DESTINED-nation

Everyday, as I read through my copy of The Standard, updating myself with the current news and events, I always look forward to getting to the pages toward the end: the travel section under the business directory.

Eventhough it's the same old places that gets shown there everyday with the usual unbelievablely low fares, I love looking at and reading each destination (Bali, Koh Samui, Guilin, Phnom Penh, Milan, Paris, Nice, Athens...) and daydream.

I've always loved the idea of travelling and it will always be a dream of mine to travel the world. I love the whole experience of visiting some place new, unfamiliar and different. I love trying to absorb and learn about a particular place's culture, history and what makes it unique, etc. In the few places I've been to, I try not just to see what's out there but take in the smells and sounds as well, as if to fully live in the whole experience. There's always the negatives and the positives. And it's all part of the whole experience. The opportunity of being able to photograph whatever sights I see is something I am already grateful for and that gives me one of those simple "highs".

I love watching out for airline promos and don't mind budget airlines one bit. A few years ago, since I started working, I quietly told myself that I should make it a point to visit one new place every year. I wish it was more but you know the pains of budget constraints. So far, I've been able to accomplish just that: Singapore in 2006, Shanghai in 2007, Sydney and Brisbane in 2008, Cebu, Corregidor, Bataan and Bangkok in 2009. Though I have been blessed for being able to go on awesome beach trips in the Philippines ( Cebu again, Subic and Batangas) this year, so far, I haven't been able to visit my new place. But I'm not too worried, for I've got an even greater adventure awaiting me. And I see it as just another step to reaching all the new destinations that I've only been dreaming of so far.

Patience, dear. Patience.

Let's Cha-Cha to Racha!

Source here
Unspoiled Lattitudes ... Your private breathing space in Phuket, Thailand
Set on a pristine beach on Racha Island, only 12 miles south of Phuket (just 35 minutes speed boat), The Racha is Thailand's premier deluxe island hideaway ... where people can balance body, mind and spirit in an environmentally friendly space.

The resort features 70 luxurious villas and strives to be recognised as a leader in responsible and environmentally sustainable tourism.
Accommodation ranges from Deluxe, Grand Deluxe, Grand Deluxe Pool, Junior Pool Suite, Grand Pool Suite and The Lighthouse.

All villas are designed in a minimalistic contemporary style and feature luxurious bathrooms with bathtubs and indoor showers, as well as outdoor rain showers. Guests can relax on comfortable day beds both inside or outside on their own terrace. All villas enjoy thoroughly modern conveniences, including LCD/plasma TV, DVD player, Apple iPod with Bose Sound dock, complimentary broadband internet, minibar with coffee & tea facilities, electronic safe, individual air conditioning, IDD telephone and satellite TV.

The Racha is a Small Luxury Hotel.

...

Virac Cathedral, Bicol May 2009

Haven't been taking any pictures lately. Lack of motivation? Or just too busy? Or both? I've freed up some time now for the next couple of months but then have also got loads of new other stuff I have to do.

Want to make the most out of the next few months as I embark on a new adventure soon. Will try to go around HK more, be a bit more "tourist-y" and hand in hand with that is taking more pictures, be with family and friends more, take more pictures of them, and just trying to soak up and live and being thankful for all God's blessings.

Back from the Queen City of the South

I'm still daydreaming about Cebu...eventhough it's been two days since I got back.

Was in the beautiful island of Mactan over the weekend with family. Actually, beautiful is an understatement.

Amazingly clear turquiose waters, literally swimming with colorful fishes, white sand, warm, bright sunshine...

I'll be back, Cebu.

Singapore High

So I spent total of 6 days in Singapore but in reality only got to go around the city much less than that as I had to work for four of those days. On those days, however, I'd still go out after work to meet friends or simply explored the city on my own.

On Day 2 of my Singapore trip, silly me forgot to bring the camera. I met up with Arnold, H's friend. Because of him, I had my first Sing MRT ride! Yay! :) Not too different from our MRT in HK, except that they give refunds if you return your ticket. Nice. haha. From City Hall station, we got off at Orchard and had dinner at the Ion Orchard, one of the newest malls along orchard road. I love that Singapore is abundant with food courts. Yay to lots and lots of choices of cheap, yummy food! :)

For the 3rd night, I went on the Singapore Flyer...on my own! Yes, on my own. For those who don't know, the Singapore Flyer is a "giant observation wheel" which is actually more like a giant ferris wheel. It's actually 2 meters higher than the London Eye! I thought I was going to be alone in the capsule but good thing it was big enough to carry more than 10 people.

