Semester Break

Hello everyone, one week to go and finally we can have the taste of our highly anticipated semester break.  Most of us will be planning a short visit to our province or maybe some of us will have a quick vacation somewhere in the globe. 

Just make sure to make a smart plan so you will not ruin your own vacation. However, if you are planning to have a DIY ( Do It Yourself) vacation, my piece of advice is to make a wide search over the internet. Read plenty of reviews and blogs so that you can hear what other people say about your plans. 

It is wise to listen from other people experiences than be sorry later. So read as many blogs, helpful web site, locals website, airline schedule, bus schedule, promos, hotel accommodations and reviews. 

So what are you waiting for. Go and have your best vacation ever.

Korean Air - Asian on-air program

 

Last day of submission of entries for this event. I hope you can send your best blog or your most unforgettable travel story to Korean Air. I am pretty much excited to all bloggers out there, who will be the next 6 travelers who can visit South Korea. 

Thank you Korean Air for your continuous appreciation to all the bloggers out there.

Korea's Misari Public Park, AKA Misari Motorboat Racing Park

A walk in the park is one of the best stress reliever of all time for me. I love going to the park and spend time with friends and my family. Even here in the Philippines, I would normally go to Quezon City Circle to spend an afternoon with my family. 

Last year I had an opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful park in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do, the Misari Public Park, AKA Misari Motorboat Racing Park. My friends brought me there together with her family after attending a local church. 

Perfect for family getaway

The place is green and there are plenty of space where you and your family or friends can set a picnic table. You can play soccer, run around with your friends, sleep, or best spend a quiet time or read a book. Adding to its natural beauty are the colors of the trees. The autumn season is perfect for a picnic time in Misari Park.

 

 

You can also have a great view of the mountains as a background along with the yellow, red, green, orange colored trees. They are perfect indeed. 

Parking is not a problem for they have a huge space for vehicles. My friend's family is so generous to take me  to this place and spend it with them. You can ride the bike, boats inside the park. 

 

If you have time and you are in Korea I suggest ko to Misari Park in Hanam-si, Geonggi-do. Bring your friends with you, your family and your special some one. Here are some of our pictures in Misari Park.

 

Misari Public Park, AKA Misari Motorboat Racing Park

For more information you can visit some very helpful website like VISITKOREA (directlink to Misari Park info:  http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=823213 ) for their regular schedule and updates. If you are also interested to go to Korea for free, you can also join Korean Air contest for a free trip to South Korea. You still have a day to join your entry.

Seoul Olympic Park - Rose Garden

I haven't seen so many roses in my entire life until last year when I visited Korea. Autumn indeed is one of the most beautiful time of the year. Olympic Park was not originally part of our itinerary, though we regularly see it every time we ride the bus.

I am glad we made the right decision to go there and be able to see all the beautiful roses of different colors. It was a magnificent work of God. Literally, I may say that the park is like a bed of roses. Roses varies from color pink, red, white, yellow and many more. Added to its beauty are other types of flowers and the colors of autumn leaves. The flowers were arranged according to the type of color. Roses of the same color were planted on the same spot. I literally hold my breath as I see all those beautiful roses blending with the different colors of leaves. The atmosphere was so melodramatic, it seems to be a scene in a movie.

Pink Roses

The pick roses are my favorites. They signifies grace and elegance. They symbolizes admiration. So once you received a pink rose, the person maybe admires you. The roses are bigger than my hands.

Yellow Roses

Yellow roses signifies warm and happiness. Like its color, it brightens a person's day. I can see plenty of bees in this area. No need to be afraid they are not that dangerous. The yellow rose symbolizes friendship. So if you are planning to give a friend a flower, yellow roses will be one of the best expression of a sincere friendship.

I think one of the most beautiful creation in the world are flowers. They are not just lovely, but they make someone's heart happy. Like the one I am holding, this flower is like a perfect flower. Something that we often picture in our mind when we draw flowers when we were still children. 

  

The beauty of this park in not the flowers but also its location. It is actually right in the center of Seoul. The Olympic Park Rose Garden is indeed a must see park in Korea. For sweethearts, who are looking for a place where to have a special time together in Korea. I really suggest this place. 

You can also bring your bike with you. The shades of the trees are wonderful and you can feel the cool breeze of autumn while riding your bike. The photo above is one of my favorite photo when I was in Korea. They give me an impression how can a place in the middle of the city can be this peaceful and quite. So if you visit Korea this autumn, better bring your camera, try to ride a bike, and go there with your friends or with your special someone. I really suggest. Go to Olympic Park, Seoul Korea. 

OLYMPIC PARK 

THE ROSE GARDEN

For more information about best places in Korea, where to go or what to do, or simply to learn about their rich culture visit ibuzzkorea.com 

p.s. If you want to go to Korea all expense paid try joining the contest by KOREAN AIR. You still have 3 more days left to join. 

