoughts on issues, and to not be stuck in an echo chamber.<br /><br />It took a couple of months before I figured out my why. I'm here and I exist to help sort out confusion. I'm good at thinking things through, at being rational, at attempting to simplify convoluted ideas.<br /><br />Realizing this made me understand why I cringe every time I have to write fluff, why I lose my focus as soon as the conversation stops being factual, and why I struggle reading and listening to ideas that have no execution plan. It helps me keep an eye on my lapses too - to know that sometimes I only need to listen and not dish out an obvious and practical advice, that it's okay to do things just for sheer fun and nothing else.<br /><br /><h2>Starting over</h2>As if on cue, after I figured out what I'm here for, the universe held out a lifeline. In 2017, I took a full-time job as a technical writer. I've never questioned my purpose since then. I'm lucky to have found a career that aligns with what I'm here for and I know it's not the same for everyone. It's hard enough to figure out your purpose, even harder to make a living that stays true to your main WHY.<br /><br />In a recent conversation with a friend, we spoke about how we both used to think that work is just work and that you can always do whatever you like doing in your free time. We both agree that now in our thirties, we've changed the way we think about it - it just so much better to spend 40 hours of your week doing what you were made to do.<br /><br />Fast forward to 2019, I went on a solo trip to Lisbon, Portugal. This time I had no questions. I knew exactly why I was doing it: because I wanted to bask in the sun and to eat my way around the world.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2rH1fo473I/XPzTm5JjQAI/AAAAAAAANg4/oql7bzPSu2UEIKUuyPrYuNJZRjjA5FIVQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2rH1fo473I/XPzTm5JjQAI/AAAAAAAANg4/oql7bzPSu2UEIKUuyPrYuNJZRjjA5FIVQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-68142888492618924072019-03-03T23:37:00.000+08:002019-03-03T23:37:25.027+08:00Weekend trip: MálagaIt's a gloomy February on this side of the world.<br /><br />If you identify as "solar powered" AKA a person from the tropics, you should know that it's a struggle to be a functioning human in northern Europe at this time of the year. Endless gray days, zero sunlight, and if you live in Amsterdam, you'll get a bonus serving of wind and rain.<br /><br />While there are <a href="https://www.travelandperspectives.com/2019/01/a-pinays-guide-to-surviving-winter.html">ways to trick your body into getting that much needed vitamin D and serotonin</a>, sometimes the only solution is to get it from the real thing. Luckily, cities in the southern part of Europe offer a quick escape from the gloom.<br /><h2>Why choose Málaga?</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7903/33390755308_50fe9e8c5c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7903/33390755308_50fe9e8c5c_o.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Málaga was not on the top of my list for a weekend getaway until someone who knows me all too well presented the idea. It became the escape of choice because:</div><div><ul><li>It's affordable and easily accessible from most main European cities.</li><li>It's less crowded than most Spanish cities.</li><li>It's a coastal city, swimming is optional (it's still way too cold for that).</li><li>It's Picasso's birthplace, if you're into arts and history.</li><li>Spanish food!</li></ul><blockquote class="tr_bq">Tip: Go to Skyscanner and put your destination as "Everywhere". Chances are you'll get some affordable sunny destinations way up on the list.</blockquote></div><h3>What you need to know</h3><div><b>The beach area:</b> Málaga is in the south of Spain, facing the Mediterranean Sea. As with most coastal cities all over the world, Málaga also has that laidback, "I'm almost too lazy for anything" vibe. Cruise ships and yachts line the port, facing restaurants and shopping boutiques on the promenade. Walk over to the other side of the promenade to go see the beach. It's not exactly my idea of a beach holiday (I prefer a deserted beach) but it was entertaining to see people bask in the sun, a tad friendlier and less grumpy than usual.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7870/47266483851_d6e092c4d0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7870/47266483851_d6e092c4d0_o.jpg" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Arts and culture: </b>If you're into arts, history, and architecture, you might find yourself stretched thin over the weekend. There's a couple of museums (Museo Picasso Málaga and </span><span style="text-align: left;">Museo de Malága to start), there's the Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro, and there's the town center, a proof of millenia of history i</span>n itself<span style="text-align: left;">. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7896/33390755568_67e08bebcc_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7896/33390755568_67e08bebcc_o.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tip: If you don't like crowds, start your day early. The streets were empty up until 11AM and lines at the museum were non-existent until afternoon.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Food</b>: If you would like to go on a culinary exploration, do your research and place reservations ahead of time. All tapas are not made equal so if you like food and you don't want to end up somewhere mediocre, give it some planning. One thing that you don't have to think about though is the wine! Spanish wines are always a win, regardless of the time of day or the tapas that go with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My personal dining favorites are:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/AeQT9PXwN6H2">Taberna García</a></li><li><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/x2ymU7HLDy22">El Tapeo de Cervantes</a></li><li><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/pbeE2W8RtBM2">Tormes</a></li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KrCwqHRYq8/XHvpsWVLRmI/AAAAAAAALQI/Mh5iipWlEAkF1olC2S8DqzfuH913jDS3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190209_203136864-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KrCwqHRYq8/XHvpsWVLRmI/AAAAAAAALQI/Mh5iipWlEAkF1olC2S8DqzfuH913jDS3gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20190209_203136864-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>DIY walking tour: </b>If you just want to see random things in the city (like I do!), either find the guy with a "free tour" umbrella or do it the old-fashioned way: go for a walk and see where your curiosities will take you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7851/47266484401_0c02b21068_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7851/47266484401_0c02b21068_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On that weekend, the Spanish people went out for a mini-parade at the city center. We never found out the reason for the patriotic gathering but it was likely a football match.<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div>Lastly, enjoy the city the way the Spanish do: indulge in leisurely lunches, al fresco dining, and end the night with tapas bar hopping. </div><div><br /></div><div>You'll be a better person by Monday.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7893/46352037725_e0f1459c31_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7893/46352037725_e0f1459c31_o.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-81710229944629817082019-01-16T05:07:00.002+08:002019-02-02T18:46:22.861+08:00A Pinay's guide to surviving the winterThe weather was never a subject of concern.<br /><br />Until late 2018 when I moved from the tropics, where you can trust the sun to shine brightly every day, to Amsterdam where sunlight is best described as erratic in the winter.<br /><br />If you are from the tropics and are facing your first winter, this post is for you.<br /><hr /><h3>Why is the winter tougher for us Pinays?</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3cDzKfwKso/XEN75Tmw9eI/AAAAAAAAKLE/4uX1gOvY42sIVgoAaSl5Oezkan7rdUBYQCLcBGAs/s1600/50244582_242856479943734_5041909035587076096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3cDzKfwKso/XEN75Tmw9eI/AAAAAAAAKLE/4uX1gOvY42sIVgoAaSl5Oezkan7rdUBYQCLcBGAs/s640/50244582_242856479943734_5041909035587076096_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finland on a -10C day</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's all about the sun.<br /><br />Most people tend to avoid the sun in the Philippines. It's scorching hot, it can't be helped. Yes, too much time under the sun is harmful but if you slather on sunblock, you can still soak up all of the sun's goodness without damaging your skin.<br /><br />I enjoy being under the sun probably way too much so as expected, the effects of lack of sun exposure were amplified. I first thought that my lack of energy was the consequence of moving to a strange, new continent, but further research showed me that I just probably need the sun (or at least serotonin and vitamin D).<br /><h4>Serotonin</h4>Sunlight triggers the release of <b>serotonin</b>, a mood stabilizing hormone. Symptoms of serotonin deficiency include low energy, poor appetite, and a depressed mood. There is a reason why SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) affects almost a third of the adult population in countries experiencing winter.<br /><h4>Vitamin D</h4>Even while wearing sunblock, the sun's UV rays can still penetrate through to your skin and you'll still get a good dose of <b>vitamin D</b>. Lack of vitamin D can result to low immunity causing you to get sick more often than usual and again, a depressed mood (what a bummer).<br /><br />I didn't make these up. Go research about the benefits of the sun <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/benefits-sunlight" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/healthy-lifestyle/vitamin-d/damage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/serotonin" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><h3><hr /></h3><h3>How to survive the winter</h3><div>I'm halfway through my first winter with single digit temperature days in the Netherlands and a week in below zero temperature in Finland. Here are some survival tips:</div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.travelandperspectives.com/2019/01/a-pinays-guide-to-surviving-winter.html#vitaminD" target="_self">Rethink food</a></li><li><a _self="" href="https://www.travelandperspectives.com/2019/01/a-pinays-guide-to-surviving-winter.html#serotonin%20target=">Induce serotonin</a></li><li><a href="https://www.travelandperspectives.com/2019/01/a-pinays-guide-to-surviving-winter.html#hydrate" target="_self">Hydrate</a></li><li><a href="https://www.travelandperspectives.com/2019/01/a-pinays-guide-to-surviving-winter.html#moisturize" target="_self">Moisturize</a></li><li><a href="https://www.travelandperspectives.com/2019/01/a-pinays-guide-to-surviving-winter.html#warm" target="_self">Dress to stay warm</a></li></ul></div><h4 id="vitaminD">Rethink food</h4>Salmon and cheese are not common in Pinoy dishes but these seem to be a basic staple at least in Amsterdam. I know most people tend to still stick to the dishes they know well but you'll miss out on reaping the benefits from the basic food staples. It turns out that salmon and cheese are good sources of vitamin D. Eat them as it is or pair them with some rye bread.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><i>Tip</i></b>: Forget about your love of rice for a while and be smart about your food intake. Load up on cheese and salmon. Other sources of vitamin D are mushrooms, oysters, and eggs. </blockquote></div></div><h4 id="serotonin">Induce serotonin</h4><div>There will be days when you just want to wrap yourself in a warm blanket and be a living burrito. The challenge is to see if you can boost your mood. As it turns out, serotonin can be induced by doing things that you know you love, despite not having the energy for it. This works like Mark Manson's <a href="https://markmanson.net/do-something" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Do Something" principle</a>, where you trigger your motivation by acting on something first, just doing the smallest thing that you can.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2NdektBd6U/XEjO5bXIQFI/AAAAAAAAKW8/A9VAU3HD1501Q82ena5bkCu5FhDqEsFgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190120_095829905_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2NdektBd6U/XEjO5bXIQFI/AAAAAAAAKW8/A9VAU3HD1501Q82ena5bkCu5FhDqEsFgQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20190120_095829905_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beach on a cold, winter day</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Of course this only applies when you are absolutely aware that your mood is something you can work on. If you think things are getting out of hand, see a doctor.</div><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><i>Tip</i></b>: Go for walks, stretch, read, and explore hobbies to keep your serotonin levels in check. </blockquote></div><div><h4 id="hydrate"><b>Hydrate</b></h4></div><div>I don't sweat as much as usual in the winter (surprise!) so my brain does not send that thirsty signal as much as it did back in humid Saigon. Also, because it's cold, I am always tempted to consume more alcohol to get that warm, fuzzy feeling. Less water consumption plus an increased alcohol intake lead to dehydration in the winter.</div><div><br />I've walked around in Amsterdam with a dull headache. Only later when I chugged half a liter of water did I figure out that I was dehydrated.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><i>Tip:</i></b> Always bring a reusable water bottle with you. The best part is <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/tap-water-in-europe-3150039" target="_blank">tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe</a>. There's no excuse to not drink water in between your endless wine consumption. </blockquote></div><div><h4 id="moisturize"><b>Keep your moisturizers and lip balm within reach.</b></h4></div><div>Cracked heels, chapped lips, dry skin. Winter is here.</div><div><br /></div><div>My skin care used to be fairly simple. Sunblock, moisturizer, and my favorite sunflower oil. That was it. I turned into a sweaty, sticky mess on some days but at least my skin wasn't dry.<br /><br />However, when its colder, I put on insane amount of moisturizer and lip balm. Dry skin is itchy and chapped lips sting. At -15 degrees temp, I put on moisturizer 4-6 times a day even while indoors.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><i>Tip</i></b><i>: </i>Bring your favorite brands with you. I found that the formulation of most products are different here than the ones I used back home. Get just enough stock that will last you for a month, while you research and look for new formulas that will work for you. </blockquote></div><div><h4 id="warm"><b>Dress to stay warm.</b></h4></div><div>Bundle up with your overcoat, hat, gloves, and thick scarf.<br /><br />You can be fine 2 minutes out of the house but extremely cold in the next 10 minutes while waiting for the tram. Layer up and just peel them away if you start sweating. Aside from the temperature, wind and humidity contribute to the actual chill that you feel. Dry, below zero temperatures in Finland are more pleasant than 1-degree, humid days in Amsterdam.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5tl4eRuHTg/XEiypKKFfvI/AAAAAAAAKWk/j7Iofnt_ka4Kxjlhb06P3oHkOEIMvWRAgCLcBGAs/s1600/50445740_365511600910404_3281591263115083776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1076" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5tl4eRuHTg/XEiypKKFfvI/AAAAAAAAKWk/j7Iofnt_ka4Kxjlhb06P3oHkOEIMvWRAgCLcBGAs/s400/50445740_365511600910404_3281591263115083776_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not the most fashionable, but hey it works!</i></td></tr></tbody></table>If you are traveling in the middle of the winter, get your warm clothes in the Philippines. You will have more options once you get here but you would not survive the first few minutes out of the airport.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><i>Tip</i></b><i>: </i>For the budget conscious, find fleece and wool jackets in <i>ukay-ukays</i>. If you have less time to rummage, Uniqlo is a good place to shop for merino wool clothing and thermal underwear.</blockquote><br /><i><b>Share your tips on how you are surviving the winter!</b></i></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-51424370690730649672018-12-31T02:15:00.002+08:002019-01-16T04:41:54.396+08:00The ComebackWriting took the limelight in the last two years.<br /><br />Not of flowing poetry and captivating prose but of precise instructions and comprehensive descriptions.<br /><br />Because I was already caught up with my role as a technical writer, all personal writing came to a halt, with only the occasional journal entries interrupting my otherwise writing-free leisure time.<br /><br />Recently, I have decided to get back to writing because:<br /><ul><li>It's a great exercise for exploring and expressing your thoughts.</li><li>I have learned a thing or two from my profession and I would like to apply those in my personal writing.</li><li>It's the best way to share stories</li></ul><hr /><h3>A recap from 2016 onwards</h3><div>I have accumulated much perspective in the last two years that it will be too much to unpack in one post. Here's a shot at a rundown:</div><div><h4>Vietnam<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4></div><div>In 2017, I moved to Vietnam. In hindsight, this was a result of the clarity I gathered from my freelancing days. Before those days ended, I felt like the only reason I was freelancing was to prove to myself that I can work and travel at the same time. And when I knew the answer, freelancing lost its charm.<br /><br />Little did I know that freelancing paved the way to a new career discovery. Again, all of this in hindsight.<br /><br />In the midst of the organized chaos of scooters and neon signs, I found a career I deeply care about, lifelong friends, and a wonderful man.<br /><h4>The Netherlands</h4>In 2018, I moved to Amsterdam, leaving the land of hot bowls of pho and spring rolls for bitterballens (Dutch meatballs) and stroopwafels. </div><div><br />Moving to Europe was similar to taking a cold shower. It felt like suddenly waking up, realizing that it is refreshing to hear yourself think after being desensitized to the sounds of bikes honking.<br /><br />These days I am still adjusting, still marvelling, and still finding it amusing to compare life here with how things are in Southeast Asia.<br /><hr /><h3>Changes coming up!