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!

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.