The Heart of Asia | Taiwan

The famous Chang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall

It was started with a simple suggestion by a friend that we should take advantage of Taiwan’s limited time visa-free granted to Filipinos and ‘til now I am astonished by the fact that I’m actually here publishing my write-up about our short adventure in Taiwan (quite late than my other blogs, though) 😅

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Siargao Island Living

THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF SIARGAO

This place will give you an actual meaning of “Island Life” because of  different kinds of summer heaven it provides. Siargao Island, a paradise situated in the east side ocean of Mindanao, Asia’s best Island and the place I chose for my “3rd Solo Birthday Trip”. As a backpacker, I have prepared myself for 3D2N trips only. No matter what I did or missed, I make sure there would be reasons to come back. 

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Explore Simplicity | Batanes Island

HOME OF THE WINDS

We are bound to country’s northernmost and smallest province, also known as one of the top must-visit places in the Philippines that travelers should see. 

Basco Batanes is 2 hrs away from Manila via Plane, however, there are other options to reach the place like land transportation that takes up to 12-14hrs bus ride and a lifetime of boat ride. lol. 

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Lady Unemployed

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Leyte and Samar Venture

Devastated, wrecked and shattered-those are the words that described these places due to Yolanda tragedy-history’s strongest recorded typhoon 5 years ago. This tragedy was one of the worst disaster happened in the Philippines that alarmed international leaders, organizations and even the simple people all around the world to send help to the affected filipinos as well as to help the province to rise again after the calamity. 

It is, however, didn’t make me think twice about visiting the place. This place might lost half of what it has before, but they still managed to recover and start a new beginning with high hopes which is definitely one of the reason we should visit places like this. Being the weakest province that time made it the strongest one today and in line with this, it has the most interesting stories to tell for sure. 

  

The place I chose to have my very first solo-flying experience. 

I will also give you some SOLO TRAVEL TIPS that helped me survived traveling solo. 

  

L  E  Y  T  E 

Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport

Because of its history, of course, I didn’t expect much of the city. The airport is plain and small as anticipated. There are lots of local who will offer you taxis or van when you exit but considering that I’m on a budget, I opted to have jeepney ride instead. It costs P20 for the fare going Downtown. 

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #1:

 Use waze when riding a public transportation.

-Not all driver will remember to alight you on your destination.

 It will be a big help especially if you’re not familiar with the place.

Downtown is considered as the plaza of Tacloban. This is where the fish ports are located, as well as market, restaurants such as Jollibee and McDonalds, Malls and terminals. Numerous hotels or traveler’s inns are spotted all over the place. I settled in a hostel for P750 per night airconditioned room with cable TV and wifi. 

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #2:

Do not book hotel or inn in advance. 

-In some popular places, it is better to book your room ahead of time but in a places less traveled like Tacloban, it is quite safe to search for different accommodations and make no reservation. It’ll let you choose another option if you don’t feel like staying on your first choice or if you have safety issues. 

HISTORIC/CITY TOUR

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #3:

Hire tricycle instead of jeepneys. 

-Public transportation in the city is cheap but dropping off to one place and getting another vehicle to your point of interest is really hassle and stressful.

For this one good reason, I hired tricycle or what we called “pakyaw” to tour me around the city for just P300. It is way more expensive than riding jeepneys but aside from the hassle-free ride, it includes the waiting time which is definitely very important because not all tourist spots are near the national road. 

MACARTHUR LANDING MEMORIAL PARK

Red Beach, Palo Leyte. 

30 minutes away from Downtown Tacloban is a memorial park built in Red Beach, Palo Leyte to commemorate the historic return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur to Philippine shores on October 20, 1944. The very same spot where General set foot in Leyte fulfilling his promise “I shall return” to the Philippines in order to liberate us from the Japanese invaders and eventually named this place as Leyte Landing. 

Frankly, aside from being the name of highway I used to take when driving, I know nothing about MacArthur. Maybe during school days but that was quite long ago. 

Getting to know more about the Leyte Landing is like getting involved to Philippine history. And it really feels great to visit these places I used to see in our history books and heard from my elementary teacher. 

MV EVA JOCELYN

Barangay Anibong, Tacloban City Leyte. 