The view from the top was amazing. Eventhough I was getting dizzy as we reached the top - especially as the hyper kids who were also in the capsule kept on shouting "we're at the top! we're at the top" - I was glad I didn't back out of this "touristy-must-do" item on the list! :)

Sing-a-ling-a-ding-apore!

Been away too long. Could give number of excuses but i won't. Just been lazy or too tired. Period. But felt I needed to blog about this...my first business trip ever! Haha. So, how was the first day? So far, so good! :)

I'm actually still in Singapore at the moment. Flew in from Hong Kong Tuesday morning for a four-day business trip. Arrived at lunchtime, rushed to the hotel to settle my things and freshen up quickly before dashing off to work.

I'm checked in at the Park Hotel Clarke Quay, this new boutique hotel in Robertson Quay, which opened just last year.

I was surprised to find out I was reserved at the Club Floor rooms which "offer exclusivity for discerning business travellers." Oh yeaaaa. So not me. Haha. Must say, was very pleased with the "exclusive" and personalized service.

Room is lovely. I love the high ceiling and the stylish interior.

View is a looker too.

At the office, I got my own room (woohoo!), which i'm actually just borrowing from a senior colleague who's away on leave.

Nice view again!

Was good to meet everyone at the office - especially those I was so used to speaking on the phone with or exchanging emails with but have never actually seen in person.

After work, I got a friendly ride back to the hotel from one of my colleagues. I changed to a smaller bag, took off my heels, wore flats and went down to explore. Had been starving most of the afternoon since I missed lunch so was keen to find a good place to have dinner.

First I checked out the "mall" right in front of the hotel, called UE Square, only to find it was practically empty. Next, I decided to check out Robertson Walk next to the hotel. I saw there were some chic eateries outside and wondered if there would be any cheap restos inside. Found the building quite interesting, the European inspired architecture was real posh.

So did i find any "cheap" resto there? As you could probably guess from the pictures, no. Its a nice date place though with the al fresco dining. Too bad it jut rained and well, i didn't have a date.

Moving on, i concluded I had to venture out a bit further if I wanted to find a cheap enough place. I remembered seeing some fast food restaurants in a building on the way to the hotel so trusted my direction instincts and just walked.

Thankfully, I found the place, which happened to be right beside the Somerset Hotel.

This was first resto I saw but wouldn't make sense for me to eat here eh. Hehe.

I went into the mall in the hopes of finding another restaurant. I saw McDonald's and Starbucks, no thanks. Wasn't sure which floor to go then finally decided to go to the basement level when i saw this cool escalator.

Finally, i saw a supermarket and there were food court type eateries at the side. Finally! There was choice of Japanese and other stuff can't remember now. Chose Jap when I saw picture of their "No. 1 Best Seller" - Fried Pork Cutlet Bowl. YUM!

Was so hungry by this time. Placed my order, paid SGD10 and sat down. I could hear my tummy growling already. Finally, my food came. BUT it looked so different from the picture. It literally took me 20 seconds looking at my food and back at the picture and back at my food again. Till I realized, they gave me the wrong order. I checked with the cashier who took my order and true enough there was a blunder. Instead of my pork cutlet rice, she gave me pork with ginger. Don't ask me how she misheard. Lost in translation. Anyway, I was too hungry to argue. It didn't look too bad anyway.




After that, I STILL felt hungry so I got some crepe at a kiosk nearby. YUM!





Chocolate Peach Crepe

Satisfied, I walked back to the hotel for a goodnight's rest :)

It's only Tuesday??

I know, I sound grumpy. haven't been having a good day. hasn't been good since yesterday. sigh.

I told my mom this morning, "I think the best job is one where you don't have to set you alarm (forcing you) to wake up in the morning. At least not everyday."

Trying to distract me from feeling bad, Harold told me to look up this lovely resort in Batangas that he wants us to go to someday.

Gorgeous eh?

It's Acuatico Resort in Laiya, Batangas. Situated by the beach, the resort also boasts of a beautiful infinity pool and warm, inviting accomodations.

Rooms are priced from P5,000 a night up. A bit pricey if you ask me. One can opt to just have a day tour which will cost around P1000+ per person inclusive of lunch.

I read the beach ain't a white beach but nice enough. Still worth checking out for sure :)

Ahh.. there's nothing like the thought of the beach and of traveling to make me smile :)