</h3></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iv2vrgnEK-k/XCkKAjWEatI/AAAAAAAAJtY/nhj0shnLFgk2dzwnwXC-_STuVrTNL7HtQCLcBGAs/s1600/48930685_692486201145104_4360653726961106944_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iv2vrgnEK-k/XCkKAjWEatI/AAAAAAAAJtY/nhj0shnLFgk2dzwnwXC-_STuVrTNL7HtQCLcBGAs/s640/48930685_692486201145104_4360653726961106944_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen sea in Finland</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />It's either I have changed immensely in the last two years or age has finally crept up on me, but I no longer feel like a person capable of sharing travel stories.<br /><br />I have taken on different interests and while I hold travelling dear, it was not and will never be my end goal.<br /><br />Because I am now in different headspace, this space will take a different form.<br /><br />From today, you'll find changes in this space.<br /><ul><li>There will be no more ads and promotions. </li><li>This space will focus on storytelling and sharing ideas. Possibly travel-related, most likely not.</li></ul><div>That's it for now! </div><div><br /><b><i>Happy New Year! </i></b></div></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-58233715568001555272016-12-31T22:02:00.000+08:002019-01-08T05:37:18.125+08:002016: On Things Other Than Traveling<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photos from 2016 show fantastic things that happened to me this year (throwbacks included), but the real best things weren't caught on camera. Traveling was still a huge part of my year but more than these experiences, 2016 was a year of self-discovery. I'll call it the year I came to terms with my own <i>tita</i>hood.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/79679369@N06/31197104553/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bubiburn (1)"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="2016-yearender" height="640" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/680/31197104553_2672a5d6a1_z.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The year that was</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><hr /><h3><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Best of 2016</span></h3></div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The gift of Vipassana</span></h4><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The best thing I gave myself this year was a 10-day Vipassana Meditation course. Years ago, I was looking for a meditation class knowing that I had to go deep in my mind as a form of cleansing. I knew what I wanted: non-sectarian, in-depth, and stay-in. This year, I finally got myself a slot at the <a href="http://www.phala.dhamma.org/" target="_blank">Vipassana Meditation Center Philippines</a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ten days later, I felt like a different person. Vipassana is life-changing. The practice taught me to embrace impermanence and to make mindful choices. Vipassana was the catalyst that helped me to finally act on my beliefs. Mastering your mind (or at least the attempt to do so) is liberating. Waking up every day and meditating for almost 10 hours a day is ideal for monks staying in a monastery so imagine how tough it is to practice outside. When I do practice, I am reminded of the calm and clearheadedness that meditation brings. Also, staying there for 10 days feasting on vegetables set me on the right track to eating well. I haven't given up meat as of writing but the awareness is there. It always starts with awareness right?</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGQjD8WiAT0/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Ruby Batallones (@bubiburn)</a> on <time datetime="2016-06-05T03:58:50+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 4, 2016 at 8:58pm PDT</time></span></div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">The newness that doing things solo brings</span></h4></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The only time I've purposely traveled alone was on an overnight trip for </span><a href="http://www.travelandperspectives.com/2013/02/my-mojo-chinese-new-year-and-miri.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Chinese New Year in Miri</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. Even then, I enjoyed exploring Miri by myself. I went solo but I was never really alone because of Malaysians who took me in like family. They even took me to a place with a Pinoy band playing thinking that I must miss home after spending a month in Brunei. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This year, I went on a month-long trip to Visayas. I've met with friends who came and joined me on some legs of the trip. Traveling with friends is fun especially if you are with like-minded individuals but going solo has its own perks. You can go anywhere (or not) and do anything (or not!) whenever you want to, without thinking of anyone else but yourself. Traveling solo is a challenge in itself but it is one thing I would gladly do again. It is not for everyone but how will you know if you never try?</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I could dish out a <i>tita</i> advice for anyone in their teens and early twenties, it will be to go away by yourself at least once. To quit fawning over a girl or a boy and see the wonders of this world instead. To not be afraid of being your own person at the risk of sticking out like a sore thumb. To spend time in nature and to see how others live. To feel that you are but a speck in this vast universe and so you must not be always full of yourself. The sooner you realize this, the earlier you can be kinder to yourself and to others.</span></span></div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The freedom to create genuine connections</span></h4><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I used to be guilty of making small talk because even though I felt fake, I have to do it because it is a culturally acceptable way of connecting with others. The truth is I hate small talk. I have declared a personal war against small talk. But even if I hate it because it feels unnecessary and a waste of time, I understand its purpose. We need small talk to make the other person feel comfortable. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This year, I tried charging ahead, speaking out and asking what I really thought. I've asked questions of <i>"Why are you here?"</i> and in the midst of uncomfortable glances, I've been told of stories of heartbreaks, unconditional love, disenchantment, and the sheer desire for feeling alive. I live for these kinds of conversations and the most genuine and rewarding connections I've made were over deep conversations. However, I do understand that not all people are interested in conversations that make you think or bare your vulnerabilities so I sit back and indulge them. A good conversation is much like a breath of fresh air when you're up in the mountains. The memory lingers.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMWCpFRhDB2/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Ruby Batallones (@bubiburn)</a> on <time datetime="2016-11-03T10:19:21+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 3, 2016 at 3:19am PDT</time></span></div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">The ability to spend time wisely AKA </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Kaladkarin</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> no more</span></h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've always been ready for the next hangout or road trip but sometime this year a switch flicked and I thought </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">"What am I doing here? Why am I here?" </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I knew then that my </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">karen</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> days were over. I don't know why it didn't use to matter but it does now. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since then, I have made mindful decisions as to where (and with whom) to spend my time. The best gift that you could give someone is your time so would you rather give it away to things that don't matter? Maybe it was the awareness of how impermanent things are (so you should make the most of it) or it's just me getting old that I no longer want to deal with unimportant things. I've lost all my FOMO this year.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It couldn't have been any clearer. We make time for people who matter. We pursue the things that mean something to us. Everything else is a mere distraction. Period.</span></span></div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Knowing that acting out of love and compassion prevents regrets</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify;">This is the first year in my entire life that I could honestly say that I have been more understanding. It is one of the biggest things that Vipassana has cultivated in me. Whenever I am tempted to act out of anger or frustration towards a bad experience or a person, a little voice in my head says, "</span><i style="text-align: justify;">What is this person going through? What is this experience trying to teach me?" </i><span style="text-align: justify;">NEVER IN MY LIFE have I considered how the other person feels. I used to be so fixated about my own ego and thoughts. Even if doing it is a daily struggle, the awareness is so empowering that whatever emotions I may feel, from anger, disappointment, or hatred, I see it dissolve at the thought that before acting, I must first understand where the other person is coming from.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thinking before acting is not easy but it saves me from hating myself after I act impulsively. Coming from a place of love and compassion does not only mean treating others well but it also demands that you show the same high regard for yourself. It means self-love and self-respect.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">***</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I joke about me being a tita all the time but if this is how titas go, I am accepting and embracing my titaness. So help me, universe.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">May we all have a fresh new start in life and love!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cheers to 2017!</span></i></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is my entry to the PTB Blog Carnival topic for this month, <a href="http://www.pinoyadventurista.com/2017/01/ptb-blog-carnival-2016.html" target="_blank">2016: A Year Ender</a> hosted by <a href="http://www.pinoyadventurista.com/" target="_blank">PinoyAdventurista</a> (Mervin Marasigan).</span></i></span><br /><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i><i><br /></i></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-70531368098625187282016-11-01T16:50:00.001+08:002016-11-01T16:51:32.685+08:00Stumbling Into Jeepney Hostel and Rediscovering Boracay<div><br />Boracay is still gorgeous with its white sand beaches, stunning sunsets, and superb internet connection (I need this for work) but my disenchantment stems from what I see is an unsustainable growth in the tourism sector. The last time I was here, I was that b*tch who complained about everything - it's too crowded, people don't care about their trash, the traffic in this tiny island, and exorbitant prices at least for a backpacker.<br /><br />I didn't realize that staying in the right place would somehow change my mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>I reluctantly included this stop in my Visayas trip to take a friend around the island. While walking to Mt. Luho Viewpoint, I spotted this hostel right by the corner of the road. The place looked laid-back, with its pool table, hammocks, and a bamboo bridge between room areas<span style="text-align: center;">. Since I needed a place to stay for the night, I went ahead and got myself a bed in the dorm room.</span><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><i>"Some places make you feel at home and Boracay right now just doesn't feel like one," </i>I wrote three days ago.<br /><br />Funny how this changed after a few days.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/79679369@N06/30700990495/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="12140089_756615604484492_3131692353124718906_o"><img alt="12140089_756615604484492_3131692353124718906_o" height="425" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5519/30700990495_541998ba67_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add a billiards table to this photo of downstairs area - Photo from <a href="https://facebook.com/jeepneyhostelboracay/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Jeepney Hostel's Facebook Page</a><br /><br /><a name='more'></a></td></tr></tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/79679369@N06/30700723135/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11705393_715133831966003_3987793716989013277_o"><img alt="11705393_715133831966003_3987793716989013277_o" height="425" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5551/30700723135_6cf5469a41_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfortable dorm beds - Photo from <a href="https://facebook.com/jeepneyhostelboracay/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Jeepney Hostel's Facebook Page</a></td></tr></tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />I spent the past few days like this: going for a walk or a quick swim early in the morning, walking back to the hostel for breakfast (they serve free breakfast here), working until late in the afternoon, getting a few drinks during happy hour, catching the sunset (if I could), and either going out until late or hitting the sack early.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/79679369@N06/30584867092/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_3607"><img alt="IMG_3607" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5811/30584867092_a9ff151334_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitesurfing season starts from November until March</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/79679369@N06/30584866882/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_3569"><img alt="IMG_3569" height="454" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5509/30584866882_6ede3debc7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Beach still has one of the best sunset views</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Giving yourself the chance to change your mind opens the door to all the wonderful possibilities.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jeepney Hostel just makes it easy to lose track of time. I could unknowingly spend a month here if I'm not too careful. The dorm room is perfect for backpackers, the staff is friendly, and the ambiance is ideal for working, chilling, meeting fellow travellers, or enjoying some quiet time by yourself. It's located right in front of Bulabog beach so I'm a few steps away from kite surfers doing their aerial tricks. Mostly, I prefer just walking on this quieter (and windier) side of the island.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Boracay can be as lovely, loud, expensive, annoying, or relaxing<i> <insert adjective of choice here> </i>as you want it to be. It all depends on how you want to see it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If your home is a reflection of yourself, then Jeepney Hostel is my home in Boracay.</div><br /><i><br /></i><i>**This is NOT a sponsored post.</i><br /><br /><i>For reservations, visit <a href="http://jeepneyhostelboracay.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeepney Hostel's website</a>.</i><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-59519280178988688272016-10-17T01:18:00.000+08:002016-10-19T05:15:06.244+08:00The Real Halloween Special: Haunted Road Trip with Experience PH<div class="MsoNormal"><h2></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><h2></h2>It's that time of the year when we are all allowed to be scared shi*tless.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;">And no I don’t mean scaring yourself with a semi-terrifying, semi-cute bloody nurse or a slightly gory but really sexy, shirtless hunter showing off his abs. No.<br /><br />I mean being haunted by the kind of stories that make it to the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Magandang Gabi Bayan</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Halloween Special</i>.<br /><o:p></o:p></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;">If you were a 90’s kid, Halloween means watching Noli de Castro in his ghastliest appearance as he narrates paranormal stories. It means covering your face and peeking through your hands when it's time for all those too realistic reenactments of floating caskets, drifting white ladies, and red-eyed devils. That’s the sort of thing that I miss with the Halloween of the 90’s. <o:p></o:p></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;">So last year, we decided to scare ourselves ala <i>Magandang Gabi Bayan</i> style.<br /><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We ended up sleeping in a haunted house. <o:p></o:p></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px; text-align: center;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 37.