A Beautiful Glimpse of Egypt

Egypt was the last of the triumvirate of nations which consist the HolyLand tour I joined. After kicking off our trip in Jordan and spending almost a week in Israel, the last leg of our journey took us to the land of the Pharaohs and Cleopatra. Along the way we passed by endless stretch of deserted valleys and mountains until the azure waters of the Red Sea signaled the approaching border crossing to Egypt. It was here where we followed the trail of Moses and the Holy Family when they fled Israel after King Herod Antipas issued a marching order to execute all infants in Israel.

Dolphin Spotting in Bais, Negros Oriental

Alighting out of a bus from Dumaguete, I arrived at the quaint town of Bais at the flinch of sunlight. This idyllic municipality was a bastion of 19^th century barons who spearheaded the raw sugar boom Negros Oriental came to known for. As I took my first strides around the town, I quickly noticed the miscellanies of its storied past evidenced by the run-down but still charming pre-war colonial homes.

Lakbay Norte | Baler without the Surf Board

Thrice in the past spread over a decade, I found myself in Baler always tugging a surf board. Despite failing to achieve consistent long rides over the waves, I recognized the cherished vibe reigning in this sea-side town. There is this inexplicable vibrant sub-culture that continue to attract an expanding list of friends and acquaintances of mine, into re-rooting themselves amongst the surfing community here.  

Postcard-Pretty Slideshow of Catanduanes

One after the other the rumbling sound of the waves remained on a continuous loop. Each time, a blast of sea water splashes violently towards the natural pool where our group were dipped soothingly. The sight and sound may appear perilous but the magnificent rock formations jutted from underneath the sea, sheltered us safely from the torrents of the Pacific Ocean. Such is the lure of Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon, a secluded tidal pool situated at the foot of Cagnipa Hills facing the monster swells of the Pacific.

Victory Liner’s P2P Bus Service Connects Clark Airport to Subic and Dagupan

Clark International Airport was where I took my very first airplane ride in 2007. Yes, just like with dating, I was a late-bloomer to plane rides. Similar to going out with women, I made it up with air travel - big time. Countless flights later and I still vividly remember walking over the hot paved tarmac of Clark Airport one sunny May morning, to an Air Asia plane warming up on the apron area. I dredged up thoughts of vowing to myself to “do this (flying) more often”.