Another historic place in Tacloban is the shipwreck of M/V Eva Jocelyn which was anchored in the city harbor, ran aground and killed residents of Barangay Anibong. It was pushed by a 7-meter high storm surge caused by winds in excess of 370km/hr brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda. 

It was then became a Memorial Monument stands as a remembrance of the thousands of lives that perished throughout the city of Tacloban on that day for the people not to forget about the very tragic event. 

SAN JUANICO BRIDGE 

Leyte-Samar. 

The longest bridge in the Philippines built in 1969 during the time of Former President Ferdinand Marcos with the purpose to connect the islands of Leyte and Samar. 

The main objective was to connect all the islands in the Philippines using bridges to make it accessible via Land transportation. Unfortunately, no succeeding presidents were able to finish the project.

(Well, I’m hoping that President Duterte will.) 

Aside from MacArthur Landing Memorial Park, this is the most visited landmark in Leyte and Samar. A bridge surrounded by ocean connecting one island to another. This project is indeed very useful to our fellow Visayans and Waray filipinos living in both so-called provinces/islands. 

STO. NIÑO SHRINE AND

 HERITAGE MUSEUM 

Tacloban City

A two-storey structure that displays hundreds of different artifacts, antiques and art pieces coming from around the world that were collected during Marcos regime.

The place is so old and vintage but very beautiful and elegant. It has rooms for the guests and for the first family; small chapel, different paintings, wall made of “banigs”, huge chandeliers hanging on a tall ceilings. It feels like as though I have visited a castle but filipino version.

The chair where Pope sat.

Entrance fee of P250 includes tour guide and you have to focus your attention to every interesting details that he will discuss because it will definitely intriguing.  Really one of must-see places here in Tacloban. 

Wall of Banig

I am lucky that I was able to visit these historic spots found in one of the most historic place, the province of Leyte. Not just the historic tour I’d love the most, I also love the way how people communicates with the tourists like me. Although we all know that it is one of the best traits of filipino people, but it made me feel like home even I’m miles away from mine. 

S  A  M  A  R 

Crossing the San Juanico Bridge is an indelible experience. Moreover, you could only do it because of one purpose, and that is to reach the province of Samar. There is no other way you can get there but to ride a van for P80 at the terminal if you’re coming from Tacloban. 

My first day was all about city and historic tour, I am reserving the next day for some relaxing day at the beach. Leyte and Samar are known to have stunning islands and beaches. Kalanggaman and Cuatro islas are the most popular islands but  since I only have two days,  I am lucky enough to have discover a worthy of a visit beach resort located at Marabut Samar where I can squeeze some sweet summertime. 

CALUWAYAN PALM BEACH RESORT 

Marabut Samar  

One and a half hour from the city of Tacloban, I alighted at Barangay Caluwayan in Marabut Samar where this palm resort is located. I fell in love with the ambiance of this resort.

The calmness made by palm trees and peaceful view of the beach. Even I can’t believe that the entrance fee costs P25 only!!

But if you wish to use their pool, you need to pay P200. I still find it very cheap for a beautiful resort like this.

Salud Authentic Waray is the name of their restaurant. (Forgot to ask what “Salud” means) They served me their authentic waray blue marlin recipe with side dish of veggies and glass of iced tea for P180. 

When I heard the beach calls my name (yes, it says “Cheeee, lumapit kaaaa” lol.) I quickly had my outfit changed. The restaurant allowed me to leave my bag in my table and since no other visitors in the resort aside from me, I am quite confident to leave my belongings. 

I took a short walk lingering at the entire place. The heat was surprisingly ain’t exhausting by the time of 11:00am.

They have outdoor sports activities such as Basketball and Volleyball; and Water activities like kayak and island hopping. Like what I’ve said, I am the only visitor that time and so I’ve no choice but to rent the boat for P500. 

Manong bangkero and I sailed along the numerous wonderful islets surrounding the cove then landed the boat on a tiny island after 30mins of boat ride.  It has a short shoreline with white sands, clear water, seashells, palm and different kind of trees and stunning view of huge rocks.  Past half hour when we left the island after I took a refreshing swim then back to the resort. 

I rested my tired body in one of the benches just in front of the beach while sipping a glass of chocolate milkshake then took a nap afterwards. Such a rewarding feeling when you get the chance to travel alone and worrying for nothing as if I’m living in some kind of never-never land. 

 

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #3:

Always know the way out. 

