Iloilo City Escapade

I was so excited when my husband booked my plane ticket going back to our hometown. It's a blessing in disguise that he went to Cape Town, South Africa for a business trip for two weeks. It gave me enough time to stay in Iloilo. Going back home to our place was nostalgic. Remembering all those happy and sad moments when we were there. The life we have now when compared to before, says it all. Anyway, I have 20 days to enjoy my hometown which means I need to maximize it and make sure that my itinerary should be followed so that I won't miss a thing.

I arrived in Iloilo at 7:00 PM with heavy rain welcoming me and my first dish was laswa (Mixed vegetable soup) and fish. It was so delicious and perfect for the cold night. On my first week, I decided to stay in the house and did some cleaning and fixing of our personal stuffs. I also went visiting families and eating foods where I missed the most. Seeing my family happy and okay was my goal.

I really missed the peaceful nights at our place, the simple lifestyle, the fresh air, the rice fields, chirping of the birds and the smell of the plants and trees during sunrise. For me, this is the life that I've missed and has always been missing when I'm in Manila. Again, I experienced eating without buying anything where I can just pick all the ingredients in our backyard. The taste of the food that my Nanay (Mother) cooked can't be compared to any restaurant I've visited. I have experienced again how to ride a Tricycle in the bumpy rocky road in our town. It was so funny remembering how I have been complaining all of those time when I was still living here. All those times I thought life was so hard but it all changed when I experienced living Manila. Experiencing traffic for hours, flood anywhere and expensive kind of living. I can now just simply say that life in the province is far more better and easy. Reminiscing the past made me laugh and teary-eyed. I am a different person now I can surely say. I have changed a lot. Changed to someone better, stronger, loving and more understanding kind of person. I praise God for that and to all of His promises to my life. Life taught me so much.

Iloilo City I must say, is a well developed city already. Living for 3 years in Manila caused me to miss a lot of things. More buildings were built, more restaurants and bars to hang-out, more amenities to enjoy and many investors coming in. I am so proud to what the City of Smiles has become.

Iloilo has so much to offer as well if going out of town is your trip. My brother was my tour guide during one of my trip outside the city. He let me experienced staying in a well-known resort of San Joaquin, Iloilo, The Assemblage Point Resort and Convention Hub. From Iloilo City proper, it will take you at least 2-3 hrs riding a Jeep. The place has an overlooking view of the sea and it was not crowded. The calmness of the sea gives another flavor of peaceful time during your stay there. This place is perfect if you are looking to relax and be far from the city noise. Booking our stay there comes with breakfast. The room was cozy and comfortable with nice interiors. Expect to have no signal on your mobile phones there and that the place does not offer free WiFi. The place though was a bit expensive for an overnight stay.

My Iloilo itinerary comes with meeting my close friends and trying some new places to hang out. I've been to different restos and coffee shops. My favorite from all of them was the San Jose Café, located in Southpoint Annex. I like their smoothies and sandwiches. The place was cozy and they have excellent customer service. I also did running in a fully developed Esplanade which the City is so proud of. It is estimated to be around 3 kilometers from end to end. The view of the sunset is so dramatic and bizarre. Make sure to have this on your itinerary when going to Iloilo.

The simple life in my province recharged me and helped me to recover from all the stress I have experienced in Manila. All the gala and touring around makes me appreciate what we have. I know there are still a lot of things I might have missed during my 20 days stay in Iloilo but I will be back soon, ready to explore more and enjoy what the place can offer. I just want to thank God for the overflowing blessings we have received from Him and for the good health.

Till next time guys. God bless you all.

Baiyoke Sky Hotel in Bangkok Thailand (Tower II)

This is the continuation of my Thailand story, our last day and night in Bangkok. We headed to the city and checked in to the one of the amazing hotels in Bangkok, The Baiyoke Sky Hotel. We booked our room at the 41st floor. Just perfect view and experience for a luxurious night in the city. The hotel is strategically located in the heart of downtown where you can find all the cheap shopping bazaars, the Pratunam Bangkok.

