#SINGLEPORE 2016

IMMIGRATION OFFICER: "So it's your first time traveling abroad?"

ME: "Yes."

IMMIGRATION OFFICER: "You traveled alone?"

ME: "Yes."

IMMIGRATION OFFICER: "Will someone pick you up here in the airport?"

ME: "No one. I'll take the train, I trust your train system." 

IMMIGRATION OFFICER: *Closing his eyes, breathing deeply as if exasperated* 

"OK."

*Stamps my Passport* 

WELCOME TO SINGAPORE!!!

Happy New Year mga ka-DDS! Hahaha.

Most are on nostalgic mode thinking of the year that was. This solo trip to Singapore last November undoubtedly was my 2016's biggest highlight. I've shared in a previous post that solo travel is something that appeals to me and would love to do more of.

BUT! I originally didn't plan on going all by myself to Singapore because happiness is only real when shared, right??? I first planned it with two of my closest friends. But things happen and each has his/her own life priorities (mine just happens to be travel), so they decided not to push through.

Well, I decided to just go and do it because...

1.) Earlier this year I had my first taste of solo travel when I went to Makati for something work related. I rented an AirBnB and stayed at the city for 3 nights and 3 days. If I survived Makati alone, I can survive SG! #IndependentWoman Charot.

2.) The flight is direct from Davao to Singapore (vice versa). Flying abroad without going through the hassle of NAIA (once dubbed as the world's worst airport) is a comforting thought to someone like me who lives in Mindanao. Just board the plane at Davao Airport, close your eyes for 4 hours and et voila, nasa Singapore ka na! Haha

3.) Singapore is known to be one of the safest cities in the world, perfect for female solo travel.

4.) I personally know at least *two people in SG whom I can get in touch with while there in case an emergency happens.

*two people whom I shamelessly bothered. Hehehe. Thank you so much for your time and company Riza & July!

5.) This article said so that we should travel solo. And this article, and this...

As the Proverb goes "when the will is ready, the feet are light." 

Let's go!

First thing's first, let's get on with the details:

Airfare ticket cost: Php 7,167.13 w/ 15kg baggage allowance on the flight back. You could score less than this (as low as Php 4,000.00 to 5,000.00 ++). If via Davao,not Manila. Abanger mode lang sa Cebu Pacific website for promos and ninja moves sa pag-book!

Travel tax: Php 1,620.00

Terminal Fee (Davao Airport): Php 700.00 (For international flights)

For Philippine Passport holders, there's no need for a Visa when traveling to Singapore. All you need is your valid PH Passport and ticket (that might be a common knowledge for travel enthusiasts but let's just drop that information there, might be helpful to some).

You need an EZ Link Card to get around SG. Singapore is a popular destination for Filipinos, so chances are, you may know someone who had been there and that person may have possibly own an EZ Link Card. My officemate suggested this brilliant idea: borrow an EZ Link Card instead of buying one. Just top it up (reload) while at SG. #TipidHits

I was really amazed by their SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit). I didn't regret one bit telling the immigration officer that I trust SG's train system. It was so easy to understand and very efficient! 

After you experience that kind of convenience in mass transport, you can't help but wish for something like it to happen in your own homeland. Soon enough in the Philippines I hope! Change is coming,

Accomodation: 7 Wonders Hostel

I stayed at 7 Wonders Hostel at Jalan Besar neighborhood. I found it at AirBnB but booked at their official website (you pay for a little less if you book directly at their site). It's a hostel with capsule-type accommodation. It was my first time trying the capsule-type accommodation because it's the cheapest option out there.

My room was called "The Leaning Tower" which I shared with 6 other female occupants. Not bad, one way of meeting other people as well (met an Indian girl, British backpackers and Filipinas too!).

I thought I might get claustrophobic but turned out the bed was spacious enough (or I just happen to have a small body frame haha). But if you're tired from all the walking the whole day, you'll just pass out at whatever type of bed I guess.

 Why I recommend 7 Wonders Hostel:

-7 Wonders Hostel opened early of 2016. A newly built or renovated hostel is always a good choice. Why? Because everything is still clean. The bathrooms were still fresh looking, the robes and towel were not yet worn out.

-It's near a GREEN LINE MRT station (Lavender Station). It's the Green Line that travels to and from Changi Airport. Kumbaga, isang sakayan lang (in English: one ride only) Lol.