Asian On-Air Program

Hello guys, last 4 days for the said event. I am pretty amazed how the Korean Air made their promotional video, very enticing and encouraging to join. You can watch it here https://www.facebook.com/koreanairsoutheastasia.



I am encouraging everyone to join and participate in this event, who knows one of us will be given a chance to join them. Excited to see Korea again.

YA Davao Adventure

Last September my friend Carly had her birthday celebration in Davao City, ranked as the 4th safest city out of 349 cities according to website Numbeo.com. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/08/11/davao-ranked-4th-safest-349-cities-297317 . 

One of the great things we did there was our Island tour to Talikud Island Samal. The said island is rich of white sand beaches and cleared water.


The way to go there is very simple and very cheap. You need to go to Sta. Ana Wharf to take the boat straight to the Island for only 80 pesos. The entrance fee is only 75 pesos for day tours and the cost is a little bit higher if you stay over night. They have cottages that you and your friends can stay in. The place is peaceful and quite.

The white sand of  Isla Reta Samal Island

We also made a very wise decision to stay in a dorm-hotel type of Inn. The Homitori Hotel in Sta. Ana is a place for travelers with minimal budget. The rooms, the bath rooms, the comfort rooms, the people, we love all of them. It is a clean dormitel and very cheap. For only 210 per day you have a very comfortable and safe place to stay in Davao, and to mention the 210 pesos, with breakfast.

Try also riding the motor cycle around Samal Island. It will give you a quick tour around famous places in Samal. It was fun and exciting and safe all at the same time. The driver we hired was very considerate, he knew that we were a little bit afraid to ride the motorcycle, so he was very careful in his driving.



When you are in Davao, also try the famous Durian Coffee, durian cheese cake and Frappe.. I enjoyed it. It a must try. Also, go exotic, try their crocodile burger and durian ice cream in the crocodile farm. It was delightful to the taste.





And finally, if you are after for some night life in Davao City try the famous Jack Ridge. The view was splendid, I suggest you go there around 5 in the afternoon so you can have an over looking view of Davao City and at night to see the beautiful lights of Davao. There are plenty of restaurant there and their food was superb.


So I suggest go to Davao!

New wings to fly thru Korean Air

Traveling is one of the best reward any one can get. I love traveling, that I made a point every year I will travel within the Philippines. Since I graduated from college, I traveled to different parts of the Philippines from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Philippines is a wonderful and beautiful country. Beautiful beaches, mountains, and the people hospitality itself.




Every year, I would fly to different parts of the country, thru our country's airline companies. Until last year I was given a chance to go to Korea and visit the lovely country.

Seoul Olympic Park

ASIAN ON-AIR PROGRAM

Korean Air Southeast Asia

Asian On Air Program is coming back this year! Bloggers~don't miss this chance!Share this event and invite your friends to join to score more points and win a tour to Korea!:) Please read the below attached photo carefully~
P/s 1: Travel story is not limited to Korea.

YA Coron Adventure

Let me start my amazing story by introducing to you my wonderful friends starting from far left; Kate, Marj, Pau, Xha, Me, Gel, Jerlie, Malou and Gracie, these are my friends who made this travel unforgettable last year to Coron, Palawan. All of us met in the church and we are all members of the young adult’s  district.

Last year we decided to take a trip to Coron, Palawan Philippines to see the beautiful and amazing creation of God.  It was not the best season to travel since July is a rainy season but by the grace of God we were able to enjoy our vacation on a sunny day. Since Philippines have only two seasons, dry ( summer) season which starts from March to early June and wet (rainy) season that covers almost eight months in a year starting from the month of June up to February. Since the climate nowadays are unpredictable, I think anytime you can visit Coron as long there are no storms coming.

Our travel started when we landed at Coron Airport known as Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga. Our travel time was approximately 45 minutes from Manila to Coron. There are numbers of flights from Manila to Busuanga daily. Visitors from around the globe or from near by countries in South East Asia can book a flight from major airline companies that will fly them from Manila airport going to Coron, Palawan or from other international airport in the Philippines. Travelers from other countries carried by International Airlines like Korean Air will not have any problems looking for a flight going to Coron.There are numerous of visitors from different countries visit Coron to witness its beautiful islands and diving sites.

Scenery on our way to our hotel

Coron is known for its beautiful islands, beaches and white sands. Almost all islands in Coron Palawan are breathtaking. You can also appreciate the beauty of its mountains and how green the surroundings be. I can tell that life in Coron is very simple, far away from the busy life in Manila, the streets were safe and the locals were very helpful and kind.

We are so amazed how beautiful this place could be. You can see horses running free and how the fields were so green. Seeing this magnificent work of God as a welcome to our 4 days 3 nights travel here in Coron excites us more. This trip also is one of the cheapest travel I made, our over all expense was Php 5,500 or $130.00 including airfare and hotel accommodation that also covers the 3 meals per day, island tours and airport transfers.