Baiyoke Sky Hotel is the tallest hotel in Southeast Asia and the second tallest building in the city of Bangkok after MahaNakhon was build in 2016. It is an 88-storey with its height of 328.4 m (1,077 ft.) skyscraper hotel including the antenna. The Hotel features a 360-degree revolving roof deck on the 84th floor and a public observatory on the 77th floor. There is also a "Roof Top Bar & Music Lounge" on the 83rd floor which we didn't experience when we were there due to time constraints. But the place was so nice especially during the night with spectacular view of the city. The Viewing Deck and the Restaurants can still be accessed by anyone even not checked in to the Hotel, just deal with the Entrance Fees :) .

It was a beautiful experience and this was my first five-star hotel experience so far. Seeing the city in a 360-degree view with all the buildings, sky ways and railways going to Suvarnabhumi Airport. We had a lovely and delicious breakfast at the 76th floor with the magnificent view of the sunrise. We were able to taste different cuisine the Hotel offers and we enjoyed it so much. Booking a suite room in Baiyoke Sky Hotel comes with a buffet breakfast for two. The Hotel also offered a Free unlimited Wifi access. One thing that somehow disappoints me is that place was so crowded and the streets around it was so narrow (though I know its in downtown but still, safety is priority). It seems that the location of the hotel is not suitable for its elegance. But when it comes to their rooms, it was luxurious and I will give them a 4 Star and thumbs up.

Sharing you all some more pictures captured during our stay. Enjoy!!!

When in Thailand

It's been awhile since my last International Adventure. Thanks to my very supportive hubby for making this happen. Never in my life did I dream that I will be visiting Thailand and experience its culture. The only thing I know is that Thailand has a famous celebrity (one of my personal favorites) and that is Mario Maurer. But since we have friends there and all the stories I heard from my hubby since he used to work in a Company there years ago makes me wanna visit and explore it. I also wanted to know more about their culture and beliefs. One that amazes me the most is their language too. How they communicate to tourists and why there are many English teacher from Philippines working in their country.

Before anything else, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cebu Pacific for their promo fare. It's a big plus for our trip since we saved a lot. Without your promo fare we won't be able to experience traveling to different Countries. Perks of staying late at night. 😅

Our itinerary was prepared by my hubby with some help from our friend who is already there. We left home at around 2:00 am for our 5:00 am flight. We arrived in Suvarnabhumi Airport around 8:00 am (9:00AM PH Time) and we headed directly to Pattaya. We took a Bus and traveled for about 3-4 hours. Since we did not have enough sleep due to early flight, we took the chance to get some while in the bus. Thanks to hubby he knows a little Thai language so it somehow helped a bit when asking for directions. It was both our first time to go to Pattaya and we met a lot of foreigners heading there as well. 

When we arrived in Pattaya, we took another 45 Minutes Ferry ride going to Koh Larn, one of the beautiful Islands around Pattaya. The place was so beautiful during the day and peaceful during the night. I've noticed that most of the people there don't know how to speak in English and they were afraid to talk to us. We then settled our things and place to stay for a night. The Resort we got offered free motorcycle for Customers to use to drive around the place the reason it was not hard for us to see most of the place in a few hours only. Koh Larn have beautiful beaches with affordable food and places to stay.  We visited Pattaya view point and some old historical places the island offers. The scenery was so awesome and dramatic and the food was so delicious and tasty. Everything in Koh Larn Pattaya was beautiful.

 Staying only for a night in Koh Larn was a bit short but we need to move to our next itinerary which is going to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Another 3 to 4 hours Bus ride again from Pattaya to Bangkok and of course, chance to get some sleep. We stayed in our friend's apartment this time and it was near the old Bangkok Airport. Our Day 2 were almost spent on traveling places to places. We experienced eating dinner on sidewalk food stalls (it is so popular in Thailand) with freshly cooked food served in front of us. The food we ordered were very cheap and delicious (we had Kao Phat Moo, Moo Krook and Tom Yum Goong) and we enjoyed it a lot. Thailand is really all about their affordable foods, lifestyle, and beautiful places.

I was not informed that our Day 3 itineraries in Bangkok were so packed. But thanks to my previous training (jogging and mountain hiking), it helped me a lot when it comes to all day walking and non-stop travels. Our Day started at 7am and it ends at 11pm. It was a continuous roaming around with a combination of riding, walking, eating and taking photos. We visited different Temples during this day. We rented a Taxi with a Thai driver but can speak English very well. He toured us around Ayuthaya, Elephant Camp, Wat Mahathat and Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol. For the price for that trip, I would recommend him to other Tourists since he knows most of the places and he is very friendly.