Less hassle especially when it's time to fly back home. It's expected that your baggage doubles compared to what you originally came with (paano nalang ang mga pasalubong para sa officemate mong nag sit-in para sayo hahaha). It's so convenient that there's no need to interchange trains with all the additional baggage (except for the Tanah Merah interchange, but it's still the green line).

-They offer free luggage storage (some hostels charge per hour for luggage storage). This is an advantage especially if you have to checkout by 12 noon but your flight is at say, 9:30 pm pa.

-Their reception lobby is Instagram friendly hehe (pictured below) #MillenialDecisions

Accommodation Cost: SGD 80.64 for 3 nights (around Php 3,000.00) w/ breakfast. So worth the money!

Food/Drinks:

1.) Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle

I queued for an hour to try the famed Michelin starred Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken. It has become a hype in Singapore since it was the first hawker stall to win a Michelin star award.

My honest verdict? Okay lang. The queue was long as expected. In my humble opinion, due to the booming demand, I think their focus was shifted more at catering the long line of curious tourists to the point that the quality of their chicken was a bit compromised. Quantity over quality. The chicken I ordered wasn't well cooked (there was still blood on it). It wasn't juicy as what the reviews said.

It was still an experience though. A check off my list for things to try at SG. And hey, for a cheapskate like me, that may be the only Michelin starred meal I could ever afford...2 SGD only!

2.)  HOKKIEN MEE (FRIED PRAWN NOODLES)

The Hokkien Mee at Food Republic (NEX Mall) was hands down, the best tasting meal I ever had in SG! My friend Riza recommended it to me. Actually, nilibre niya ako, kaya best tasting meal...kasi libre! Hahaha.

Not to oversell it, but it was really good. Even up to now, I could still remember how it tastes (tangy and saucy). The kalamansi goes well with the sauce and noodles. I think that's an indication that a food is really great...when the taste becomes a memory. Char!

3.) ISLAMIC RESTAURANT SINGAPORE

I'm a firm believer that no matter how you research, the best food recommendations will always come from the locals. My friend Julmar is based in Singapore for awhile and he was gracious enough to meet me and eat lunch with his Mom at Islamic Restaurant Singapore (it's near the Arab Mosque).

I liked the Naan (soft bread) and the dip that came with it. We were escorted at the Upper Room of the restaurant and it was a bit more quiet there than the restaurant downstairs. Until now, I don't know if it was some sort of an updgrade. Haha. Thanks July!

4.) KOI MILK TEA

Singapore is very humid, you'll get thirsty from all the walking. You need something to refresh you thirsty throat with. The funny thing was that this KOI Cafe Milktea was what Riza and July both recommended for me try and it happened on two separate occasions. It's legit guys, KOI Milktea is the thing. Haha. Go for the Hazelnut flavor. 

What is your 2016's biggest highlight?

TO BE CONTINUED...

PANTRY GIRLS MNL 2016

Sharing photos from last February's trip to "Imperial Manila" with the officemates a.k.a Pantry Girls.

This was a legit budget trip. Budget airfare, budget hotels, budget Enchanted Kingdom package, budget everything!#cheapskatefriendly. There's really strength in numbers because you get to share the expenses like baggage fee, accommodation, transportation, food and even miscellaneous ones.

But the most important thing to share...STORIES! Hahaha.

Our itineraries include a whole day at Enchanted Kingdom (EK), a visit at the country's largest 3-D Interactive Museum - Art in Island, Quezon City, lunch at nearby Bellini's, a little shopping at SM Aura, an afternoon at Bonifacio Global City and last minute pasalubong shopping at Mall of Asia.

But just like what happens in any travel, there are untold stories behind every photo. For an instance, our 5:30 pm flight to Manila was delayed for almost 3 hours that the airline served us free packed dinner to compensate. It's a sad thing that delayed flights are commonplace here and it becomes something we just "have to live with" on a daily basis. Not to mention the Manila traffic pa. If you're someone from Davao, the Manila traffic is always a culture shock. I hope change is coming sooner!

To add to that, on the day we went to EK the weather was gloomy and it rained that the first thing we did as we entered was to search where to buy raincoats. Rain is absolutely not the best way to welcome you to an outdoor theme park.

