We all start as strangers.

After some time, i again got the force to continue documenting my Bangkok-Siem Reap adventure. I got the perfect opening quote for this entry.

Met a new friend named Masahiko or Masa for short. Together we jump to the first train for the first trip to the main city. He's an accountant from Japan having few days off work, loves to traver and first time solo backpacker like me. Awesome!

When we arrive the Phaya Thai station, he just then figured out that his hotel is just near the airport. I thought he would bade goodbye but he asked if he can tag along since he don't have any plan for the day. I said are you sure? and he confirmed.

We went straight to my hostel to check-in and left my things. Saphaipae hostel is true to its advertisements - good location, friendly and accommodating staffs, clean rooms and great common bathroom. Without further a do SAPHAIPAE IS HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

First activity for the day - temple hopping. We went straight to Saphan Taksin station for a boat ride via Chao Phraya river. This is the best and fastest route to the Grand Palace. We got ripped for the boat fare. We rode the tourist boat as per advised by the one we talked there. Cheaper regular fare for locals is at far left side of the station. It is available during day time until 7PM last trip.

Riding their own local ferry boat is great experience. We got a good daytime view of the city. Was able to see some landmarks and temples facing the river. Back home i remember Pasig River, Its almost the same with Chao Phraya. Thai was able to maximize their river using as another option of transport. Compared to Pasig river, there are less to no lilies floating. I think this is one hindrance on ferry operation aside from less promotion and patronage.

Upon arrival in Grand Palace, we need to pay THB500 and had a wrong decision to wear a short pants. It is prohibited to wear short clothing upon entry in the temple. Good thing they have pants rental for men and sarong for women for THB200.

A huge well maintained lawn at the left side with cluster of temples roofs greeted us. Since we arrive around 11AM, flocks of tourist is also on their way. The palace is a complex of buildings used to house the Kings of Thailand. Currently it is now one of the most popular tourist attraction and still used for venue for government social gatherings.

If you want to maximize your trip, be sure to go here at 10:00AM (10:30AM, 1:30PM and 2:00PM) for the free English guided tour or more earlier if you don't want to go with many tourist crowd.

Thais made sure to define grandeur and intricacy on their temple. Grand Palace is one the structures they imprinted their artistry. From top to bottom, different patterns are painted including touches of glass and whole bunch of gold paints. Gold overload. My best building is Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat (thank you wikipedia!). Its like the front building of Hong Kong Disneyland, haha! 

Next stop is Wat Pho which houses the Golden Giant Reclining Buddha. This is the biggest Buddha i've seen to date. The image is 15m high and 43m long with 3m high and 4.5m long foot 108 arranged panels displaying symbols by which Buddha can be identified like flowers, dancers, white elephants, tigers and altar accessories (Wikipedia).

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As of this writing, this map below graphically shows how much i was able to set foot in the Philippines. I therefore conclude that i need to go double time to at least cover half of 7107 beautiful paradise islands.

No wonder colors are more dense in Luzon compared to Visayas and Mindanao. It is mainly because of accessibility by land. Looking back Benguet on northern part tops among the provinces i've been. I was able to conquer Mt. Pulag, Luzon's highest peak and third highest mountain in the country at 2,922 meters above sea level. I can't believe i was able to made it up and down alive since this is my first ever stint on mountain climbing and no preparation at all. Here, aside from experiencing the lowest temperature i had in the country, i was able to witness the majestic sunrise above the sea of clouds. I can't explain the feeling back then.

Another on my list is Sagada, Mt. Province where it's tagged as 'the old image of Baguio' according to my friend. This is memorable for my first ever 3-hour (death defying) cave spelunking in Lumiang and Sumaguing caves. But inside are the magnificent stalactite, stalagmite and column formations and crystal clear underground river. Sagada also houses Bomod-ok Falls, the most beautiful falls i've seen to date.

Next is Palawan for Coron and where i traveled recently - El Nido and Puerto Princesa. Indeed this province is the 'Last Frontier' for it offers a great place for exploration with its great sanctuaries for mother nature. From land, air to underwater Palawan is haven for all nature lovers like me.

Island hopping at El Nido Palawan.

Sunset at Bacuit Bay El Nido Palawan.

