283: the Coast Calls: A Quick Get Away to San Juan

If I can move out from the city and live a provincial life, I'd definitely choose to move to La Union. This place is starting to get its way into my heart. In Urbiztondo, I found my other home.

What I particularly love about Urbiztondo is its people. The people there are friendly. It was easy to find friends with the easy living surfers, and local people. In fact, I've made too many errors in riding the right jeepney to my destination but these drivers were nice to take me nonetheless. These drivers didn't even accept my additional payment for the hassle.

So last week I found myself back in this wonderful place. I went there with my good friend to celebrate her birthday. While I stayed twice at Sebay surf, this time I told myself to stay at San Juan Surf School Resort.

If you want to know, the San Juan Surf School Resort is just next to Sebay Surf. The reason why I chose not to book myself here initially is because judging by exterior it looks expensive, so I didn't bother. But when my other friend said that Sebay and San Juan Surf School is almost as the same price, I told myself to give it a go.

.. and I'm glad I did.

While I like Sebay Surf, the San Juan Surf School Resort offers a modern, and classy style. Just as Sebay, the San Juan Resort rooms have a cabled t.v, air-conditioning, fridge, and their shower has a cold and hot temperature dial. For 2, the room was priced as 1,986 PHP (as of July 2015 see prices here). But what I particularly love about the place is its restaurant-bar.

I swear I have weakness for good aired restaurant and bar. I love that some of their tables allows you to have a (partly) view of the beach (but this is where the Sebay beats them in terms of beach view from the bar).

 

I wish I took more photos! Forgive me though because I swear after the 9 hours travel all I wanted to do was to lie on the bed. So apologies I never thought about taking a picture of the room, and it never crossed my mind. But I would next time. Rest assured though those that you will see in the tripadvisor was enough to give you visual projection of what to expect.

All in all, it's not obvious that I will be back in La Union soon enough, and if you are going to ask me where I will book myself, it's no brain-er because I'll definitely book myself at San Juan Surf School Resort again -- again just because I am a sucker for a good restaurant - bar.

244: PhotoWalk: Bliss and Warmth

Intoxicated by the warmth of sunset
and serenaded by the sound of the waves
undulated gracefully on the shore,
I drifted to bliss.

Taken from Bali, Indonesia

Travel More, Experience More. Ask me how!

243: TRAVEL ON!

I know you've been reading about my blog for sometime right now. Most of the time I have posted about my travels that you can find here and in my facebook. If you want to know how I was able to travel 8 times for the last 10 months it's because I am a member of an exclusive traveling club. This traveling club was introduced to me by my sister who's based in Singapore. My sister was able to enjoy 13 travels in a span of a year (check her facebook account). 

WHY AND HOW?

Plain and simple, we wanted to pioneer a team of fun loving travelers here in the PHILIPPINES. So if you keep your options open in making money, and you think you are the type of person who's fun loving, and is crazy to travel EMAILME (mlmvillareal@gmail.com). 

227: Why you should travel

221: a Bag of Mixed Beans: Instagram, and a pint of vent

1. Paroxysm of Rage - This watercoloring I've painted borne out of frustration. I find watercoloring a good venting method to alleviate some of my pent up emotions. It's not so much but I'm quite happy of the outcome.
2. You should be here! - Man, I had this back when I was in Singapore attending the Millionaire Bootcamp, that's my ID lace. I miss the environment there, I miss the people, the energy, the mentors. Man, truly one of the best bootcamp ever.
3. A Mix of Curry - I had one of the best curry in Singapore. We ate in the local Indian restaurant, and as much as the smell nauseates me, I did enjoy it. I didn't have much rice, but substituted prata bread instead but I'm telling you even though I didn't have much rice I feel very heavy afterwards.
4.  Synergy - That's the people I spent time with. I was in the extreme left standing next to my wonderful sister. I miss these people.
5. Nananana #Ironman - Look at my cute-sy Ironman flashdrive. Very nerdy, isn't it?
6. My Decision - That yellow badge that I got in the Millionaire bootcamp is my decision. You might be wondering what decision it is, but this decision I took is the commitment that I made that I chose to be successful in the endeavor that I took. 

-----

For the past few days I had been a little bit of a mixed up. Mixed up because I finally found what I want to do in my life but sometimes, sometimes I cannot help but also second-guess myself. I know I've been rallying on being optimist, and fighting for what we want in life but sometimes reality just keeps on knocking on my head to be realistic.