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><br /><div style="display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0px auto -44px; position: relative; text-align: center; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/9eqMvNCASh/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Sleepover at the ever famous haunted house, Bahay na Pula. Thankfully, no personal horror experience to tell. #manhidforever</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by Ruby Batallones (@bubiburn) on <time datetime="2015-10-30T22:48:01+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 30, 2015 at 3:48pm PDT</time></div></div></blockquote></div><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false" DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="382"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="index 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="index 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="index 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="index 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="index 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="index 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="index 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="index 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="index 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Normal Indent"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="footnote text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="annotation text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="header"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="footer"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="index heading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="table of figures"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="envelope address"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="envelope return"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="footnote reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="annotation reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="line number"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="page number"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="endnote reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="endnote text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="table of authorities"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="macro"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toa heading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Bullet"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Number"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Bullet 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Bullet 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Bullet 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Bullet 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Number 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Number 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Number 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Number 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Closing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Signature"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Body Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Body Text Indent"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Continue"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Continue 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Continue 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Continue 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="List Continue 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Message Header"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Salutation"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Date"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Body Text First Indent"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Note Heading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Body Text 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Body Text 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Body Text Indent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Body Text Indent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Block Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Hyperlink"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="FollowedHyperlink"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Document Map"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Plain Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="E-mail Signature"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Top of Form"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Normal (Web)"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Acronym"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Address"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Cite"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Code"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Definition"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Keyboard"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Preformatted"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Sample"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Typewriter"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="HTML Variable"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Normal Table"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="annotation subject"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="No List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Outline List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Outline List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Outline List 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Simple 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Simple 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Simple 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Classic 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Classic 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Classic 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Classic 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Colorful 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Colorful 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Colorful 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Columns 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Columns 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Columns 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Columns 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Columns 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Grid 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Grid 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Grid 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Grid 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Grid 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table List 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table List 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table List 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table List 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table List 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table List 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table 3D effects 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table 3D effects 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table 3D effects 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Contemporary"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Elegant"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Professional"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Subtle 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Subtle 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Web 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Web 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Web 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Balloon Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Table Theme"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Note Level 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Note Level 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Note Level 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Note Level 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Note Level 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Note Level 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Note Level 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Note Level 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Note Level 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Mention"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Smart Hyperlink"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll backtrack a bit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I said '<i>We ended up..'</i> because all of us participants did not know where we were headed that night. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We joined <a href="http://www.experience.ph/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Experience Philippines</a>' Haunted Road Trip. This is not your ordinary tour group. The guys from ExPH took the idea that most adventure-seekers have always had in mind and turned it into reality - going on a road trip, not knowing where everyone's headed, and ready to be surprised with the randomness of it all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">SLEEPOVER AT BAHAY NA PULA</h3><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before the trip, we were told to bring these things: sleeping bag, rosary, headlamp, and Holy Water.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I initially thought we'd be sleeping in a hut with no lights in the middle of nowhere.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As it turned out, I was close to guessing it right except that the hut was actually <i>Bahay na Pula</i>, a well-known haunted house in San Ildefonso, Bulacan sitting right in the midst of a huge chunk of property, surrounded by unkempt grass, and without access to electricity.<br /><br />If you follow local haunted stories, you'll know that the owners of <i>Bahay na Pula</i> abandoned the house after Japanese soldiers used it as their barracks. Stories of paranormal occurrences have been reported since. More than a haunted house, the house serves as a reminder of a dark time in Philippine history when the Japanese took women, both young and old, as comfort women. Unfortunately, news of demolition broke out in August of this year. If you are curious to see <i>Bahay na Pula</i>, it might be too late now.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/79679369@N06/30277220391/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="12185570_10106392263245079_5083224448658694829_o"><img alt="12185570_10106392263245079_5083224448658694829_o" height="424" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8127/30277220391_d8b134c50f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Road Tripper <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jroque/media_set?set=a.10106374736394029.1073741905.6818100&type=3" target="_blank">Jonathan Roque</a></td></tr></tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> <br /><div>We arrived late into the night after visiting a couple of other haunted houses in Nueva Ecija. The air was filled with excitement, curiosity, and a twinge of fear. The house had an eerie feeling to it, the kind that would make you talk in hushed tones and with the constant awareness that we were in the same place where crimes against humanity were committed.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/79679369@N06/30277522701/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="12184260_10106392270445649_97139771798158422_o"><img alt="12184260_10106392270445649_97139771798158422_o" height="424" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5564/30277522701_aa441950d1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Bahay na Pula Interior- </i>Photo from Road Tripper </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jroque/media_set?set=a.10106374736394029.1073741905.6818100&type=3" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Jonathan Roque</a></td></tr></tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> <br />We were told that this is where we would stay the night.<br /><br />I chose to sleep by the balcony with the view of the highway and occasional cars passing by. I thought it was a better view compared to seeing the walls of the house with its gaping holes. The group was in a chatty mood the whole night, sharing stories, munching on junk food, and laughing with other participants. I'd say that the group was not an easily scared bunch. Maybe it was our way to drive the fear away and to ignore how quiet the house was if it weren't for our voices.<br /><br />Looking back, I was frightened of the possibility of actually seeing something out of the ordinary. I remember sleeping with a blanket covering my face just in case I wake up in the middle of the night. They say "<i>Close your eyes to make it go away" </i>but who wants to see it anyway? I'd rather not see whatever it is in the first place.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/79679369@N06/30066632730/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="12183982_10106394999212179_5339141677608317385_o"><img alt="12183982_10106394999212179_5339141677608317385_o" height="424" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5468/30066632730_0aae7c8a17_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Less eerie in the morning -</i>Photo from Road Tripper </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jroque/media_set?set=a.10106374736394029.1073741905.6818100&type=3" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Jonathan Roque</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Other road trippers have their own spine-chilling stories to tell about the entire experience. Nothing happened to me though. I say that as a form of relief (<i>Thank you!</i>) and not as a challenge for paranormal entities to show up.<br /><br /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;">THE EXPERIENCE</h3><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Sleeping at <i>Bahay na Pula</i> was definitely the highlight of the Haunted Road Trip. The rest of the trip was deftly planned with the Halloween theme in mind - from a welcome dinner of <i>dinuguan, </i> sharing horror stories under a huge acacia tree, to visiting caves in <i>Biak-na-Bato</i> where the souls of Katipuneros are said to be still roaming. After a night of exploring the paranormal, dipping in the falls of <i>Biak-na-Bato </i>to literally wash our fears away was a fitting ending.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/79679369@N06/29732520093/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="12190101_10153593437570155_5278599634966196869_n"><img alt="12190101_10153593437570155_5278599634966196869_n" height="360" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5626/29732520093_92d4ddfb5a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HRT#1 Road Trippers - From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wackeekaren/media_set?set=a.10153641320416217.656426216&type=3" target="_blank">Karen Navarozza</a></td></tr></tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> <br />The best part is I've met a handful of fun people who are always up and ready for the next road trip. After HRT, we've seen each other a couple of times, met randomly in different places outside the metro, and we're all still connected up to now, nearly one year after the trip. Fear binds. Or we're really just a great bunch of people hanging out. ;)<br /><br />This year, ExPH is cooking another spooky <a href="http://www.experience.ph/tours/haunted-road-trip-2/" target="_blank">Haunted Road Trip</a> on October 29-30. If you want to get the real Halloween thrill this year, click on the link to register.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div></div></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-91249562160980447802015-12-30T19:23:00.000+08:002016-01-02T12:49:48.144+08:002015 Gratitude Post<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrF-wlQnh1Y/VoOlRVCN8II/AAAAAAAAHwA/UI090-05FpY/s1600/12466352_10206619130694934_1366176373297324284_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="632" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrF-wlQnh1Y/VoOlRVCN8II/AAAAAAAAHwA/UI090-05FpY/s640/12466352_10206619130694934_1366176373297324284_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For top L to bottom R: coffee with Mayoyao Rice terraces as background (July), swimming with sea turtles at Apo Island, Negros Oriental (August), Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor (October), Bulusan Lake, Sorsogon (May), Falls #2, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato (December), Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur (December), Cambulo Rice Terraces, Ifugao (August), <br />Porchetta at FAT, BGC (because there ought to be food), Batad Rice Terraces, Ifugao (August) </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />2015 has been a year of green and blue hues, of an unending love affair with the outdoors, of curveballs, and of unparalleled great times. I'll always remember 2015 as the year I finally (wo)manned up and <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.sg/2015/12/six-months-out.html?m=1" target="_blank">took the leap to my longtime wish</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Experiences on the road make up a huge chunk of this year, and more than the places I've seen and things I've done, it's the people who I've spent moments with (even the short ones) who fill up my overflowing happy memory bank. I'm writing this post to thank everyone who has been a part of my 2015.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I will spend the next few days envisioning what 2016 will be for me and I'm excited about what the year will bring, both in terms of travel and other aspects of life, because <i>gasp!</i> I've come to terms with the fact that there are other things in life other than chasing adventures. I want to take the time to wish you a great year ahead. May your days be filled with beautiful, jaw-dropping sunsets, long conversations that make your heart soar and dream, fun nights that go on until the wee hours of the morning, and with all kinds of love that inspire.<br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>I wish to see more of you in 2016! Cheers!</i></b></div><div><br /></div><br />Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-84681216244914064412015-12-25T19:32:00.000+08:002016-10-04T13:08:14.541+08:00In Pursuit of Location Independence<div style="text-align: justify;">From a corporate employee, I have turned myself into a freelance writer/online worker/ self-employed individual. I'm still at loss when answering forms that asks for <i>Occupation</i> because I still can't believe that yes, even when it doesn't feel like it, this is my occupation (at least for now). I've been tempted to write non-practicing telecoms professional. I would love to romanticize how the whole decision-making process went, how years of imagining finally became reality, and how it felt to finally take the leap into the giant unknown but you can look that up and I swear I feel the same way as the others who have gone before me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm here to write about the reality of the pursuit and some of truths I have discovered so far.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5704/23332628644_0f8505984f_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5704/23332628644_0f8505984f_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't want to see this view all day, every day?</td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><b><a name='more'></a></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><b>The lifestyle is not for everyone.</b></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Because, of course, there's the monetary side and there are bills to pay.