The ruins in every temple we've visited were fabulous and left me a feeling to know more about their history. They were so beautiful and appealing. It also  makes me wonder how it was built and how it looks like before it was destroyed. How the King of Thailand lead his people in this magnificent Kingdom? You can see it for your I felt puzzled and speechless while roaming around and taking photos. After Ayuthaya, we went to Chatuchak Weekend Market. The market was so overwhelming that at the very moment we arrived, I had no idea where to start and what to buy. Everything in my mind I wanted to buy before this trip were all gone and I ended up buying nothing except for a small souvenirs I brought home. 

Other Photos from temple ruins:

I really felt so sad that time and learned a lesson to make sure to plan out every thing especially when we have a very limited time. And before our Day ends, we dropped by to Asiatique The Riverfront for our Dinner and a couple of beers. We took MTR from Chatuchak going to a Station near the Terminal of the free Ferry Boat going to Asiatique. This place is a large open-air mall in Bangkok. It is situated in the former docks of the East Asiatic Company, and faces the Chao Phraya River and Charoen Krung Road. They have different food selections, the selections of shops is interesting too, with a good range of unusual brands. We had our dinner at Baan Khanitha, a Thai Cuisine and their food were so delicious but a bit pricey. But still it was worth the experience.

Because we were so tired, our Day 4 was limited to Wat Pho, Mont Nom Sut, and Terminal 21 only. Wat Pho, is a Buddhist temple complex in the Phra Nakhon District. Known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It was near the Grand Palace where the body of the late King of Thailand was place and open for visiting. Going here should have in proper dress code. Technically everyone (men and women) should wear long sleeved tops and long trousers. All shoes should have the toes covered as well. Realistically this only applies when you go inside the Reclining Buddha building and any of the bots (chapels). 

I experienced also dropping coins in their 108 bronze bowls in the corridor representing the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha as it is believed to bring good fortune, and it also helps to maintain the place. After Wat Pho, we went to a well-known successful food chain in Thailand, the Mont Nom Sut. Famous for their toasts and milk. Their toasts comes with a variety of delicious fillings (Original Coconut Custard, Coconut Custard, Condensed Milk, Sugar, Marmalade Jam, Chocolate, Corn Soup, Strawberry Jam, Taro Custard) at just 23 baht. Of course, we tried their chocolate, strawberry, condensed milk and pandan fillings with their delicious juices. They also have a variety of breads for sale. Mont Nom Sut is really famous were foreigners and even locals spend time to visit this place. So be patient a bit as you need to wait for a while to get a table were you will enjoy your food. After having snacks, we went to Terminal 21 where we experienced riding their underground train (which my second time after Hong Kong). Terminal 21 brings the dream of traveling the world to downtown Bangkok, with it's cutting-edge concept that places several world-famous cities under one roof.  Here you will experience a lifestyle mall with a personality. A luxurious place for me with a very nice architectural designs and a good ambiance. People who love shopping for branded items will love this place.

Other Photos from Wat Pho:

Our Day 5 was all about Baiyoke Sky Hotel experience and I will just share it with you guys in a different page. 

Our Day 6 was the most painful part, the moment you need to leave and go back home. I will really miss Thailand, their food, lifestyle, transportation, locals and especially my Filipino friend. Special mention to our dearest friend Jane Secula who helped us in planning the trip and letting us stay in her apartment. Thank you friend for everything (our tour guide/interpreter, introducing us to different Thai food, being our UNO master and especially cooking my midnight snack). I know that you had a personal struggles prior this but still you let us enjoy our stay there. My experience and beautiful memories won't be that awesome without your help. And to my hubby whose been very supportive in everything I do, I love you! 😘

Pictures with friends:

Baguio City, Philippines

Baguio City, so far,  is one of my favorite place here in the Philippines. It is a highly urbanized city in the Northern Luzon and also known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines". I love the cold weather na parang meh Korea feels lang. :D I love roaming around the city seeing people wearing their best winter clothes (and I just love winter clothes because maybe kinain na nga ata talaga ako ng sistema ng KDrama. LOL). The view of the pine trees are just so beautiful that you will feel like you're in a different world. It is really an amazing place for me compare to the hot temperature and traffic in Manila. You could really relax and feel refreshed after your stay here. The place itself is just perfect for me.The food there is cheaper compared to other places i have visited but tastes good. Meat and vegetables are fresh and each servings can be shared by two people already. A lot of nice and cozy restaurants located inside and outside the City you can visit and enjoy.