But honestly, I've been rolling my eyes when I hear about being realistic because seriously as Will Smith shared that 'being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity'. So you know, it makes me ill to think of not pursuing my goals because of my shortcomings or because of some lame excuses because I just can't. I can't just live my life not being able to carry out my goals, because I have to be realistic. ugh.

To tell you honestly, I'm not sure how I can work it out, but I really have faith. I have faith in my God, in Laws of Attraction, in the power of decision that I made ... so whatever, I swear, it will work out. ✌

219: Live a Life that You Deserve

For the span of 5 months, I went to different countries. I cannot believe that I have been in and out off the country for a short time period. Tell you what, don't think that I'm rich. It's God's way of showering me with his blessings, and of the opportunities given to me. Opportunities presents itself, but it's up to us to take (calculated) risk and fight for it.

Last Friday: August 2, I went back to Singapore to attend the Bootcamp. No words. I just can't explain the incredible feeling of what I attended in Singapore last Friday - Sunday. I have never attended a personal development/business event that could turn my whole world upside down. The people, the energy is just too overwhelming. The added bonus there is that: I have met new friends that I know could lift me higher.

They said that we should surround ourselves with people who will do good to us, and in that moment, when I was in that event ,I just found those people. It's not that I'm turning my back to my friends, they are my still my best buddies anyhow. I just found the people who are going to be my anchor.

A piece of advice, Tom Hanks' famous character Forrest Gump said that "Life is a box of chocolate, you'll never know what you'd gonna get". I found myself in the same situation, but instead of box, I was facing a six pieces of donuts all incredibly looking good. We only had a chance to pick one, and I know I've got to choose the one that I think I truly deserve. So you know, don't settle for less. Demand a better life because we deserve it. It's not going to be easy, but man it's going to be worth it.

I have never been so grateful for people who told me to attend. It was worth every penny.

Meeting Johnny Wimbrey. If you havent heard of him, he's a hollywood life coach, and a successful entrepreneur (http://goo.gl/CDIw5U). He is someone like Anthony Robbins. Being able to hear him talk about life inspires me to live life to the fullest. He's such a powerful speaker, motivator, and inspiration. It was like as if he was talking to me personally. When the bootcamp ended I left the auditorium with such optimism because of the wisdom and philosophy he had shared. Thanks for being such an eye opener,

And he responded! This is just the start of fulfilled and wonderful days.

One day, I'll live my life - FULL TIME - just like these people. Fun, Freedom, Fulfillment.

218: Quote: Travel the World, Shall we?

©

217: Lombok, Indonesia: Day 2+

First, I apologize I do not mean to bombard this with my updates. But, I try to be detailed as I can so I can remember exactly what happened on my trips. I hope FB will stay long enough to keep these pictures for the next few years.

Anyway, second day. As much as I can, I try to savor time when I am in abroad. I wake up early and stay late at night hoping I could pro-long the moment. I guess each of us has that "I hope this moment never end" sentiments while on vacation, hoping in vain that time would slowdown. Relativity, yes, Einstein you were right.

On our second day, we went to the local community, visited the place where the locals work doing pottery, and weaving. It's amazing that the women are hired to do this kind of work simply due to the attitude needed to get the job done right. The tour guide even said that the reason why it's the women who do these kind of jobs is because of their patience, and their attention to detail. The dichotomy of work category based on gender is observed on this place. But what was amazing though is the patience and imagination that these people needed in order to get the job done. Weaving, for example, is not an ordinary job. It requires a technical understanding as to how to put a design by knowing where to place a certain thread. It's just beyond me on how they do it.

Next, we went to Kuta beach. The Kuta beach is popular place for surfers. Although unfortunately we were far where the surfers surf. We were on the low-tide part. But man, the view is extraordinary. Kinda makes you think about paradise. lol.

Last, we went on the Sasak village. Sasak village is the place where the indigenous lives. Like certain indigenous tribes, it's normal for them to marry their cousins. There are also certain tradition observed when they marry: men paying a number of goats or cows to the family. Weaving and farming is what they also do for living.