<br /><br />If you can't figure out how you can earn outside of the four walls of the office, then don't even try. If you can't create self-imposed deadlines and if you can't meet your own deadlines, then stay in the office. If you need someone to help you in setting your career goals and if you are always acting based on mandates, this life is not for you. Being location independent is best suited for self-motivated individuals who can work on his own defined structure. There are no rules and no guidelines to adhere to so it will all be about you and your discipline. <i>It's a process I'm still working on because of the next item.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"></h3><h3 style="text-align: justify;">And there are days when you just don't want to work.</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />And that's ok.<br /><br />I've learned to forgive myself for days when I would rather read a book, blog, or hike. Same as in the office, there are lazy days except that in the office, even the lazy days are paid. Since I'm doing freelance writing, all my transactions are result-oriented which means lazy days equal no income days. The key is balance. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"></h3><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5821/23334141593_17be3da7a5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5821/23334141593_17be3da7a5_z.jpg" width="365" /></a>And taking your laptop to the beach sounds great.</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />But it only looks good in photos.<br /><br />I'm not saying it can't happen because it can but to work well and to be productive means setting up a good place where you can actually think and focus and where internet connectivity is great. I think it also beats being in the moment. It may not work for me but it can work for someone else. Setting days for recluse and days for making money works for me.<br /><br /><i>*That's a crappy photo of me failing miserably to work, distracted by the sound of waves. The other guy out front was watching a movie. He knew better than to work with that view.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"></h3><h3 style="text-align: justify;"></h3><h3 style="text-align: justify;">And you need to have a to-do list. Maintain a calendar.</h3><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Or else you can easily be sucked into days of lounging.<br /><br />A to-do list also helps you keep track of things you have accomplished. Even the smallest things can help you feel motivated. If you go on Google and find the <a href="https://podio.com/site/creative-routines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">daily schedule of the most successful creative individuals who ever lived</a>, you'll find out that they have set specific chunks of their day to do meaningful work. It's easy to get sidetracked if you don't set your day's priorities.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"></h3><h3 style="text-align: justify;">And start thinking about what's next for you.</h3><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Because it's easier to climb a corporate ladder, with the rungs well-defined and you just need to know how to get to the next level.<br /><br />Self-employed individuals have to sit down and define the rungs themselves because while there are plenty of options, you only have time to pursue a few. It's even harder for location independent persons (or digital nomads) because there's also another question of when and where the feeling of wanting to settle will take place. As for me, I have not figured out this part yet. I'm focusing on learning the ropes, expanding my knowledge, and keeping my world open to endless possibilities.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br />My own journey is new and so far it has been a good start of self-discovery. Sometimes it feels like a complete struggle but I always go back thinking that this is something I know my future self will thank me for.<br /><br /><br /><b><i>Are you living the location-independent life? Cheers to living the alternative lifestyle!</i></b></div></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-62782593236770005602015-12-19T18:15:00.000+08:002016-10-04T17:37:55.282+08:00Six Months Out<div style="text-align: justify;">Today marks the sixth month that I've been out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Out of my old loop, out of a regular job generating steady income, out of my previous routine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I thought of writing this post to remember this day and to tell the story of how the past six months have been. To say that it is bittersweet is an understatement. To romanticize the experience would be to lie. The digital nomad, location-independent, strike anywhere life is not all unicorns and rainbows as one would like to imagine it to be. It's hard work, and I can honestly say that this is harder than when I had a corporate job with a regular stream of things to do and things to worry about. However, it is the path that I wish to keep and cling to as long as I could, if the universe permits.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the past six months, I've been living off my meager savings and when it ran out, I relied on my earnings as a freelance writer to sustain me (and I still write for a living up to now). I started with the vision of living by the sea, going anywhere, anytime I want to, and I did exactly like that. I was someone with too much time on my hands, going anywhere aimlessly and for a moment, I may or may not have been a hedonist. A friend once told me that having too much time can sidetrack you from seeing and doing what's important. And that scared me for one bit because time, while I have plenty, is something that I can never take back.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orjue04QrpM/VnUdk0W4T6I/AAAAAAAAHvE/VdnAOkvPPoY/s1600/12377860_10206520266583393_6124540752332086107_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orjue04QrpM/VnUdk0W4T6I/AAAAAAAAHvE/VdnAOkvPPoY/s640/12377860_10206520266583393_6124540752332086107_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken last Dec 17, 2015 - after spending 3 weeks in Mindanao</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Six months later, I have met a lot of people who are true to their passions, who are dead on sure about the path they want to take, and who selflessly share their time, talent, and resources with others; it humbles me to know them and I wish I could infuse each bit of them into myself. Each person and experience has made me feel that there is something more, something larger than myself and my selfish vision of going anywhere, anytime I want to.<br /><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><h3><b><i>"Happiness only real when shared"</i></b></h3></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />That phrase from<i> Into The Wild</i> says it all. Purpose is important and I think mine lies in that phrase (I think.. because one can't be too sure). I am most happy when I get to share the joy of experiencing things with others, may it be friends or strangers. The 'Why' of things is important. I've been searching for that one 'Why' and as of this writing, I still couldn't say I am 100% sure but I am there, almost certain. If you've come this far in reading this and still haven't figured your 'Why', take the time to do so. Your motivation ends when your 'why' ceases to make sense.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fF7EG2d9PzY/VnUiorMbExI/AAAAAAAAHvc/P5QawpEZMlY/s1600/12380396_10206492388526459_310584106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fF7EG2d9PzY/VnUiorMbExI/AAAAAAAAHvc/P5QawpEZMlY/s640/12380396_10206492388526459_310584106_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea turtle rescue at Dahican, Mati - I wished to see a turtle and there it was the next day</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've learned that: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ol><li>Some dreams you just have to give up (maybe just for now or maybe it will never happen) in exchange for what you feel strongly about.</li><li>You get to decide what you can throw out the window and what you can't live without.. I don't need much. </li><li>The things most important to you can move you to tears. The things that don't matter don't evoke that much emotion.</li><li>There is much joy in having a genuine connection with people regardless of how fleeting the moment is. </li><li>You should always choose to be kind but remember that being kind is different from being plain stupid.</li><li>It's easy to get lost in new ideas and experiences. You need family and friends to help you stay grounded and connected.</li><li>You can change your mind (consequently, your reaction) about a person, about places, about events. Meditation has taught me to watch my emotions as they unfold and from there choose how I want to handle things.</li><li>I'm turning into a dog person - which is fine - read number 7. </li></ol><div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm afraid I'll turn this post into a long winding post about self-realizations and start posting month's worth of notes but I'll keep it at this. The past 6 months were fun, revealing, rash, all a blur, enlightening, a rollercoaster of experiences, sudden breakdowns, fits of laughter.. anything and everything but a waste of time. Just like any good thing, I need to work harder this coming year for the life that I choose to live. I'm looking forward to spending the next months and years striving for the life that fills my big, fat heart with joy. <3 </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Thank you to family and friends who have all been very supportive. See you on the road!</i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-77390487604158146752015-07-09T01:03:00.000+08:002016-10-04T13:24:32.895+08:00Face Your Fear: Mt. Makiling and the Bloodsucking Limatik<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">Coming from a one-year hiatus, I'm back with a pretty hardcore post. Go ahead and watch the video at the end.</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have a long-standing fear of small crawling or flying insects.. generally anything so small that can go and play inside bodily orifices (nose, ear, eyes, and all the other 'holes' we've got). Thinking of these things gives me the creeps. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Naturally, stories of leeches (locally known as </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">limatik)</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> scare the heck out of me. Limatiks are widely known in the local hiking groups and there are thousands of horror stories that give me goosebumps. Last July 4, I had the chance to.. get acquainted with the little bloodsuckers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AMVsfcwVGpw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="332" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AMVsfcwVGpw?feature=player_embedded" width="400"></iframe></div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/miguel.mapalad/videos/10154047083311982/"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before setting out, I read blogs and asked Christine of <a href="http://www.jovialwanderer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jovial Wanderer</a> for tips. It's my first time at Mt. Makiling and while I know that the mountain is notorious for leeches, I needed to hear it straight from fellow hikers. Leeches are active during the rainy season and have an uncanny preference for warm-blooded creatures. Since the trail we took was unpopular (we were the second group to use the Yakult trail), the leeches welcomed us with all their slimy heart (if they have one). I came armed with isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle and wearing arm sleeves, long pants, and leggings. We left for the Yakult Trail around 8AM.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were navigating the steep ascent of the Yakult Trail fairly well until the typhoon made its presence felt. It rained while we were in the mossy forest and the leeches all came out to play. I saw them on my rain jacket, pants, gloves, and on my arm sleeves. It's easy to just flick them away when they're just on your clothing. The first time a leech made contact was on my lips. I thought I had mud that I couldn't get off. Luckily, a fellow hiker plucked it off quickly. Five minutes later, there was thunder and lightning, a tree shook from above, and I suddenly felt a limatik in my eye. I stopped midstep on a steep trail, closed my eyes and asked a fellow hiker to take it off from my eye. Fortunately, again, he was able to pull the sucker off before it began to feed. There were four of us in the group who had the bloodsuckers burrowing into our eyes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Watch the video and see how a leech was removed from a fellow hiker's eye. I think hers stayed for a little more than 2 hours. Since the leech was burrowed deep into the eye socket and could not be immediately removed, we continued to trek up to the summit. It seems that the leech had no intentions of feeding on her blood vessels so our team leader proceeded on removing the parasite.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After the leech-infested forest trek experience, I feel like I have grown some balls with regards to dealing with the bloodsuckers. The thought of leeches no longer scares me as much as before. (<i>I hope the leech gods don't hear this and send an army to my bed..)</i> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here are some tips if you're going on a leech-infested trail:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wear tight clothing. Wear thick leggings, long pants, arm sleeves, gloves, and a scarf/headwear to cover your ears and head. If you have an extra scarf, wrap it around your neck.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have a spray bottle of alcohol or saline solution ready. If you see a leech on the process of attaching itself, spray alcohol on the bloodsucker like a crazy gunman.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Keep your head down low. At some point during the trail, I looked up on a tree and I think that was the time the limatik jumped to my eye. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Resist the urge to wipe the sweat off your face. Sweat has a small amount of salt which can drive away the bloodsuckers. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do a limatik check with your fellow hikers. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have fun! Don't let the limatik get the best of you. In our case, limatik bites were the least of our concerns. The steep, slippery, muddy trail made us forget them for a while. </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We reached the summit around 4PM and started the descent to Tabayak Camp via Los Banos trail at 4:30PM. Leeches were still all over the place but they were lesser in number compared to the ones on the Yakult Trail. It was an easy descent until we reached the campsite around 7:30PM. I was more than glad to finally sit back and relax for the night.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks to the team for a fun and equally challenging training climb! To more limatik experience in Amuyao! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/494/19527750335_bed63a9c98_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/494/19527750335_bed63a9c98_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo from Sir Migs' GoPro H4</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div>Climb Details: Mt. Makiling Traverse via Yakult, Calamba-Los Banos Trail<br /><br /><i>Commute:</i><br />Ride any bus bound to Lucena and ask them to drop you off at Yakult in Turbina, Calamba<br />Cross the pedestrian bridge and take a tricycle to the jump off at Brgy. Makiling<br /><br /><i>Budget:</i><br />Around PHP500 for transportation, food, and guide fees</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-47503887767453520362014-06-14T00:34:00.000+08:002016-10-04T13:25:48.719+08:00By the Malacca River I Sat Down and..<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Drank my beer.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sorry Mr. Coelho.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">An ice-cold beer (and a few glasses of rum cola) is the most fitting reward after staying wide-awake and walking the whole day around Melaka.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's a good thing that Melaka can easily be explored on foot. I was functioning solely on adrenaline and zero sleep, so walking was definitely a great idea. We got a map from the hostel, put our sunglasses on, and braved the hot December weather.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Walking starts at the A Famosa, a Portuguese fortress perched up on a small hill. This area is a mix of historical sites built by the Dutch and Portuguese who once occupied Melaka. It's impossible to miss the red color scheme of the Dutch glaring in the sun.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14347357701_b6f4b09458_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14347357701_b6f4b09458_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Christ Church - 18th century Dutch architecture</span></td></tr></tbody></table><a name='more'></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/14327562716_9b282ae8a9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/14327562716_9b282ae8a9_z.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Melaka Art Gallery - seeing all red</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We made another uphill climb that took us to the ruins of St. Paul's Church. The church had no roof, except for the area of the dead and their tombstones. I remember that there's a nice view of the city from the hill but since I was a zombie, I forgot to take photos.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14411678724_684317bd38_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14411678724_684317bd38_z.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">St. Paul's Church</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5160/14411535112_65cbfdbddc_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5160/14411535112_65cbfdbddc_z.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Melaka Town Watch Tower</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It must have been the sun or the color red just did not really sit well with me because I just breezed through all the sites without really paying that much attention. But then we crossed the bridge to other side of the river and there I found my favorite part in Melaka! It was the quaint, little part of town and the street brimming with food.