-know your location.

If in doubt, leave the place as early as possible

and be informed about public transportation. 

I left Samar around 4:00pm because Barangay Caluwayan is in secluded part of Marabut and public transportation isn’t available all the time and I need to catch my 8:00pm flight back to Clark. I am very thankful for Kuyang Guard of the resort for getting me a van from afar.

********

People of Leyte and Samar knows who’s the local and who’s the tourists. I don’t know how they find me not so local in the place maybe because of my way of looking at every corner of each place or because of my outfits. They tend to ask questions like  “Ma’am saan ka po pupunta” and eventually give you the well explained directions and on how to get there. 

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #4

Always put a smile on your face. 

-It wouldn’t cost you to smile.

It can make other people’s day bright and yours brighter. 

 

For simple provinces like Samar and Leyte, they showed me a very organized traffic system. They don’t just have “one way” roads but they also operates special roads as well where there are specific way/road for jeepneys and for tricycles or private vehicle. I find it very interesting that I had to go to the street-way where the tricycles will passed by to get myself a ride. And also, their ride offers cheapest price for the minimum of P8.00. I understand that these two provinces, even it is almost five years ago, are still adjusting and on the process of rebuilding their small communities. 

Multicabs are their kind of jeepney. The front seats are reserved only for the disabled persons and senior citizens. (Just, wow!) They are implementing what should be implemented in the entire country long ago and I salute this place for being respectful and good followers of the rules. 

Hearing the word “Yolanda” and hundreds of deaths it caused, the thought itself of going alone is already terrifying and some sort of creepy I must admit, but being actually there was an opposite. Not just visiting but being involved in their history was such a fruitful experience. I love it how half of my trip somewhat became “lakbay aral” and the other half was a surreal vacay.  

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #5

Trust yourself. 

-You only have yourself in this journey.

All you have to do is to be confident with your every decisions

and be optimistic about it. 

Going somewhere where nobody knows my name was definitely one of the greatest experience I’ve done so far in my existence. It is true that traveling alone is the scariest, most liberating life changing experience of our lives. I am more than proud but full of pride to share my adventures with you all. I hope that I was able to influence each of you to  try unique adventures that’ll let you know yourselves deeply and define happiness on your own...

..and to live your life by a compass and not by a clock. 

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #6

Pray. 

-He will never leave you alone.

When in doubt, talk to Him.

Trust me, He listens. 

 It was a great birthday adventure!

Learning something while traveling is indeed very fulfilling!

I am looking forward to next Solo Travels soon!

So far, traveling alone was the best gift I have given to myself.

Damo na Salamat, Leyte and Samar!

I promise to visit you again.

You made my 25th birthday an unforgettable one.

Cheers! 

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #7

Seize the day. 

-You only live once.

Don't forget to enjoy. 

Life is meant to be lived to the fullest!

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A Sip of Summer | Macampao

TIME OF THE YEAR: February 

When we say “Valentine’s Day”, aside from love and affection, we always think of flowers, chocolates, balloons or romantic dates. Except for a fact that to love and to be loved not just this day but everyday of our lives are more than enough to feel the spirit of Valentines’.

But still, somehow most of us would rather celebrate this day on a special way like simply going out together and hoping for the best.

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Lady Unemployed

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Inside Singapore

CHASING GROUND

What is extravagance? Are 7 day stay in the most expensive city would be enough? Or landing to the ground of the best airport in the world is considered as one. How about doin’ that so in the middle of Christmas season? If yes, well I guess we just had an extravagant vacation happened weeks ago!!

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The Bolinao Nature Tripping.

Pangasinan is one of the beach spot in North Luzon; Home of the very popular Hundred Islands; Known to be the Bangus Capital of the Philippines; Great place to buy fresh daing and danggit in very affordable price as well as their version of Longganisa is a must-try.

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Lady Unemployed

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The Alright Side | Hidden Valley Springs

Soda 1 spring

LIFE IN BLOOM

Too many things to do during summer season. There goes the very popular beach bumming, sun bathing and endless night parties! But have you ever thought of doing these activities during rainy days? Definitely not! And that is one of many reasons why most of us, rather most of you, hate wet seasons. I have been a lover of rain after I graduated from college. Too funny, but yes! I really hate rainy days way back from the days I used to wear white uniforms. But now that it’s finally over, I even considered myself as “pluviophile”. I also love summer! But every time I hear raindrops falling on the rooftop, there is something that is very relaxing. A perfect moment to listen to your fave songs, read books or even just stay inside your room sipping a cup of good coffee. Aside from these stuffs we can all do during bed weather, let’s not limit ourselves from doing activities on a rainy day.