We ended the day by having a red themed party (w/ costumes!). We got to interact with people who are in World Ventures too. It made me feel like we were a one big family. Since, it was my first Dreamtrip, I made sure that I am going to win the most creative costume, and I did. I brought my CAT hat, but I sure looked like I belong in the airforce. lol.

All in all the trip was amazing. It taught me a lot about life in general. Also, it's a bonus that the people I am with are business minded, optimistic, and fun loving people. It was so easy to get along with them. This Dreamtrip would not certainly be my last one as the experience was totally a bliss.


You should be here!

The beautiful Kuta Beach

Jon's legs, and my sister walking ...

The Sasak indigenous granma weaving out of cotton 

Painting collection in the weaving house we went

Look! I got to try weaving too :)

The local women weaving

The party after the visit on the locals :)

The awards, the music, the party!

See the rest here

215: Travel: Bali/Lombok, Indonesia: Day 1

They say that airport plays a significant part to let you know what awaits you on the country that you are visiting. Seeing the Denpasar International Airport (DPS) upon arrival excites me because the exterior has an exotic-asian touch. If I am a westerner, the airport itself would let me know that I am indeed in an asian place. Unlike (probably) some asian airports that's heading to modern style. But what was the huge let down was that: DPS is actually small inside. There is no way that you can hang around. It's certainly a 'pass-through' place.

First, flying to Indonesia alone is daunting. I blame my paranoia over little things. But I have been traveling alone and I'm pretty much confident with my instincts and my capabilities with what I should do if things do not come as planned. But things went smooth, and my sister and I saw each other without any problems (she flew from Singapore).

The trip was basically part of the Dreamtrips. We stayed at the Senggigi Beach Resort at Lombok. The resort had surpassed my expectations. First, it's not crowded. Second, the hotel was very good, although rustic (i'm not sure if this is part style). Third, the buffet/food was amazing. Fourth, the place is just ideal for people who wants to have a wonderful time, and rest. Fifth, the service was excellent. 
Sixth ... I can go on, lol. I am actually impressed that for a cheap price we got so much. World Ventures stayed true to their promise and gave us a trip worth remembering. 

What I really enjoyed was that we were able to enjoy the culture, and local information about place. We learned about the Chinese people who got into that place first because they were mining for coals and silver. Also, I have learned about the Dutch intervention, and etc., There were so much to learn! The pottery, the women in the place, the culture, the locals, the community. The itinerary was already provided by World Ventures, and all we had to do was lay back enjoy the wave, information, party, and have fun.

They say that in life the only ones that we remember are the experiences, and the memories, and this is certainly one of mine.

A welcome for us Dreamtrippers!

Someone is so happy at that moment.

Our trusty plane! :)

This is the place where people hangout: listening to the waves, the reggae songs, and chilled beers and wonderful foods.

Quite a view right?

Our view. We can hear the waves crashing on this area:

Some chilled beers for the long flight.

Romanticizing the night with some Bob Marley songs, great food, and wonderful company.

The reception area: quite a view eh?

The infinity pool. I love swimming here. It's a wonderful pool.

See the rest of the pictures here

211: Travel - Day 1: Lost in Singapore, Night Walk

Gad, so many pictures. I have too many pictures on our vacation that I couldn't find time to edit everything. So my apologies for posting raw pictures. But on my first entry, I'd be talking about how our 1st day in Singapore was. I love Singapore. I love it because the country was so organized and traveller friendly. I really think that their government puts tourism on top of their priority because they make the traveller's life easier.

Anyway my friend and I arrived on Singapore last June 13 around 4:30PM and since we are short in our travel period it was necessary that we start touring right after arriving.

The first place we went to was the night safari.

Look at how happy I am and how everyone looks tired!

My good friend looking excited too!

These flame spitting dancers!

More bad-assery

These signs that gives a real illusion of an approaching tiger.

The friendly deers!

My favorite animal: Elephant with a tusk no less!

My other favorite: Tiger

My apologies on a bad photography because my camera was having a hard time taking pictures at night. I'm glad that I was able to take a photo of my favorite animals: Elephant and tiger. I wish I could have taken a picture of the giraffe as it's also my favorite but the giraffe was too far and it's a little too dark for my camera to take a decent one. 

What I love about the night safari is the chance to really see the animals without the cage. They were out on the field! The dangerous ones (tiger, wild dogs, lions) were not caged but they were in these wired places instead. Also, aside from taking the tram to take an educational tour inside the visitors has the chance to take a walk in the trails. 