We have visited beautiful and breathe taking places in Baguio City. I've been here twice already and looking to have more in the future. During our first trip here, we visited those known places where people would usually go if they stay there. Please follow through as I narrate what I have experienced during my trip.

First stop was in the "Burnham Park". A 32.84 hectare urban park located in the heart of Baguio City. We rented a boat to experience paddling around the pond where I enjoyed a lot. I feel like I was still in my younger years then. We ate ice cream in spite of the cold and freezing weather. You can see people rent bicycle and roaming around the park too. There were slides and swings for kids to play with. The scenery in the area was just so nice where you can see a lot of beautiful smiles in people faces. Different kind of flowers were planted to add color to the place. There were also some stalls selling bling-bling, accessories and souvenirs around the park. Food stalls and restaurants were also there for those who become hungry and tired roaming around. A cup of hot or iced coffee is just perfect. SM and other shopping Malls are around the corner too.

Second Stop was the well-known "Strawberry Farm". This is the most common place were most of the tourists go and experience picking strawberries and to have some Instagram selfies too. The farm contains not only Strawberries but different fresh Vegetable like Lettuce, Broccoli, Cauliflower and with different colorful flowers too (like Sunflower, Roses, etc.). The place was just so awesome and it was the first time I experienced eating a strawberry flavored ice cream made locally and it was delicious (they call it Dirty Ice Cream). I picked up one basket of strawberry and the price was reasonable.

We also went to the "Botanical Garden". In the entrance, there were local Igorots wearing their costumes and you can have some pictures with them for 20 Pesos only. The place is big with nature scenery and lots of pine and other big trees. There were some souvenir shops inside and food stalls. The weather there was so nice and perfect to lie down on a grassy field staring up the sky. There is also a Cave in this place that contains different caged wild animals like snakes, lizards, etc. So if you are up to wild adventures, this is the place for you.

Next stop is this amazing "Mines View Park". This is an overlook park on the northeastern outskirts of Baguio. The view is just superb. More souvenir shops here selling different goods like Baguio shirts, Strawberry and Ube jams, Malongs, etc. Going up here was not easy. The road was kinda steep and traffic during peak season. You can also do picture taking with a Pony for 20 Pesos only. Not much adventures here except for the magnificent view.

Other places we visited were Camp John Hay and the Christmas Village. Camp John Hay, or what they previously call as John Hay Air Station, is a Major Tourism and recreation attraction located in the City of Baguio. The place offers a lot of stuffs to the Tourist. Currently, a lot of hotels and restaurants were constructed and opened in the Area. There were Adventure Parks and Museums also just around the corner for the Tourist to enjoy. Christmas Village on the other hand were specifically mounted during the Christmas Season. The place is equipped with a Snow making machine and it offers Christmas presentations like dancing and singing.

Oh before I forget, we have dropped by at the "Bell Church" just after we visited the Strawberry Farm. The Bell Church is located north of the downtown area of Baguio along the road leading to the town of La Trinidad, Benguet. Within its compound are intricately designed arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and dragons.

It has a pagoda, and beautifully landscapped gardens. There are some artifacts about Buddhism that you will find at the Bell Church as well as some literature about the history of China.

More pictures during our trip...

Strawberry Picking at the Farm is quite fun. Anyone care for a bite?

Fresh Vegetables at Strawberry Farm (Yum Yum)

Inside the Botanical Garden with all the Pine Trees at the Back

Taking a shot at the Entrance of the Botanical Garden

Ooopppsss... Something is starting to cover the whole city...

Just to add guys, be sure to check the weather forecast before going to Baguio. Weather here is unpredictable and you might experience thick fog along the way. Double check your car brakes and tires if you are driving. Be safe everyone and enjoy.

Till here for now, will have another post of my other adventures in Baguio City.