Maquinit (means HOT) hot spring

One of the best thing about this travel is, I was able to enjoy it with my friends. On our first day, we were introduced to our tour guide, who is indeed very helpful and accommodating. On our first night we were able to enjoy the Maquinit hot spring. The saltwater hot spring and its temperature enables us to relax our tired body from our travel. The temperature of the water varies from 30 to 40 degree Celsius and said to be therapeutic that relaxes the body. We went there around 7 in the evening, though many suggested the best time to go to Maquinit is in the afternoon so you can see some other views. Our first day and night in Coron prepared us to our big day the following morning.

 

We were all ready to hit the shore, our bags are packed and all smile to our next destination. My friends and I love to laugh over simple things. I think that made this travel very unforgettable. We have plenty of time together appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy each others company. This trip was perfect because of my friends and our beach escapade, island hopping and nature tripping. Also, when you go to Coron, bring your beauty and skin protection because you will be spending most of the time on the beach. Bring also with you, your most reliable camera so you can capture every captivating scenery in Coron.

Our water taxi

One of the best thing to do in Coron are snorkeling and scuba diving. There were amazing sites in Coron that your water taxi can bring you. During our snorkeling in Siete Pecados, our tour guide gave us breads to feed the fish. There were plenty of fishes in different colors. This is one of the best site for snorkeling, for you can see the corals and varieties of marine animals. The water taxi is considerably safe, they have life jackets for each passengers and their tour guides are properly trained and very polite.

Snorkeling is one of the best thing we did in Coron. We actually found a NEMO look a like.We were able to experience to hold a giant oyster and be amazed of the beauty of the sea.

snorkeling time

clear waters of Coron

clown fish

with giant oyster

One of the memorable place and I would say, one of the most beautiful place I've been to is Coron's twin lagoon. There are two ways you can go inside the other lagoon, in the picture below there is a cave under the rocks we were standing on. The first way is to swim under the rocks, through the cave  or climb the rocks. As for me and my friends since we are not all good swimmers, we decided to climb the rocks. It was green, that is how exactly the waters look like. Clean and clear.

Our way to enter the lagoon

Behind those rocks is this magnificent view of the twin lagoon

At first we were all skeptics how good our life jackets could be. If you are not a good swimmer no need to worry, they will provide you a life jacket and you have your reliable tour guide. However, since we've been to different sites in Coron we were very confident as we swim this very peaceful lagoon. The lagoon was surrounded with the mountain like rocks that adds to the tranquility of the surroundings.

Our best spot inside this majestic lagoon

Our travel was blessed with so many beautiful scenery. Beautiful beaches in the Philippines is not something new, however to be in a beach with only a handful of people is really a bliss. We travelled almost an hour to reach Banana Island and Malcapuya. Two of the most beautiful beaches I have seen are Malcapuya and Banana beach. During our time on the island, there were only two groups who went there. It seems like we own the place. We run around the shore, made some jump shot and do some crazy things with our island souvenir pictures. Both Islands were made of fine and white sands. 

Malcapuya Island

Banana Beach

Our travel was also made fun and unforgettable with the delicacies we were able to taste. The food was not extra ordinary but what it makes so unique is the location and whom you eat it with. Most of the time, we eat our meals on an island. The food was great, because everything is freshly cooked. Fresh fish, fruits, vegetables and healthy stuff and some good laughs are the best.

 

lunch

Our cook holding our lunch,  our food was freshly made from the bangka (water taxi)

We make sure that our adventure in Coron will be well documented. We are in one of the most beautiful place in the world, might as well do some photo shoot. The scenery was great so we decided to take the chance to take our pictures. I would suggest for those who will travel to Coron. Photo shoot is also one of the best activity you can do there. Here are some of the beautiful shots we took.

Pau in ship wreck area, under the water is a ship wrecked from war

Banana Beach

Ship Wreck

Banana Beach

Banana Beach, Coron Palawan

 

Malcapuya Island, Coron Philippines

Mt. Tapyas

Finally, on our last day in Coron, we went to the highest peak in the Island, Mt. Tapyas. It is more than 700 steps going up to the peak of Mt. Tapyas. All of us were sweating, but the scenery was splendid as you reach the peak. Indescribable is the only word I can use to describe how I felt during that day. I would say, indeed Philippines is beautiful and people should also see this. As early as you read this blog, plan a trip with your friends or with your family. A group tour is less expensive, like we did. Book your flight for cheaper flights to Coron and there are plenty of Hotels, Inn or transients house which you can stay in Coron that offer a package tour in Coron that includes accommodations, food, island tours and airport transfers.

Truly, our adventure in Coron last year was truly unforgettable. More than the beautiful places we saw there, it is one of the BEST time that me and my friends spend together. After this trip two of my friends got married and another two of them will be getting married soon. Hopefully, we can go to another vacation or a trip together with our own families someday. 

So, I suggest go to Coron, Palawan.