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Lady Unemployed

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Exploring Hong Kong and Macau.

#BeshiesinHK

Hong Kong is a very promising country. Beneath its beautiful skylines are organized systems. Behind its huge skyscrapers are hard working Chinese. And in the midst of its crowded city, there are lots of reason to stop and stare. A country that is  two hours away from Manila and if you luckily found great deal like ours, you can visit Hong Kong for cheap price of P899/person. It is my very first out of country trip and surely be one of the most unforgettable trip because my bestfriend's with me, Ana, I also have here my Babe, Jhaneah and her bestfriend, Chrissie. #BeshiesinHK it is! 

The Bucketlist: To Travel outside the country. ✔ HK-Macau trip.

DAY 1: 

TOUCH DOWN, HK!

10:00AM: Upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, we had to ride train going to the A13 exit to claim our purchased iVenture Card on Klook, bought roundtrip tickets of Cotai Jet Ferry and Disneyland single entry tickets. Went to the other booth to buy Octopus Card which can be used in various mode of transportation and convenience stores. 

The Bucketlist: To travel with my bestfriend. ✔

Queued for S1 City Bus and alighted at Tung Chung Bus Station where City Gate Outlet Mall is located to temporarily store our luggage at their self-service lockers which costs 10HKD/hour then grabbed our lunch at McDonalds which surprisingly offers no-rice meals!! 

McDonald's Hong Kong.

NGONG PING 360 BIG BUDDHA

We opted to visit some attractions before settling in since it's just few steps away from the airport. And the first one listed in our itinerary is the Ngong Ping 360 where Big Buddha is situated. We had our Standard Cable Car round trip ride covered in the purchased iVenture Card.

The Buckketlist: To ride in a cable car. ✔

To ride in a Cable Car is another first time and definitely one of my bucketlist!
 We're so high and the views are just so lovely. 

About an hour of  hanging before we reached the Ngong Ping Village.

Ngong Ping Village is made of a long road heading to the Big Buddha and on its way there's lots of souvenir shops and food stores which creatively designed as small temples to justify its concept. The view of Big Buddha definitely stand out as we get around the village.

Evidently, Buddhism seems to be the primary religion in Hong Kong and this is somehow their way of showing how they deeply patronizes Buddhas. 

Despite its crowdedness, the village remains holy and divine. So much respect for different kind of beliefs, religion and faith.

HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

Growing up with the influence of Disney stories taught me how to believe in magic and to live with fairy tales. But the dream of becoming a princess one day marks to be the most influential spell disney pour over me.

 I was finally able to enter and experience the world of my favorite stories with my favorite characters in one huge dreamy Disneyish kind of village. 

MTR Pink Line: Disney Station.

We had to ride in Hong Kong's speedy and commuters-friendly trains called MTR. Alighted at the Disney Station and upon entering the main gate, I was very surprised that everything is like a fantasy.

The Bucketlist: To experience Disneyland! ✔

Every details and every corner is picturesque. We were enveloped by colorful surroundings. Becalmed by the lullabies of soft songs played all over the place.

 Welcome to the "Happiest place on earth" 

Parade is the most awaited part of the day where disney characters and princesses shows up with their respective floats, dancing with great magical musics and feel the enchanting ambiance of the entire place.

 

Aside from these amazing story telling stuffs, Hong Kong Disneyland has lots of exciting activities and thrilling rides you, your friends or family will surely enjoy.

  
 Extreme rides for adults are such an enjoyable thing to try but majority of the rides are especially made for kids and those who's kids at heart might enjoy it as well. 

TEAM BESHIES

We didn't missed the second parade for this day, the light parade. Disney princesses and characters shows off once again riding their respective floats with wonderful lights and sounds with the view of  main castle, the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

"All you need is faith, trust and a little pixie dust"

 I must say that this place is way more beautiful at night knowing magical world wouldn't be complete without bright sparkling light. 

Real life snow white spotted.