Taking the trail was really thrilling because the fact that the animals were not caged, it made us feel that it's likely that we'd come across some animals along the way! lol. Plus, the fact that it's dark made us feel like we were in the amazon! You cannot take the fear that we felt because if we take the wrong trail we might end up on the back of the Tiger's place. hahaha. My friend and I were fooling around to the point we ended up scaring ourselves!

I've got to tell you that going to the night safari despite not taking a rest was worth it. I enjoyed seeing the animals just as I did when I was a kid. I appreciate it more though considering that I am conscious enough of how beautiful and fragile they are.

If you go to Singapore, I'd recommend this one. Although it's a little pricey but it's worth it. I'd like to try the River Zoo in Singapore one day when it's already complete. I bet it's a wonderful place too.

209: On Travelling. WOOHOO!! ✈

©

I had been attempting to create a mini-video clip of nothingness, just random clips and probably have Bon Iver's Skinny Love play in the background or Colin Hay's Overkill. But I'd probably end up using Colin Hay's Overkill as it reflects more of myself. I have taken that .gif by the way. So hipster right? lol

For the past few days, I had been into music, running, traveling, and cooking. I realized that these things that I have mentioned are the things that I am obsessing at the moment. It's kind'a like the Eat, Pray, Love thing just missing the important role of Music. I just realized how these things really lift up my soul. With regards to travelling, I have attended this short travel presentation at Relik Bar and one of the speakers there said, 'Travelling is a priceless, you cannot remember the money you have saved but the memory of the happiness and of experience lasts a lifetime". I agree, and I totally have a different opinion now with travelling. It might have been expensive but the memories, the experience, the happiness gained/felt in that moment is just too priceless not to give - in.

With other things that I have mentioned such as running, music, and cooking is something that I'll be discussing later on. For now, for me travelling is bliss.

If you wonder where I am going, these are the places that I have booked so far:

Singapore ✈ Boracay ✈ Bali

They are quite costly, but dang it's priceless. I'll get back my expenses but I cannot miss the fun in going at these places. It's exciting, it's thrilling. I have pending places to visit yet. I never have plotted the places that I wanted to see, but now I will. How exciting, right?

I never knew how much travelling is important, I just realized when I took one. hihihi.

I can't get to sleep

I think about the implications

Of diving in too deep

And possibly the complications

Especially at night

I worry over situations

I know will be alright

Perhaps it's just imagination

Day after day it reappears

Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear

Ghosts appear and fade away

At least there's pretty lights

And though there's little variation

It nullifies the night from overkill

195: Birthday Month!

Picture from Epsos.De

What do you look forward to this month? Seriously, I never had an exciting month as far as I can remember. You see, first, March is my birth month. I usually dread it ~ not because I'm ungrateful ~ but because of the obligatory birthday celebrations. I must admit, I'm heck stingy so yeah I feel obligated treating everyone I knew. Plus, I'm a trying hard entertainer! I feel like I have to entertain every guest I have, in which is one of my weakest. I know you must think, why give in? The thing is I feel bad about not celebrating ... so yeah, March usually is a love/hate month for me.

But this month, is one of my firsts! This is the first time that I will be going out of the country on my own! It's actually a bit of a surprise. I thought that my sister would accompany me going to Singapore, when I had booked everything for myself, she then announced that I'll be on my own. You cannot imagine how much I have ranted about going out of the country on my own.

Honestly, going out without a company is a little intimidating considering that I easily get threatened to unfamiliarities. But since I've been telling myself to 'go, enjoy life at its fullest' I thought why not. It will be a heck of an adventure to travel alone. It must be.

Aside from my travel adventure, I took the opportunity to join my sister's Worldventures travel club. I'm not much of a travel geek but then travelling seemed to be essential in our life. If I really wanted to rally discovery and exploration in my life, travelling the globe should be in my top list. Who knows, I might end up being a travel writer. That sounds good, right? And going out of the country every now and then, enjoying the different environment should be good for my soul. So why not?

I've never been this excited looking forward to my birthday celebration, because I can feel there's a lot of things to discover ... a lot of things to look forward to come my 24th birthday.

So you my faceless reader, have you tried going out of the country on your own? If you do, what are you experiences? Let's talk!