The entrance to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

For the places i've been in Visayas, Boracay tied with Bacolod and Bohol. I can say Boracay indeed offers world class shoreline but i'm not a fan of too much commercialization for it most of the time destroys nature. Bacolod as the City of Smiles offered me the best of Masskara Festival and its delicious variety of foods aside from being my father's hometown. To mark the jump start to discover more of the country is for Bohol. This is i experience the laid back and simple province life far from busy streets in the metro.

Willy's Rock seen at Station 2 shoreline Boracay Island, Aklan.

A student participant waiting in line at the parade.

Participants strike a pose.

For down sounth Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental tops Daval and Samal. True to it's word is indeed the adventure capital of the country. I can still remember the adrenalin rush and rapids on our wild water rafting - paddle up! It is highly recommended.

This year me together with some friends and my loves Lanipot, we are bound to Boracay (my third consecutive year), Bacolod and Iloilo (second time) and January 2014 in Surigao del Sur for the Enchanted River and the country's little Niagra Falls - Tinuy-an Falls.

So double time Oleyo! Keep shading your Philippine Map!

Credits:

Thank you to Mr. Eugene Alvin Villa for developing Lakbayan. You're site is a big help for all Philippine travelers like me to track how much we have discovered in our country. Kudos!

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The core of man’s spirit comes from new experiences ~Henry David Thoreau

It was just late last year since i booked this trip and the excitement started. As months passed by that excitement diminished. I thought this would not pushed through because of some things i need to consider. Good thing everything still went well and here i am composing this entry. I've been looking forward for a solo trip.

Been reading blogs of solo backpackers and their experiences on the road. I already did it locally; one day side trip in Iloilo followed by four days in Boracay. Then this time i go international, crossing two countries in one trip - Thailand (Bangkok) and Cambodia (Siem Reap).

At first i am a bit nervous of what might happen on the road then i realized its part of the experience. As long as i got my guide docs and cheat sheets, i'm good. What is the long research and planning for if i will not use it anyway. Lastly, good thing i got Lani's approval before heading to this trip. As much as i want her to join me, it will break my purpose of this trip according to her. (I love you Hon once again!) I just found myself inside the plane for a 3-hour ride MANILA-BANGKOK. 

During the flight i met a couple, they are working in a casino near Phuket. I told them im on a solo backpacking and they were surprise of me travelling alone. Then there goes a mini pros and cons and going solo discussion. Upon arrival at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, i can't help but to compare it to the airports in Manila. I will not further detail the huge differences. All i can say is Thais are lucky they got some leaders who prioritized to build an airport like this to invest on their tourism industry. An i believe it is well paid off since Thailand is the second to Malaysia when it comes to tourist visit.

The multi-tiered roof Buspaka Throne enshrining a Reliquary Urn of the Lord Buddha
as one of the great pieces found at the departure upper level of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Passing the immigration was a breeze. There are less visitors when our plane arrive and just filled few minutes when we fall in line. I saw mostly Caucasians. They are taking advantage of the good air entry policy of Thailand to cater more tourist and direct flights from rich countries in US and Europe. Another thing Philippine officials is not taking into consideration the fact that the country has lots to offer compared to Thailand when it comes to tourism.

I went straight to our assigned conveyor belt and got my stained and strap-ripped backpack. Grrrrr! Those careless ground personnel! (Lesson learned no. 1) I will have my bag wrapped next time because of this. 

I bid goodbye to the couple i met on the plane. As much as i want to share taxi with them to my hostel so that i will no longer wait 'til 6AM for the first train to the city, I decided not to. They will stay overnight in a hotel in Bangkok before taking a bus ride to the place where they work. The airport is big and i just explored part of it. It's a bit like a mall but with sleepers on different corners. Got a spot to munch for the last piece of my baon on the plane then rest for few minutes.

Tried looking for a good spot to rest but im afraid i might lost my things when i wake up. It is still different place anyway and this my first time to stay there. I just continued to explore other floors until i found a food shop or foodcourt. I surveyed the place for a nice food. At first i thought it is for airport personnel since i can't find any tourist dining and they are paying coupons for their food. I asked the front desk and they have this coupon system where you buy a coupon from them with denominations and use it to pay for the food. The stall gives change in excess of the amount. This my first time interact with Thais. Excess coupons can be refunded to the front desk at the left upon entry.

Cheap food finds for backpackers

Interior of the food court with mostly airport personnel dinning.

First food of the day - Thai porridge. Good for breakfast for THB3. It is the safest food i think of that i can eat at that moment. I spent the rest of the time waiting for the train on the bench at the ground floor. Same floor with the foodcourt. I was able to sleep for few minutes and always checking my things whenever i wake up.