What I love about this place more is how they turned pictures into reality and how they let us witness magics based on how they introduced it to us. No one is definitely too old for this, just like what Mr. Walt Disney once said : "Who says we have to grow up?".  

We had these very tasteful Mickey and Minnie shaped ice creams! Just too cute that even foods are very much disney! 

Nonetheless, we have to leave this place too soon because our luggage stored in lockers will cost us too expensive if we stayed here a little longer. There is always "next time" for fireworks display.  

It's been a long and very productive day. We stayed in a small guest house in Chungking Mansion located at Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon for one night which I won't recommend to other. 

It's way cheaper but people ain't accommodating, rooms are not even suitable for travelers and it might sound so racist but to be surrounded by Pakistanis and Indians is very awkward and uncomfortable. Had our dinner of cup noodles and toasted bread inside our rooms, ah huh! We're on a budget. Lol. 

DAY 2:
 OCEAN PARK 

This theme park is clearly made for adults who seeks for hair raising adventures.  
Ocean Park, being included on our purchased iVenture Card, provided us with free shuttle ride and a map. The theme park is very entertaining and very colorful!! 

 Huge fountains, running cable cars and extraordinary rides made our eyes went bright when we enter the main gate.


 Our first stop is to find where to eat brunch first. The map brought us to this so called "Old Hong Kong Street" channeling Hong Kong way back 1960's. As we wandered around the street, there are lots of food stalls to choose from. We had fried noodles with soya which ain't delicious at all but the fried authentic dimsums killin' it!





This place is quite wide that we have to ride to either train or cable car to reach the other side of the park. It is very exhausting to walk around the place in the middle of afternoon. 

What am I looking forward to in visiting Hong Kong especially Ocean Park is to see a Panda face to face! But unfortunately, she's sleeping when we visited her. This rescued Panda (I forgot her name) is very old, huge and awesome. We were able to see her through television monitors placed everywhere sleeping like a human and rolling over as if she's too tired to get up. 
Oh, Pandas! 

We rode in some rides, had some gambling games and of course, food trips! We were terribly tired when we decided to leave Ocean Park and to find another room to stay for the next two nights. Stopped by at Ferry Terminal to reserved our seats for Cotai Jet ferry ride to Macau for the next day. Our eyes caught another familiar food place inside the mall, KFC!!  
HK meals didn't even satisfied our hunger and we are craving for RICE that time. 
The moment when we suddenly appreciates rice and misses Philippines like a lot.



Few steps from the MTR Jordan Station, we luckily spotted Chinese owned traveler's Inn for a very affordable price. Managed to have an agreement with an old Chinese woman despite her very poor English or not an English speaking local at all! Quite difficult to make conversation with her, good thing we're good in doing sign languages. Lol. We used to call her "Nanay or Nay" because regardless of our language barriers, she took good care of us during our stay as if we were cared by a mother and the place is good, too! 
Finally, worry-less night! 


TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET

One more thing we loved about our new place is that it is situated in the center of Temple Street Night Market, one of the most popular night market in Hong Kong. As long as the afternoon is covered by darkness, tents and different items automatically invaded spaces in the busy street. Locals have their own way of promoting their foods. There's an old man who offers fortune telling for a hundred bucks. Lights are everywhere, sign boards, smokes from street foods and lots and lots of foreigner, yes, like us! 

We're so ready to do shopping of pasalubongs, our feet are being taken care of super comfy slippers provided by Nanay and super excited to eat, again! Haha. Temple Street Night Market didn't impressed me at all, it looks exactly like Divisoria, well of course we know that these items aren't original just like what they sell in Divi, cheap price for god sake, but these items can only be found here, so let's do this!! 

I bought some souvenir items only because Mom told me not to buy too many material pasalubongs 'cause she's afraid that it might get stocked in our house just like what happened to our pasalubongs like shirts everytime we travel, that I should buy delicacies rather, and to spend more time and money on experience instead of things. 

EAT LIKE A LOCAL

Foods here mesmerized me the most! How colorful these varieties could be! There's live seafoods that means freshness; they've got different street food in sticks; roasted ducks and pigeon are hanged; very soothing fruit shake/juices, beers and milk teas; and wooden table and chairs are in the middle of the road. 

This kind of place is MY kind of place. No time and excuse for being classy, just enjoy these vibes the street has to offer and you would never want to leave Hong Kong without trying real and authentic meals. 