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/14389704026_d733e62f1e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/14389704026_d733e62f1e_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Double cones on a hot December day</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">You see, I prefer my colors muted.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/14226503650_efa55f1180_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/14226503650_efa55f1180_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But I also appreciate the colors that suddenly pop out of the norm and surprise you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14164209207_a8801d52c2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14164209207_a8801d52c2_z.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I delight with the sight of old, little houses boasting of exquisite things.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3855/14350700245_2fff66417e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3855/14350700245_2fff66417e_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">From one of the museums along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> And I like streets with character also known as a little bit of chaos.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/14164043178_716a517577_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/14164043178_716a517577_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jonker Street turns into a multipurpose street at night</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">After a day of eating our way through Jonker Street, gawking at each house/museum that we found, sampling chocolates, and rummaging through the bazaar, we decided to cool down and sit by the river. We watched the day turn to dusk, occasionally waving back at tourists on the other side of the river. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14413147215_5c47d5ed80_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14413147215_5c47d5ed80_z.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And this is where I gave in.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was to drop-dead that night but before I went out with a thud, I decided to stuff myself with beer and rum cola until the next thing I could remember is getting into a cab and falling asleep in my bed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I slept like a baby for 12 hours and woke up the next day with all the energy in the world. <i><b>Thank you, Melaka!</b></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-12704372245337149312014-06-04T09:34:00.000+08:002016-01-02T12:40:04.313+08:00Nepal Itinerary for the Non-Trekker<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GuRSGgwS4AU/U46kesqD-4I/AAAAAAAAHQk/gkrABKVpTR8/s1600/1660611_666038726809069_648213552609174534_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GuRSGgwS4AU/U46kesqD-4I/AAAAAAAAHQk/gkrABKVpTR8/s1600/1660611_666038726809069_648213552609174534_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Since Nepal is the gateway to the roof of the world, it is easy to think of this country as a destination only if you are a serious, <i>cross-that-off-my-bucketlist</i> type of mountaineer.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I used to dream of setting foot in the Everest Base Camp and I was that person who kept on pushing it down the list because heck, I'm not yet ready (I don't think I'll ever be). Nepal was not a priority until a fortunate event happened that led me to booking KL-KTM tickets in less than a minute, without thinking twice. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm thankful I did because Nepal was a great colorful surprise, even without doing my big dreams of trekking in the Himalayas. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So whether your stay is just too short for a trek or trekking is really not your thing, you can easily come up with a week's worth of activities.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Watch the video for the summary of our week in Nepal:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="325" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/96301540" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="580"></iframe> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's our detailed itinerary:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Budget: </b>650 USD (inclusive of food, accomodations, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses - pretty much everything except the souvenirs)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Day 0:</b> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5PM-10PM - KL-KTM via Airasia (Visa on Arrival - 25USD for 15-days stay)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">9PM - Arrive at Kathmandu</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Day 1: Kathmandu</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6AM-8AM Everest Flight (optional) - 163USD</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">9AM-2PM Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swyambhunath</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4PM- Travel to Pokhara (Travel Time: 6hrs)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">10PM - Arrival at Pokhara</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Day 2: Kathmandu/Pokhara</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">8AM-10AM Around Pokhara/Phewa Lake</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">11AM-3PM Paragliding - 85USD</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5PM - Sunset at World Peace Pagoda </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Day 3: Sarangkot/Bandipur</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />5AM-8AM Sunrise at Sarangkot</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">9AM-10AM Visit International Mountain Museum</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">11AM - Leave for Bandipur (Travel Time: 3hrs)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3PM - Arrival at Bandipur</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4PM onwards - Around Bandipur</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Day 4: Chitwan</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />5AM - 6AM Sunrise at Bandipur</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">9AM - Leave for Chitwan National Park (Travel Time: 3hrs)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">12PM - Arrive at Chitwan</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2PM - 4PM Elephant safari</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6PM - Sunset by the river</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">8PM - Cultural show</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Day 5: Chitwan/Nagarkot</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />8AM - Bird watching</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">10AM - Leave for Nagarkot (Travel Time: 6hrs)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4PM - Arrive at Nagarkot - Hotel at the end of the universe</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Day 6: Nagarkot</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b>5AM - 8AM Sunrise at Nagarkot</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">10AM - Leave for Bhaktapur</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">11AM - 12PM Bhaktapur Durbar Square</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2PM - Free time (Thamel area)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6PM - KTM-KL flight</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">**Travel time is even longer if you take the bus and the ETD/ETAs are quite unreliable too so if you are going with a big group, it is better to rent a van. It's way cheaper too. If you have any questions for your Nepal itinerary, send me a message over at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seehearexplore">See.Hear.Explore.</a> and I'd be glad to help you out.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Wishing everyone more travels!</i></span><br /><br /></div></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-25575336857295601882014-04-27T15:20:00.002+08:002016-10-04T13:33:30.573+08:00Chasing The Himalayan Sunrise<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One week from our Nepal trip and I'm still hung over.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wonder why would anyone ever trade such lovely views of the Himalayas and the cool morning breeze with the smog in the city and the endless honking of cars? Existential thoughts ran through me as I sipped my coffee while gawking at the breathtaking horizon.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nagarkot</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We caught our last sunrise at Nagarkot. The great Himalayas spanned out before us, from Annapurna in the west to Everest in the east. "It was cloudy the past 3 days", one of the guides said. Luck must be on our side as the sun shone on the Himalayan ridges. We stood there and bathed in the warmth. No one seems to mind that Everest is just a tiny, little dot. Compared to the magnificence of the whole Himalayan range, Mount Everest's peak is just an added spectacle.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/14025849892_b25290f959_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="386/" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/14025849892_b25290f959_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The sun coming from behind the Himalayas - From Nagarkot, Mount Everest can be seen as a little peak</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/14029057705_c76f158a24_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="385/" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/14029057705_c76f158a24_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Snow-capped Ganesh</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overlapping mountains that stretches far into the horizon, the rays of the sun touching the peaks, the hues playing before our eyes, and the chilly wind at the tower made the experience unreal and overwhelming. The Himalayas is nature's masterpiece meant to make you cry. Or laugh. Or make you think about your choices in life. I'm on the edge of being overly dramatic here but yes, the view of the Himalayas even from afar is a memory that you will always hold dear.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/14029498414_13b522abd1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="386/" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/14029498414_13b522abd1_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">View from Hotel at the End of the Universe in Nagarkot</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bandipur</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b>Not all sunrises are the same. Let's rewind to a few days earlier in Bandipur. After a late night session, we dragged ourselves out at dawn towards the huge clearing at the end of the road. It was a hazy day and we were ready to be disappointed. While the Himalayas decided to hide itself that day, the sun rose like an egg yolk emerging from the steam as if telling us that "Hey, you came for me right?".</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And the sun did make a stunning appearance that day, despite of the 'less' stellar backdrop.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/14029511494_5b5e96552a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="386/" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/14029511494_5b5e96552a_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sarangkot</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b>Finally, we found our first Himalayan sunrise in Sarangkot, 45-minutes away from Pokhara. We did not know what to expect. You see, we spent the past few days in the town of Pokhara hating the hazy weather - we were almost desperate. My friend called out to the universe and and wished for clearer skies.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2915/14005936156_1a5e06b8a9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="386/" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2915/14005936156_1a5e06b8a9_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And the universe obliged.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We stood there and saw the Himalayas, Machhapuchchhre and Annapurna, come to life for the first time. The sunrise at Sarangkot was the start of a week of waking up at dawn and chasing more. We veered away from the loud crowd at the viewpoint and found ourselves a nice little clearing that we shared with a local family. While the rest of us took our time in taking selfies, contemplating, and going crazy with several Go Pros, two of our friends retreated to the small hut behind us and quietly got engaged.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/14029696825_e5fc00a948_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="386/" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/14029696825_e5fc00a948_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Engaged by sunrise!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just them and the Himalayas and seemingly clueless friends standing nearby.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14029495684_59fdc32464_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="386/" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14029495684_59fdc32464_z.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">More awesome sunrises for you guys! :*</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Indeed, sunrises make way for wonderful beginnings.</span><br /><br /></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-13492067682680359032014-04-11T00:40:00.001+08:002016-10-04T13:34:12.498+08:00So Long, Ha Long!<div style="text-align: justify;">Let me put it out straight. Do not believe everything you see or read about Ha Long Bay cruises. I say <i>cruises</i> because Ha Long Bay itself is beautiful and spectacular at times. Others might say that limestone formations here go pale when compared to El Nido and the waters of Ha Long cannot, in any way, compete with the turquoise waters of El Nido. But still, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth seeing... if only you know what to expect.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />***</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>The 'oriental junk' you see in the photos is nowhere to be found..gasp!</i></b><br /><br /><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap0gT87Tt9A/U0ZOMOw25GI/AAAAAAAAHLw/ff4DfTXBnVA/s1600/Halong_Bay_Cruise_Prince_Junk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap0gT87Tt9A/U0ZOMOw25GI/AAAAAAAAHLw/ff4DfTXBnVA/s1600/Halong_Bay_Cruise_Prince_Junk.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>EXPECTATION</b><br /><i>Photo from http://indochinagoldhotel.com/</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I did not see a single junk that looked like this.<br /><br />I overheard a guy complaining that the actual boat did not look like the same boat in the photos the agency showed him. Well, sir, you've just been punk'd. Every agency will show you a photo of a nice oriental junk with all its sails up and once you get to the port, you will see dozens of white regular-looking boat. If you paid over a hundred dollars, you might as well complain.<br /><br />The photos we were shown were like the photo above, but when we got to the port, we were ushered to a white boat, definitely without sails.<br /><br />These is how the 'junks' all looked like:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/13754537853_3108470117_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/13754537853_3108470117_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>REALITY</b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>The prices range from dirt-poor to luxurious</i></b></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The prices would range from 30USD to over 100USD for an overnight trip. And you wonder why since you're all cruising in the same bay, you're all seeing the same things, and you're all staying in identical-looking boats.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It has to be with the food they serve on-board. Dinner time came and since the whole thing is planned by the minute, our boat was in the middle of the bay next to another boat. The other boat had better and bigger meals so I could only guess that they paid higher. Based on my experience, it is better to book once you are in Hanoi so you can haggle, ask questions, and haggle some more. Remember that you are all going to have the same Ha Long Bay experience so it's better to know what the extra dollars are for.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/13756520394_27c6c9646a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/13756520394_27c6c9646a_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/13756520384_0e136c8de0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/13756520384_0e136c8de0_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dine with a view</td></tr></tbody></table>If you get an expensive cruise, you will be definitely be served with great food, probably a luxurious bed, sheets with higher thread count, and a nice bath but basically, the whole experience - cruising, kayaking, caving - is the same. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Your cruise gang</i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And there's another point of booking a boat with fun cruise mates, especially if you're a solo traveler. Book an expensive cruise and you will join families and their kids who would retreat to their rooms early in the night. Book a cheap cruise and aside from the crappy food, you'll get a crowded boat. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/13761809444_fe87c8b839_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/13761809444_fe87c8b839_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A crowded junk</td></tr></tbody></table>It all depends on what you want. If you would like to mingle with fellow cruise mates but still have a room for yourself, book a mid-priced boat. If you prefer to have your quiet time, go for the higher priced ones.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />We booked a 50USD cruise and luck was on our side. We boarded a boat with a great mix of fun people. A girl solo-traveler crossed over from another boat to ours because she paid a hundred and the night ended early on their boat. The boats were anchored so near to each other that the girl just crossed a short plank from their boat to ours.