Thai porridge if i'm not mistaken.

6AM came and i came down to the train station. Here i ask a guy where did he get his map and he pointed me the source. Few more minutes and i am waiting for the train and chatting with a new found Japanese friend - Masahiko.

This has been the real jump start of this trip. During this time I don't know what is in store for me i just looked forward that everything will turn great while on the road but if anything else happens whether its good or bad it will surely be charged to experience.

Orchids found at the Buspaka Throne.

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Fee time came up and i was able to create a compilation of videos we shot from recent Puerto Pricesa and El Nido trip. Good thing i know some techniques on how same day edits (SDEs) on weddings are made, videographers will surely know abut this. Looking forward to compose more video trip like this in the future. Enjoy the mini movie!

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I've been to different places and visiting a church would always be a good part of the itenerary. Saying a little prayer for the chance of being able to visit a place and seeking guidance while on the road is all worth it. With the great influence of Spanish during their more than 300-year colonization of the Philippines, no wonder they did spread the catholicism in the country very well. The great number of catholic believers and church erected in many corners are the marks of their success.

Every province have their own church to boast both old and new ones. I prefer to discover the very old ones specially those hundreds of years old. The oldest churches are mostly found on different provices and good thing their locals are able to preserve these historical landmarks.

During my El Nido travel, Matinloc shrine was very notable for me. At first i thought it was just an island with limestones and a small shore but when the, i was wrong when our guide gave us an overview on what we can see in the island - a small church or i can say a chapel.

Though the chapel was already abandoned was no longer managed and maintained, it still stood there good for everone to have a good reflection while visiting the island. I was not able to ask for the reason but might be because of the location. I was amazed the first time i saw it and make sure i'll be able to capture parts of it. I want to spend longer time there but we need to go as it is already raining.

This is the first time i saw a church built on a remote beautiful island. I thought this is a perfect location for weddings or at least a good choice for wedding proposals. According to our guide, a wedding just recently held there. There are only less than 50 guests invited. Might be because of the expense or the couple wants a very intimate wedding with their loved ones. I hope someday i'll be able to witness a wedding held there.

There are also a port built on th island with a great view of another island nearby. According to our guide the wedding was held on that part which i agreed it was a good setup. Our guide led us to a viewing deck on the left side of the island facing the chapel. It the view was fantastic. Be careful when going here, one mistake and it will be a painful death with sharp limestones just below the viewing deck. Anyway its all worth the risk since it will be a breath taking aerial view of one side of the island.

As per our guide, having a wedding here is free of charge. Just secure a permit from the local government of El Nido and viola! the island is yours for few hours, i am just not sure of other conditions. The catch here is one is able to have a memorable wedding of their lives. I just hope those who will use this island is to preserve it so that other visitors will be able to experience the beauty of this island.



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I am a big fan of both sunrise and sunset this is why i always look forward to it whenever i set foot on different places. I make sure to witness any or both two if there are chances. A wake up early in the morning or few minutes in the late afternoon is all worth the wait.

These two phenomenon are feast for the eyes for everyone specially for nature lovers, photographers and visualists for its great display of colors during a short span of time from the moment the first ray of sun slips in the morning and last ray of light before the night conquer the sky. The sky acts like a huge canvas and the sun paints its colors and change it every minute. From the yellow and oranges hues in the beginning it can change and combine colors from red, purple, pink and blue.

It would be great if there will be subjects underneath the sky or the horizon to add to the scenery. From usual boat and ship sailing in Manila bay to the yatchs parked on the yard of Manila Yatch Club. Silhouttes of mountains, islands and trees are another good add ons. On top of these and my favorite are human silhouttes in action.

My first encouter was in a sunset in Caramoan where a father and daugher/son carrying a sack and bundle of palm leaves on shoulders walking back home. From then on, human silhouttes on either sunrise or sunset bacame my favorite subject.

And now El Nido gave me something to remember aside from experiencing the beauty it offers - a good set of sunset photos.

This features a family consists of a mother with her little girl with the father carrying their young one and a group of children gathering Lato (seaweeds) from the seagrass and rocks since its already low tide. This might be for selling the following day or dinner for the evening. I tried what they are doing and i got excited the first time i saw it and the mother confirmed it is the right thing im pointing at. Hope you enjoy this set ;)

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