The deep fried baby pigeon for the win!

Bessy and I, while the other two are busy shopping, had their popular deep fried baby pigeon and it's tasted like lechon! Cool right!? Partnered with authentic iced milk tea, goodness so refreshing! While bessy enjoyed her bottle of local beer. 



As we walked around the street again, we tried some streetfoods on sticks. Fried pig intestines, fish balls, dimsums and also egg waffle! Street food festival, it is!




DAY 3: MACAU

Woke up early to catch Cotai Jet Ferry's first trip to Macau. I don't know if I have ridden a jet ferry before, is RoRo considered a ferry or not? Lol. Got no problem boarding, very systematic and informative ferry terminal.

 Every passengers have discipline and respects other passengers by following rules. It is not always the system that is not right, sometimes it's the people who needs to cooperate to whatever the rule has been implemented. Just sayin'.  
  Sailed for about an hour, I still managed to took a nap despite our headachy ferry ride and did everything to not to throw up, Jeeez, bonamin please! 


At 8AM, touch down Macau! I don't see people, what is the meaning of this! I can only see buses, taxis, wide roads, bridges, beautiful architectural structures and so on. I'm starting to love this place! Knowing Macau as one of the Gambling Capital, huge lavish Casinos are threw all over the place. 

We rode on one of the many free shuttle buses provided by Casinos, dropped of at the terminal to catch up with our tourist guide, yes another one in iVenture Card, the Macau TKW sightseeing tour.We met Patrick, our very witty tour guide at the meeting place. Half of his group are purely pinoy! Yayyy! 

Grabbed quick breakfast before the tour starts. Chrissie and Jhaneah chose McDonalds while Bessy and I had some authentic Wanton and Beef Brisket at Noodle and Dim Sum kitchen. Great way to start great day! 

SECTION OF THE OLD WALL: 
Ruins of St. Paul's.

10AM: Start of Macau tour. We filled a fifty sitter shuttle bus, Patrick standing in front giving us  information about History and traditions of Macau. After 30mins, we're down for our first destination, the Ruins of St. Paul's. A catholic church built here in Macau that is totally devastated by fire during the 17th Century.
 It simply justifies the word "Beautiful Disaster". 

After all the terrible tragedy, its beauty still stands out until now. The beauty of an old church with the story stored in every details of its wall and remains as long as this structure is in position to be the most attractive and interesting spot here in Macau. 

We have time limit on exploring and taking photos with the ruins. As Patrick called everyone to gather together and to proceed to the next destination, he has this long stick with red stuff at the end of it to call our attention and to be our guide even if he's far away from us, just too cute that he's treating us like kindergarten students on an annual fieldtrip. lol. 

A-MA TEMPLE

Next stop, A-Ma Temple. 30 minutes away from the ruins. Very sacred and peaceful place. It has a prayer spot inside, I don't know if those red hanged papers are prayers or dedications, different symbols all round the place and the doubtless presence of holiness. I love temples, I love cultures, histories, heritage sites and everything in between. 

Footsteps from the temple is a small street. Patrick guided us to the best pasalubong shop in the area. Wanna know what's the best part of it? FREE TASTE! 

Their pastries are very tasty  and yummy specially the egg tart! I can't believe that free tasting is actually a thing! We're satisfied and almost full to the point that I have to buy bottled water in their store instead of their items itself. 
Well, very pinoy! lol. 

Heat today just slowly melt us down, we sat in one of the benches in the area just in front of temple and rewarded ourselves with dropsticks of lime flavored icecream while waiting for the rest of the group to finish wandering.

MACAU TOWER

It's already 1PM and we're ready to devour our free meal provided by the agency. We headed to the Rivera Hotel to have lunch served in a buffet. 

At 2PM, we went straight to the Macau Tower. Tallest tower in Macau which offers the highest Bungee Jumping experience in the world. Whoah! 



We took the lift (their term for elevator) upward to reach level 57, the floor for Macau sightseeing which is very terrifying. We're so high but the frightening part is we could visibly see the ground through glass floors that made our feet planted and unable to move.

 I can't even afford to look at it for a long time. But all in all, it was a great experience. I didn't expect that City view would be this relaxing, too!

 Staring at the skylines from the top is like pausing for a moment of silence, away from the city dust and noise. 
This is how big and tiny we could be in a snap. 