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Ha Long Bay itself</i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have not been to El Nido so I could not compare, but even so, I saw Ha Long as a low-contrast photo that if given the chance, I would have turned up the contrast a sharp higher and tweak the image sharpness too. The waters were gray and not inviting at all when we were there. I read some people would dive and swim and I wondered.. why would you even want to swim in dark, murky waters?<br /><br />Watching the sun slowly setting behind the karst, however, was a different story. It's one of the Ha Long Bay memories that I chose to keep. The next day, I curled up with a book and soaked under the sun with the limestones hovering over the boat.<br /><br /><div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/13754290545_86ce4ca692_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/13754290545_86ce4ca692_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">***<br /><br />A beautifully manipulated photo combined with nice words can easily fool anyone. Traveling is never without glitches and Murphy's Law is always in effect. The trick to this, appreciating Ha Long Bay and any other place for that matter, lies in researching to get an idea of what to expect, preparing for it, and aiming to have a great time regardless if things don't go your way. Pretty soon, you will <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-traveling-state-of-mind.html" target="_blank">find something amazing</a>.<br /><br />I will most likely not go back to Ha Long Bay anytime soon, but even when I was a tad disappointed, I would still say that one needs to visit this place at least once in this lifetime.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORLiRvQP0vM/U1pfBwYBhoI/AAAAAAAAHMM/igpkeZjzKWs/s1600/Blog-Carnival-Logo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORLiRvQP0vM/U1pfBwYBhoI/AAAAAAAAHMM/igpkeZjzKWs/s1600/Blog-Carnival-Logo2.jpg" /></a><br /><i>This is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers' April 2014 Blog Carnival entitled <b>When Fact is Really Fiction </b>hosted by Kaiz Galang of <a href="http://missbackpacker.info/" target="_blank">Miss Backpacker</a>.</i><br /><br /><br /></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-77922047571876124472014-04-01T00:53:00.001+08:002016-10-04T13:34:48.103+08:00A Traveling State of Mind<div style="text-align: justify;">A few weeks ago, I felt like dark clouds were settling in and that I was starting to get stuck in a serious rut. Life seems to be going nowhere, and unfortunately, I do not have any fight within me to beat it.<br /><br />It got me thinking why I never felt that way when I was on the road. What is it about traveling that makes your serotonin shoot up through the ceiling and allow you to see the world as your playground, consequently throwing you into delirious happiness?<br /><br />I have learned that the fastest way to get out of a jam is to summon my traveling state of mind and try to recreate it in my 'other' life.<br /><br />What happens to us when we travel?<br /><br /><i>**This post is mainly me giving myself a pep talk</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><b><span style="font-size: large;">We find a lot of amazing things </span></b></b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The feeling of being in a new place leaves us breathless. We listen closely and watch people intently. All our senses are heightened and we find ourselves in awe of the people, things, and culture that surrounds us.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8219410901_c214e5244a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8219410901_c214e5244a_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazed by the golden Shwedagon Pagoda</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />"Familiarity breeds indifference", Aldous Huxley once wrote. When you know a place so much like an old lover, it loses its magic. Think about the people who grew up by the ocean - are they still amazed by the crashing waves and the view of the massive sky everyday? Remember that feeling of being at peace when you saw the Buddhist monks in Myanmar perform a solemn ritual? Do you experience the same feeling when you witness the rites performed here? <i>I don't.</i> We can all agree that it's a matter of perspective.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><i>How to do this today:</i> </b>Always find something amazing. The key is in paying attention to the little things - the ones we usually never bother to notice. Take the time to look at the trees on your way to work, or notice how clearer the skies are after raining. That view by your office window, that's neat right? You used to think that view was great until you saw it hundreds of times in the past 5 years and then it meant nothing. Try to look a little closer surely you'll find a new patch of green.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">No one judges anyone</span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When traveling in a foreign land, no one knows you and you don't know them - at least at first. We postpone judging, just drop our thoughts, and let life happen. No stereotyping. Part of the excitement while traveling comes from meeting people on the road. Not everyone will end up as a long-term friend, some will be our companions and most likely be forgotten in a few days, but everyone we meet affects us in subtle, little ways.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/13539434885_0fd57e42b9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/13539434885_0fd57e42b9_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><br />Now back in the homebase. If you grew up in a society where people have created nice, little spots for everyone, it can be hard to break out. Once we are in our designated spot, it can be daunting to venture out and the thought of having to explain ourselves is twice as stressful.<br /><div><br /></div><b><i>How to do this today: </i></b> The golden rule does not apply, not judging won't stop others from forming an opinion about you. There really is no other way to put it. Quit judging and quit minding those who judge. </div><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><br /></b><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">We don't hesitate to share a part of ourselves</span></b><br /><br />In a sea of travelers, each one stands out and becomes an ambassador of the place he came from. How many times does your country take the spot in conversations? When we believe in something, we passionately share stories about it. Talking about one's homeland or skills need no rehearsing, it all comes out spontaneously.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>How to do this today:</i> </b>When things are all too familiar, our interests wade and relationships go stale. Make an effort to reach out and share your insights about that new project you are working on or about the group you've just joined. Build on your new interests and continuously make yourself a better person.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We have at least an idea where we'll be in the near future </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Also known as an itinerary. When traveling, it doesn't necessarily mean that we have to follow our plans down to the dot and kill spontaneity, but most of us do have a rough idea where we will possibly be in the next few days.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/13539633065_565087461e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/13539633065_565087461e_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Libona, Bukidnon at 6AM</td></tr></tbody></table>In a place of comfort, we usually do not find ourselves looking for something else. However, comfort can equate to stagnation too and that's the voice that just won't quit nagging. When was the last time you penciled in a goal for your career or personal life and you actually did something about it? And that time when you missed great chances because you were so focused on that one thing you thought you wanted? That doesn't happen with your traveling mind. What's good about traveling is we can make plans and scratch them. Draft plans but make nothing definite.<br /><br /><i style="font-weight: bold;">How to do this today:</i> Make tentative plans and throw randomness in. Will you have a lot of free time over the weekend? Plan to create things with your hands, to pay a surprise visit to your friends and family (suprise is key here), to cook your favorite chicken dish. If something comes up and you need to go to some far-flung place for an overnight trip, drop your makeshift plans and go!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></b><br /><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We're up for absolutely anything </span></b></div></div><div><br />When on the road, we take every opportunity and rarely think twice about it. Jump off the cliff to the sea? Why not! Start being serious with surfing? Go hang out with the locals? Get inked by the monks? Trek to the Everest Base Camp? Hmm.<br /><br />In our 'other' life, we tend to have more reservations. We're hounded by the intricate plans we made and the judging voices in our head. In the absence of worrying about judgments and of ditching plans, we open a window for endless possibilities. Chances are we will have a grand time with whatever we come up with and if turns out to be one of those <i>what-was-I-thinking</i> moment, it will still be a great story to tell.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/13540087423_bb1fc9a850_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/13540087423_bb1fc9a850_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Ugo - After a 7-hr trek</td></tr></tbody></table><b style="font-style: italic;">How to do this today: </b>Say 'yes' to anything that you have even the slightest inkling too.. within the bounds of reason of course! My mantra has always been to try everything at least once. If you're feeling lazy about an activity, think trekking, push yourself through the door and still do it. You will like yourself more once you're done with it.</div><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></b><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your mind is always open to learn</span></b><br /><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></div>"The more that you learn, the more places you'll go", said Dr. Seuss. Learning is exciting and it keeps us on our toes. Being in a foreign place always brings out the curious cat in anyone. We find ourselves reading about the Vietnamese War and the French Revolution. Watch Les Miserables and follow it right up with a fun one, maybe like Amelie. Maybe learn a few Gaelic phrases. We'd go as far as finding out the best chicken tikka masala in town. It's the thrill of learning that keeps us wanting for more.<br /><br />Back in the non-traveling life, it's easy to lose one's self in the daily routine. The commute sucks but it could also mean the time to read. The innate need to learn and to keep ourselves interested will propel us through the tough days.<br /><br /><i style="font-weight: bold;">How to do this today:</i> Learn new things. Always thought about cooking your own meals? Google a quick recipe. Pickup a phrase book and utter 'I need to eat something' in Spanish. Take home a bit of new knowledge everyday.<br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">**<br /><br />I evoke my traveling state of mind every single day. So if suddenly I ditch my plans or I seem zoned out, please do understand that I'm trying to get by. ;)<br /><br /><br /><b><i>Any thoughts on how travel affects you? Share! </i></b></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-8873908565510234922014-03-14T13:11:00.001+08:002016-01-02T12:43:04.199+08:00Favorite Workout: Walking Around George Town, Penang<div style="text-align: justify;">The state of Penang may just be 5 hours away from Kuala Lumpur by bus but the difference in how I felt roaming the streets of these two were worlds apart.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/13076925653_24dc497972_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/13076925653_24dc497972_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Here's a little history: Penang served as a trading port between the East and the West during the British Era. With the presence of the British culture, combined with Chinese, Indian, and Islamic elements, Penang has developed a distinct character evident in the city's architecture and culture. Compared with the modern, Times-Square-ish vibe of Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, Penang is laidback and feels like a haven for the arts.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2528/13055842265_374676b500_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2528/13055842265_374676b500_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Town at dawn</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br />We say that real beautiful women look their finest when they wake up in the morning sans the make up, au naturel. Penang therefore is a lovely lady aging gracefully. At 4AM, while the world is yet to be disturbed in its sleep, George Town, the heart of this state, held us in its quiet beauty. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3380/13056159194_5d9ae29920_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3380/13056159194_5d9ae29920_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restoran Tho Yuen serves good dimsum, plus they open early too!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Starting at 4AM had its perks but by 5AM, we were all hungry. We found ourselves looking for some good food at an odd hour and luckily we spotted a Chinese restaurant along Campbell Street opening it doors. The place, with its tiled walls and floor, reminded me of Chinese eateries in the movies.<br /><br />There was no itinerary for the day except that we go roaming in the streets because the inner city of George Town is best explored on foot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/13127438424_67b834ab40_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/13127438424_67b834ab40_z.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Walking has a lot of perks. Aside from the calories burned, walking around George Town gave us the chance to read artsy street descriptions. Each street had a significant role in history. For example, Love Lane street was the sailors go-to place for brothels in the 19th century. It is also believed that the rich Chinese men from Muntri Street kept their mistresses on this street. Our hostel, Old Penang Guesthouse, is a refurbished heritage house located at this street. Who knows, it might have been more than a sleeping place that time. Love Lane now is a street where most hostels are found.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/13127597303_ece0ef95a2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/13127597303_ece0ef95a2_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking is a treat!</td></tr></tbody></table>Another good thing about walking is that you'll never know what you will end up seeing. We traversed a few blocks north of the hostel and we ended up facing the waters.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/13077349953_c7dc8dbd1a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/13077349953_c7dc8dbd1a_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view along Gurney Drive</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Then we stumbled into a street of restored commercial buildings that looked like they were plucked straight from a Hollywood studio. Beach Street (Lebuh Pantai) is the high-end district of Georgetown where upscale restaurants and shops are located. This time I could not stop gushing about how much I already love Penang. I have repeatedly said that I am a sucker for all things quaint, and Penang has hit all spots - quaint, artsy, relaxed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3463/13055861545_83c6723fff_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3463/13055861545_83c6723fff_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></div><br />I would never forget the street arts that subtly pop out of nowhere. It made me wish we had the same pleasant surprise in the streets of Manila. Several museums can also be found in the Inner City ranging from a state museum to places for hobbyist, like the camera and chocolate museums.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/13128787903_9a79bc0cd5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/13128787903_9a79bc0cd5_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></div><br />I like how the Inner City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been restored in a way that the area is intact, functional, and informative without making us feel like we stepped into a huge tourist trap at the same time.<br /><br />At the end of the day, we were tired and hungry from all the walking.This is not a problem in Penang since this state is the food capital of Malaysia (and that's according to my taste buds!). Everyone deserves a good feast after a whole-day workout. Penang food deserves another lengthy post.<br /><br /><b><i>Share your Penang experiences too!</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b>** The map below is useful when coming up with your own Penang Walking Tour.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5ywZN0-5wo/UyHWm03ShZI/AAAAAAAAHJo/6cfbgIarqs8/s1600/penang-heritage-city-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5ywZN0-5wo/UyHWm03ShZI/AAAAAAAAHJo/6cfbgIarqs8/s1600/penang-heritage-city-map.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map from http://www.pulaupinang.com/2011/03/penang-georgetown-world-heritage-city-cultural-city-map/</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0George Town, Penang, Malaysia5.41792 100.329597000000045.2914559999999993 100.16823550000004 5.544384 100.49095850000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-75801581275228559342014-02-23T17:44:00.003+08:002016-01-02T12:43:53.292+08:00Pyromusical First-Timer<div style="text-align: justify;">Like most people, fireworks amaze me like a moth drawn to flame. It's even better when you set fireworks to music. Think sychronized swimming. Now it's just not all about bright explosions, but about art, choreography, colors and timing.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition is now running on its 5th year, and though I am a sucker for fireworks, this year was my first time to witness sparks fly everywhere.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Coming in early had its perks. I got to choose the best spot in the area and of course, aside from an unobstructed view of the main spectacle from Spain and United Kingdom, I had the chance to see the famous Manila Bay sunset. Because really, aside from seeing it while you're passing by Roxas Boulevard, when was the last time you purposely stopped to bask in the fiery beauty? </div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/12711618105_c5d9964753_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/12711618105_c5d9964753_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Patron area is a good spot for watching the sunset. PhP 1500 gets you a great front view plus a buffet dinner too!</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/12711615835_c12ae2e0f2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/12711615835_c12ae2e0f2_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset view from my spot in the VIP area - it's as good as the Patron seats!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Early birds like me were greeted by bongo bands, mascots, and men walking on stilts. Food stalls were scattered around the area and their crew were going around the place to get orders from people like me who were hungry but couldn't manage to leave their spot.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/12712069974_9056b5211b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/12712069974_9056b5211b_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still believe that it was a TMNT mascot - maybe Leonardo</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/12712072084_3683f2c411_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/12712072084_3683f2c411_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">¡</span>Ola!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/12711781973_c4df0253b9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/12711781973_c4df0253b9_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOS - Sekyu on Stilts</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There were also several performances by dance groups throughout the night and half of The Zombettes, Sanya Smith, also played sets in between the performances.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Festivities went a notch higher when the announcer boomed over the speakers, officially starting the ceremony by playing our national anthem. The criteria were announced and the board of judges were introduced. A few minutes later, lights were dimmed for Brunchu Pyro of Spain. The theme for their entry was "Jump" - their way of telling Filipinos that we can jump over the hurdles of Yolanda.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/12712061564_ae651749f6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/12712061564_ae651749f6_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3667/12711609105_0f1653ceca_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3667/12711609105_0f1653ceca_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Next entry was from Jubilee Fireworks from United Kingdom. Their entry started subtle with low fireworks in tune to the first slow beats and eventually breaking out into big, colorful explosions. I had a hard time fitting the sparks into the frame. UK also showcased different shapes to tickle your fancy, like hearts and palm trees and chili peppers like the photo below. It's either that or my imagination was all over the place!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/12715050544_f396a4d919_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/12715050544_f396a4d919_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/12714751573_86e3944c77_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/12714751573_86e3944c77_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's no surprise that UK is the defending champion in the competition and a two-time winner (2010 and 2013). Former champions China and Canada are scheduled in the next few weeks and the competition would be tighter. But do we really care which country will take the trophy? The audience in awe is the true winner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>** The competition will run for 4 more Saturdays until March 22 at SM Mall of Asia (By the Bay).</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-almpLKjewvE/Uwm-sO31s-I/AAAAAAAAHJM/9bZxQi1cMOw/s1600/2014sked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-almpLKjewvE/Uwm-sO31s-I/AAAAAAAAHJM/9bZxQi1cMOw/s1600/2014sked.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-48067859651481046942014-01-05T02:58:00.000+08:002016-01-02T12:44:12.350+08:00See.Hear.Explore. Bali: Temples<div style="text-align: justify;">Braving reef breaks, riding waves, watching beautiful sunsets, all-night partying, staring at the beauty around you (AKA people-surfing), communing with nature, immersing in culture and arts, lounging by the beach, gorging in mouthwatering food, zipping through the streets in a motorcycle.. anything and everything that floats your boat, name it! Bali has all this in store for all kinds of people looking for their own brand of fun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I stayed in the island in September 2013 and though I had doubts regarding the length of our stay (7 days felt too long), my thoughts on the plane going home was <i>"When can I go back?"</i>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I now understand why people who come over for a couple of days end up staying for months.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let's start with the first thing that comes to mind... <i>Eat.Pray.Love. </i>by Elizabeth Gilbert. Don't come to Bali looking for your own Javier Bardem. If you don't get out of Kuta, all you will ever find are drunk good-looking people perfect for flings. If you're lucky you might find people who are genuine and inspiring like the <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.com/2013/09/bali-sunset-and-sudden-happiness.html" target="_blank">group of locals we met at Kuta Beach</a>.<br /><br />Now that you have thrown out your cheesy (or sleazy!) purpose, look around and experience Bali.<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">What to <i>See.Hear.Explore.</i> in Bali </span></b><br /><br />At the top of the list is visiting the temples and seeing for yourself samples of world-renowned Balinese architecture. Although the contemporary Balinese style is seen anywhere in the island, spending a couple of days to explore the houses and temples outside of Kuta is a must.<br /><br />It will be impossible to visit each one as there are thousands (and you can get temple-sick too), so here's a short list of temples worth seeing.<br /><br />***<br /><br />Tourists flock to <b><i>Ulun Danu Bratan</i></b> for the cool climate (think Baguio) and the striking location of the temple. The complex is located by the Lake Bratan, surrounded by the mountains of Bedugul. A pagoda sits on a small island, separated from the rest of the complex. Boats on the other side of the temple are available for rent for those who want to sail.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/11727280385_0593da9081_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/11727280385_0593da9081_z.jpg" height="385" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pura Ulun Danu Bratan</i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><i></i></b><br /><b><i>Pura Taman Ayun</i></b> is a picturesque complex with rows of pagodas separated from the temple gardens by a moat and a concrete wall.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/11727572854_30fd07aca2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/11727572854_30fd07aca2_z.jpg" height="385" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pura Taman Ayun</i> </td></tr></tbody></table>Do not miss the chance to watch the sunset at <b><i>Pura Luhur Uluwatu</i></b>. The temple is situated on a cliff side with a pagoda looking over the sea. A Kecak Fire Dance performance (a must-watch!) is held every night in time for sunset. Remember to take care of your belongings while going around the temple since monkeys are common in this area. They might surprise you on the way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/11727860574_0c4924b3b6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/11727860574_0c4924b3b6_z.jpg" height="385" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pura Luhur Uluwatu</i></td></tr></tbody></table>My personal favorite is <b><i>Pura Gunung Kawi</i></b>. After a 15-min trek through rice paddies and streams, a huge stone cliff with larger-than-life carvings await. Since the site is located in the midst of rice fields, you can hear the birds calling, the sound of the river flowing, and the sound of wind chimes in chorus.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/11735990646_c8bbbeb69f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/11735990646_c8bbbeb69f_z.jpg" height="385" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pura Gunung Kawi</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Other temples that you can visit are: <i style="font-weight: bold;">Goa Gajah</i> which features a gaping mouth as a cave entrance and <b><i>Tirta Empul</i> </b>where the Balinese bathe in the sacred spring with intentions for good health and fortune.<br /><br />***<br /><br />The best way to visit the temples is to hire a taxi. The rates are usually from 400-450K rupiahs for 10 hours (haggling included). Note that the trip would usually go beyond 10 hours (the sites are 1-2 hours away from Kuta) so do make it a point to tip the driver generously. Our driver also divided the temples into 2 areas so we spent 2 whole afternoons for the visits.<br /><br />Most temples also have entrance fees (usual rate at 30K IDR). Ladies on their period are not allowed to enter the temples as this goes against religious beliefs. <i>Sarongs</i> are also provided at the temple entrances and part of the fun is choosing a colorful cover-up.<br /><br />After a tiring day of visiting temples, it is mandatory to get a bottle of Bintang while you sit back and wiggle your tired feet on the sand!<br /><br />Coming up next on <b><i>See.Hear.Explore. Bali</i>:</b> Life on the Beach!</div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-18806535338469882192013-12-31T16:42:00.000+08:002016-01-02T12:44:39.635+08:00A Sendoff for 2013<div style="text-align: justify;">I remember writing in <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-obligatory-new-year-post.html" target="_blank">2012</a> that I welcome 2013 with anticipation for all the things that it might bring.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And it did bring things in little waves.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For one, I seem to have abandoned this space, with posts less than half the number of entries last year. I could blame it on writer's block, but the truth is, I simply did not find the time to spew something out.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I spent the first 3 months of 2013 holed up in <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.com/search/label/Brunei" target="_blank">Brunei</a>, and though it did me good for my personal goals, it did not motivate me to write as much as I thought it would. I did spend a weekend away with friends in <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.com/2013/04/under-bridge.html" target="_blank">Singapore</a> and wandered solo in <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-mojo-chinese-new-year-and-miri.html" target="_blank">Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia</a> for CNY. But even with those, I only managed to come up with one for each.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/11663630386_25888d9c35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/11663630386_25888d9c35.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top left: Brunei's Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque; Singapore's Henderson Waves Bridge; Chinese Temple preps in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia; CNY celebrations</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By summertime, I was busy reconnecting with friends back home. When you have been away for a few months, would you rather capture the time when you meet your friends and folks again or would you just want to stay in the moment? <i>See. I thought so too.</i> There goes Baguio, Samar, Batangas, Tagaytay, and Cebu.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/11663096025_be87cbb030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/11663096025_be87cbb030.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top left: with my family in Sky Ranch, Tagaytay; a deserted beach near my Lolo's place in Daanbantayan, Cebu; brocolli-picking with friends in Baguio; La Luz in Laiya, Batangas; Baguio roadtrip; Liliputan Rock Beach in Eastern Samar</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Towards the end of the year, <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.com/search/label/Bali" target="_blank">Bali</a> seemed to pull me out of the writing rut I was in, but with only one post after spending a week in The Island of A Thousand Gods, who was I kidding? The only thing that moved me to write was the moment of bliss by the beach. From September until December, I made 3 trips to Malaysia and as of posting time, I still have nothing to publish about Penang and Malacca. Never mind that Penang has been in my To-Go List for a couple of years now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5528/11663576834_7fdba56dbe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5528/11663576834_7fdba56dbe.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top left: Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia; by the river in Malacca, Malaysia; the lovely buildings in Penang, Malaysia; Uluwatu Temple in Bali; Christ Church in Malacca</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">I might sound bitter in 2013 when it comes to writing but that Bali post proved one thing: I now find it harder to write about subjects that really does not interest me or things that I find disenchanting. This space has turned from being helpful and informative to a deeply personal, almost reflective, travel blog. I even wrote a piece about <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.com/2013/02/woes-of-first-time-ofw.html" target="_blank">homesickness</a> and another one about <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.com/2013/08/OnSurvival-EntertainYourself.html" target="_blank">surviving out there</a>. At that time, I probably thought I was an expert.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another thing is that my personal life has traversed a different road too. This year I have started cooking and I am on my way to eating healthy. Exercise has finally found its way back into my life through muay thai (which I love BTW). Priorities have changed and clarity seems within grasp.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2013 is the year when storytelling took a backseat, but looking back, it is possible that creativity just took on a new route. 2013 mellowed me out and tamed my ways a little but I am not complaining. In order to progress, one must evolve. The new year can only mean new possibilities and the thought of the unknown excites me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am ready, as always.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Wishing everyone a happy and sparkling new year filled with love and travels!</b></i></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-54705083479543428982013-11-03T15:25:00.001+08:002016-01-02T12:45:02.069+08:00Tableau Sunday: Mt. Pulag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8142142095_727dae603f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8142142095_727dae603f_z.jpg" height="326" width="580" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>**This photo was taken back during the days when I could still muster climbing a mountain.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Mt. Pulag, at 2922 meters above sea level, is the third highest peak in the country (next to Apo and Dulang-dulang) and the highest peak in Luzon. Now I haven't been to a lot of peaks, but Mt. Pulag is certainly one of the most picturesque. The photo shows the descent from the peak going back to the campsite with the early morning sun graciously shining. The campsite is surrounded by rolling grassy hills so vast and beautiful that I could actually picture Julie Andrews in the opening scene of Sound of Music. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">While most will say that Mt. Pulag is a great summer escape, I still think the best time to go is from December-January, when at night the temperature could drop to 2 degrees or even lower. Most people come to Pulag with the hopes of seeing the sunrise. After feeling cold the whole night, the sun shining is a most welcome sight. Imagine yourself in front of the golden sun, surrounded by an endless sea of clouds, and you get what possibly is the best sunrise experience ever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>For information on Mt. Pulag trails and sample itineraries, visit <a href="http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinoy Mountaineer</a>.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-89735219320570000522013-09-25T19:42:00.001+08:002016-01-02T12:45:20.263+08:00Life in the Brunei River<div style="text-align: justify;">You should come to Brunei.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It won't be your usual busy place, but you should come <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.com/2013/03/gracias-brunei.html" target="_blank">because it's different</a>. Brunei forces you to be calm and relaxed, and it even forces you to change your life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm kidding of course. No place can change you without your permission.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you ever find yourself in this little Borneo country, head on over to the Brunei River and schedule an afternoon tour, preferably just before sunset.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b>Visit Kampung Ayer, the world's largest water village</b><br /><b><br /></b> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/9891968955_c281fda897_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/9891968955_c281fda897_z.jpg" height="386" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kampung Ayer as seen from the Royal Wharf</i></td></tr></tbody></table>From across the river, one might think that this is a slum area, much like what we see here in our country. But upon a closer look, you'll find a gasoline station, several mosques, and schools, all in stilts. Oh also, you'll find the houses with air-con and cable satellite dish installed.