VIVA LA BROADWAY 

Before proceeding to our next destination, we decided to have a quick visit to the "Parisian" where the replica of Eiffel Tower is built. Well,  we all know that Paris is always a great idea! The rest of huge popular Casinos are jaw-breaking, too. 

Those casinos itself considered as an tourist attractions because of how they are creatively built. You wouldn't want to imagine how much money they spent in each of these casinos. As well as the main streets of Macau is simply fancy, like you can walk around the area wearing heels and shades on worrying for nothing but a quick stop by in the stores nearby like Louis Vuitton, for example. Lol. 

Next stop, Broadway Show! To justify the "Las Vegas of Asia" , our Macau trip wouldn't be complete without broadway show experience so we quickly hit the road to Viva La Broadway. 

We were so amazed and entertained with the extraordinary and extravagant performance of each talented performers inside the broadway.
 It is not your ordinary show and definitely not your usual stage! 

Our ticket includes set of meals that we can claim in various food houses outside of Broadway. We had Congee with fried bread and sticky rice with peanut sauce partnered with tea. 

Went back to Hong Kong and to our place. Enjoyed our last night food tripping, last minute shopping and just a plain "seize the day" moment. After days of exhausting but exciting journey around these two amazing country, aren't we deserve this one?

We sat in one of the table in the middle of the road just few steps away from our guesthouse. Garlic prawns with rice, duck meat and sodas just made our night perfect. We couldn't help but to laugh on the epic things happened when we summed up the cool adventures we had in the passed days. 

 So lucky to have these fabulous ladies with me in this amazing trip. Best girl friends ever. Despite our different interests and moods, we survived not just this trip, but each other! Kiddin'.

Stepping out of our country is one exciting feeling. It's like getting out of your comfort zone. 
Not just meeting new people but meeting different kind of people. 
Not just seeing new places but collecting new experiences. 
Hong Kong and Macau, two of the growing countries of Asia. Gifted with great numbers of attractions. As much as possible, I don't want comparisons but it is more like Philippines! The weather is as hot as Philippines'. Chinese people, except their chinkey eyes, are mostly looks like Pinoys and Pinays. Streets are as crowded as our streets, it is also as dirty as ours. Lol. There's nothing much they differs from each other, really, but one thing I am envy about is their train system, the MTR. It is everywhere. Not just in the main city but even in the provinces. Changing of lines are the only way you can get around. This is where you can spot rich persons uses public transportation. This is where you cannot see traffic or taxis because riding trains is very convenient to all. If we could only have this type of system, maybe it may eliminate some of major problems in our country. Maybe it can make our life much easier. Maybe it can change how Filipino lives. Just maybe, a simple MTR in the Philippines can make big difference. 

Stepping out of our country is one terrifying feeling, too! Being a civilian and not primary citizen of a nation, it's quite difficult to act normal and to communicate! Seriously! Most of them don't speak English and not so approachable. This is when I appreciate Filipino people. Not in the aspect of the ability to speak English but the fact that Filipino knows how to interact with others primly and properly. How pinoys could be very accommodating, helpful and friendly. The way our kababayan smiles at us every time we tries to connect with them eye to eye. Yes, I love Pinoy! More than anyone else. 

Stepping out of our country is a very knowledgeable experience. We learned something from their culture, tradition, cuisine and at some point, their way of living. No wonder why they're so slim and fit, aside from healthy foods and teas, walking and running is part of their every day routine. For us, in the Philippines, long walks means one thing, tricycle ride! Lol. 

And even the senior citizens are still working! What an inspiration. 

Hong Kong and Macau, you two are incredible. You just made my first out of country trip very memorable. Traveling to unfamiliar places instantly fastened with doubt, fear and uncertainty but you still give us a good shot with the help of being very accessible and convenient for us, your tourists-friendly-neighbors. You might failed to impressed me with awesome natures, you still always have my heart. I would never have a second thought if it is about visiting you again. 4 days are not enough to explore the real you, the whole you. 
Here's to more Discovery, Adventure, food trips and MTR rides! 
Xie Xie, Hong Kong and Macau!

Take a journey outside of your comfort zone. 
The rewards are worth it. 
Experiences killin' it. 
And the memories, keep it. 

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Lady Unemployed

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