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/9892029164_0710500c2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/9892029164_0710500c2c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the Kampung Ayer schools</i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/9892001055_27b2cebe3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/9892001055_27b2cebe3b.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Police Station</i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/9892022076_366a2388ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/9892022076_366a2388ee.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cruising through the Brunei River</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/9892020856_322dcacd32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/9892020856_322dcacd32.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh and did I mention there's a government housing too?</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Kampong Ayer is accessible via water taxis, found along the Royal Wharf in Bandar. You can hire a boat to tour around the village and to go deep into the mangroves to see the proboscis monkeys. If you have ample time, you can ask the boatman to wait for you as you explore Kampong Ayer on foot. Haggle with the boatman as they tend to have a high asking price. Mine asked for 50BND but I haggled for a couple of minutes before we finally agreed at 30BND. I heard some people were able to bring their fare down to 15BND though.<br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>Historical Sites</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b>The boatman will take you upstream and deeper into the mangrove. On the way you will pass by historical sites such as this one. The photo below is of the old Royal Cemetery, where generations of the Royal Family used to be buried.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2827/9930692923_1f7f72d15a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2827/9930692923_1f7f72d15a_z.jpg" height="387" width="580" /></a></div><br />On the river banks you will also see the Royal Family's jetty port as well as the dome of the Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei and is recognized as the largest residential palace in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records. Interestingly, the palace was designed by Leandro Locsin, a Filipino architect. Too bad it is not open to the public and we can only see the dome.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3759/9930551615_c8325248cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3759/9930551615_c8325248cc.jpg" /></a></div><br />Now, compare that speck of dome with the photo below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/9930589904_4fe26d0561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/9930589904_4fe26d0561.jpg" /></a></div><br />That used to be the official residence of the Sultan, before oil was discovered in Brunei. See what riches oil can bring to a country?<br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>Spot the Proboscis monkeys</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />AKA the long-nosed monkeys. Note that this specie is endemic to Borneo. You can find them half an hour away from Kampong Ayer. The area will grow quieter and you will be enveloped in an endless sight of mangroves.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/9929310796_b1af1f09cc_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/9929310796_b1af1f09cc_z.jpg" height="387" width="580" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The boatman will then try to spot where the proboscis monkeys are. They live in groups and are usually easy to spot. When you hear leaves thrashing and honking sounds, you will most likely find them there.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/9929309516_d33668baf9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/9929309516_d33668baf9_z.jpg" height="387" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Monkey mob!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/9929308046_27547de6dd_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/9929308046_27547de6dd_z.jpg" height="387" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Godfather</i></td></tr></tbody></table>I felt funny after seeing a proboscis monkey. The resemblance of this specie to how some of us humans look like is amusing and eerie at the same time. Long nose and big belly, I'm pretty sure that would remind you of someone you know. Kidding!<br /><br />The truth is, I'm quite scared of dark, murky fresh waters. I can't help but picture crocodiles and snakes lurking nearby. However, seeing the proboscis monkeys in their habitat from a few feet way entertained me more than I thought it would. Plus the novelty of seeing people luxuriously living in the water piqued my interest. And just so you know, most people who live in Kampong Ayer have their cars parked across the river. How cool is that?<br /><br /><br /></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-7484089676936363472013-09-20T18:33:00.001+08:002013-09-24T15:25:18.363+08:00Bali, Sunset, and A Sudden Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/9832810916_81b5822917_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/9832810916_81b5822917_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I keep telling people that I enjoyed my stay in Bali and I keep getting questions in return. <i>Why? What's in Bali?</i> If there's one reason why you should visit Bali, the answer is in that photo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We could always argue that we have a better sunset by the beach in Boracay, with the finest, white sand, but Bali makes up for it with its endearing, laid back and never-pretentious vibe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/9832767654_eb79f43bce_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/9832767654_eb79f43bce_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">No permanent structure can be found on the wide stretch of sand, but vendors are allowed to pitch umbrellas, bring plastic chairs, and sell ice-cold Bintang from their ice boxes. The beach is separated from the streets and the restaurants by a tall, white wall, effectively isolating the beach from the rest of the traffic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/9833005966_3b70ee4d1e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/9833005966_3b70ee4d1e_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the entrances leading to the beach, built in Balinese-architecture style</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Most restaurants have roofdecks facing the beach for people who want to see the sunset but do not want to get sand on their feet. Who does that anyway? The best place to catch the sunset is by the beach, sitting on the sand, with a Bintang in hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On the first afternoon that we spent on Kuta Beach, we luckily found a bunch of spirited Indonesians. The owner, together with his crew, lives in a hostel just like everyone else you meet on the road. The guy is from Jakarta but he moved recently to Bali after realizing that all life is not about money and possessions. He made the move after it dawned on him that he feels most at peace in Bali. My heart was glad when I heard him say that. This type of people, I call them the enlightened ones, never fail to awe me. Few people have realized this, and even fewer have done something about it. So we bought a couple of beers, waited for the sunset, and sat there until it was late. The night ended with candles and guitars and singing. My heart was soaring with unexplained calm and contentment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/9832858705_c3cf26c547_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/9832858705_c3cf26c547_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The next day, we went back to the same spot on the beach and found a huge gathering of people seated in a circle, taking turns in singing. They organized a cocktail afternoon, where everyone chips in cash and someone runs to get drinks from the grocery store. Add a little bit of mixing here and there and then there's cocktails for every one! So from 7 people the previous night, the group ballooned to almost 30 people of different ages and races, sitting on the beach with candles on the sand, singing whatever song that comes to mind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/9833458723_a76a2af8bf_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/9833458723_a76a2af8bf_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5469/9832867376_4699cf459c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5469/9832867376_4699cf459c_z.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I could go on forever about about my sunset experience in Bali, but my point here is that there are pockets of time when you feel sudden, arresting happiness and one of mine happened in Bali, by the beach, while watching the sunset and while singing random songs with people I barely know. I'm not saying that it will be the same experience for every one, nor am I saying that it won't. For some reason, the universe conspired, all became clear, and it happened to me. Bali has made me happier in a personal, beyond words kind of way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Because of that, I shall find my way back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-21101085380986473022013-08-19T17:35:00.000+08:002016-01-02T12:48:35.872+08:00How to Survive Out There: Entertain Yourself<div style="text-align: justify;">People who are sent to a new place for a period of time that's not long enough to be working on a new life but lengthy enough to make them miss home are subject to a dilemma of either just waiting it out or choosing to do something with their time. After a few weeks of staying in a new place, it just becomes impossible to stay in bed the whole day. When the hotel air suddenly feels musty, you'll know that you need something else to do.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is only one rule: entertain yourself. It takes a good amount of practice to master the art of keeping boredom at bay.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are some tried and tested tips:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>1. Know the place</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Others get holed up in the hotel without seeing a thing. Some see this as a golden ticket of opportunity to see and experience the 'newness' around them. It could be visiting the spots, first the touristy ones, then go find some off-the-beaten track of your own. It could be just walking around and exploring, like moving in a new neighborhood and getting to know who lives next door. Or it could be learning about their culture. Get to know something that will amaze you each day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/9545738890_eae5624e15_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/9545738890_eae5624e15_z.jpg" height="435" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bring out your map and do something about the newness around you</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>2. Do yoga/walk/swim</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's the perfect time to revisit that old fitness routine you liked. I somehow rekindled my inkling for yoga, doing poses early in the day before I prepare for work and at night, before I retire to bed. If you have ever thought of meditating or practicing mindfulness but have not found the time, being alone in a new place is the perfect opportunity to start. On weekends, I would walk to the sports stadium, sit on the stairs and pretend it's the same Met Museum of Art stairs in Gossip Girl, watch people jog, and see the grandiose sunset. On some days when it's extra humid, I would go to the pool across the hotel and swim. Sometimes I would bring a book, dip my toes in the water, and read the whole afternoon.<br /><br />Here's another realization: it is highly possible that you will go easy on yourself (meaning eating more!) and in the end, gain xx pounds. It happened to me and though I was able to catch it towards the end of my 3-month stint, I unfortunately still have my extra baggage. Lesson learned.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. Learn a new language</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My Spanish progressed in 3 months. For 30 minutes each night, I would play my Pimsleur lessons and repeat the phrases out loud. <i>Hablo castellano un poco.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It can be a new language, a new skill (learn salsa maybe), or something career-related to add glitz to your resume.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>4. Eat and take time tasting the food while you're at it</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Eat at different places. Explore every night. Except on nights when I am really tired and would just settle for room service, I would go out of my way to try out new places to eat at. Discover the joy of eating alone. I ate slow, savoring each and every bite of food. I learned to pay attention to the food I was eating, conscious of how it tastes, as opposed to before when I just gorged on my food and talked throughout the entire meal.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/9545847774_87e1242e4a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/9545847774_87e1242e4a_z.jpg" height="435" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practice mindful eating</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>5. Talk to people</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Be it people in the hotel, the office, or people in the street or in restaurants. Be it locals, foreigners, or Filipinos alike. Make sure it's genuine. Cut the rehearsed small talks. Just talk. Chances are you will end the day learning something new. The worst thing that could happen is you talked to a crook and the conversation did not go so well.. that one you could keep in your memory as something to laugh about later. As for me, I ended up getting to know someone whom I had good conversations with over dinner, someone who took me around Brunei and and who shared the best dining spots, and a new girl friend who took me on a spa and salon weekend.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>6. Keep yourself up-to-date </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/9543121845_405a2680c3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/9543121845_405a2680c3_z.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>The most efficient way to keep track of upcoming events is to read blogs of local social media movers. They actually have more information than the daily paper. Out of curiosity, I tried several things, even the ones that I would never make an effort to see back home. I've watched a Circus Firemen show, a classical music night with a Taiwanese pianist and violinist, a university football game, a Regatta competition, and a kart race competition. All because of those blogs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><b>7. Troop to other places on weekends</b></div><div><br /></div><div>If you feel like you've seen everything there is in your area, plan for a <a href="http://antsybee.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-mojo-chinese-new-year-and-miri.html" target="_blank">longer trip on weekends</a>. Sure it takes a little more effort than just going out of the hotel and walking around, but remember, when you're back home, you would probably regret not taking the opportunity. Just let people know where you are and when you should be back.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>8. Ask around for "The best"</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Where is the best place to view the sunset? Where can I have the best Nasi Katok? Where is the best satay place in town? Where can I have the best nasi ayam penyet? Where can I get the best Japanese/Thai/Indian food? Can you take me to the best beach? Where's the best place to get chocolates? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I thought of something, I always asked where was the best place to get it. Most likely, people will have differing opinions. Have your own winner. Finding the best is an adventure of its own.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>9. Catch up with friends and family online</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Being away is the perfect time to connect with old friends online. Better yet, if time permits, hop on a plane and visit friends.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>10. Lastly, you could always resort to the TV. Or better yet, read.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You now have an excuse to spend endless hours watching that TV series.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><i>Do you have more tips on how to make good use of your stint abroad? Share your thoughts!</i></b><br /><br /></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350509975273059918.post-23166090346683188612013-06-27T17:59:00.002+08:002016-01-02T12:45:42.713+08:00Alive!<div style="text-align: justify;">Yikes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've been dreading the day when I finally do this, force myself to sit, and produce something. It does not help that more than a month ago I've abandoned this blog and my last words were represented by those of a sponsored post. Who does that? Guilty as charged.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So here I am, bouncing back. Things need some changing around here.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />First, the layout needs a revamp. A little tweak here and there and it should be as good as new. I will go back to the drawing board and come up with something inspired by minimalist designs that I admire. I imagine it would entail hours and hours of self-tutoring on CSS but wouldn't that be more fulfilling? If you happen to be a guru on web design, I would be grateful for any tips and pointers. Brunch on me!<br /><br />Second, the posts! Oh the posts need some boosting. I've been cooking something in my head. A collaboration with fellow bloggers that would inspire me to write weekly.. ahem. :)<br /><br />Lastly, <i>See.Hear.Explore.</i> is more fun with fellow enthusiasts! Let's make it a more collaborative and interactive world shall we?<br /><br />So now, sit back, drink up, and keep plotting those destinations. Change is coming and it's only going to get better! ;)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><i>PS. This is my public declaration of commitment to this share of space. Let's all <b>See.Hear.Explore.</b> more often!</i><br /><i><br /></i></div>Ruby Batalloneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871855777854486395noreply@blogger.com0