But I realized: fun is a state of mind. You can have the best weather, your flight could be on time, traffic could be bearable but if you don't make fun a matter of the mind, you will never have it. It's a conscious disposition. You can let the circumstances run you or you can make it the other way around.

As what I've seen in an Instagram post: "Train your mind to see the good in every situation."

And that's what we did. We had fun!

CASUAL CONSUMPTION NO. 2

It's been a long time since I've done this Casual Consumption thing. Maybe there's nothing casual in properly selecting the films you want to watch or the music you want to be obsessed with. 

Before, I'd absorb anything I fancy on the surface. Everything becomes an easy favorite. But now that I'm not having all the downtime as compared to before, I wanted to choose carefully the movies or books or things I soak myself in.

I hope it'll be worth your downtime too (in case you wanna heed my recos).

Anyway, here's the list!  

Warning: Might contain spoilers.

MOVIES

Into the Wild (2007)

I was watching a particular motivational video in Youtube when I saw clips of Emile Hirsch, first walking with his backpack on, next on top of a mountain and so on. I got curious, looked up at the credits and discovered this 2007 film.

This film is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless and his choice of living his life the unconventional way. He abandoned his former life, donated his savings, got a new name and hitchhiked his way to Alaska to be in the wild. 

This movie is said to inspire a lot of people to explore life and nature. What I personally liked about it are the main characters' musings about life. A few things were relatable since the protagonist was almost the same age as I am now. You know, youthful idealism on society and life and all those stuff. You get a lot of things to ponder on.

Even after watching the film, I was obsessed for a bit researching about the real Christopher McCandless. There were interesting answers so to speak.

And uhm, I know I can't be the only one who could see the uncanny resemblance between Emile Hirsch and Erwan Heussaff.

Copenhagen (2014)

I remember answering a Security Question for a website what's my dream city and without a snap, I typed: Copenhagen. It used to be New York but preferences change. And why not? Danes are considered the happiest people in the world, their food is said to be amazing and Scandinavian minimalist design is what everybody is pegging. 

I was unaware there's a titular movie of my dream city. And I just have to rave about this film! It has been awhile since a movie genuinely elicited Level 10 kilig feels from me then only to be heartbroken (sorta) with the ending.

This coming-of-age movie centers around angsty and immature William (Gethin Anthony) who's traveling across Europe with his best friend Jeremy and his girlfriend, Jen. They all found themselves in Copenhagen where William is also set to trace his roots and find his grandfather. But his third-wheeling paved way to complicated situations and the couple had to separate from William.

William then meets free-spirited yet wise beyond her years Effy (Frederikke Dahl Hansen), a waitress at the hotel where he's staying. Seeing that Effy speaks both English and Danish, William asks for her help to trace his grandfather and their adventure together in Copenhagen begins.

It starts all innocently and admittedly cliche. Boy meets girl and they do all the cutesy stuff like biking around, going to the amusement park, sharing conversations, basically enjoying Copenhagen in all its scenic glory while on a mission to find William's grandfather.

But as the story later unfolds, you realize life is not the romance movie we all hope for. Complex realities will kick in as it turned out that Effy is half of William's age. 

I love this movie not only for the scenic cityscape but the way it teaches you to be less naive and more realistic about life and love. It portrayed life and love in a believable way.  I learned that some people are meant to come into our lives, make an impact and share life changing experiences although sadly, only briefly.

Gethin Anthony (who played Renly Barratheon, by the way, in Game of Thrones) and Frederikke Dahl Hansen's superb acting is undeniably noticeable. They both fit the roles perfectly. It could've been borderline pedophilic and dark but they still made the movie feel light and enthralling. No wonder this film got so much acclaim.

I can't help but hope for a part two or even three just like Richard Linklater's Before Trilogy. Who knows.

Side note: after watching their interviews and stalking Gethin Anthony, I came to a conclusion that he is one of those rare creatures who looks way better with a beard and scruff on. Just saying. 

Barefoot (2014)

Rebel without a cause Jay Wheeler is on probationary, mopping floors in a mental hospital. There he meets innocent but possibly mentally-ill Daisy Kensington. Due to some circumstances, Jay decides to bring Daisy to his hometown for his brother's wedding and a possible reconciliation to his estranged family. The ever innocent Daisy charms everyone but there's something obviously off about her.

At first, I thought Barefoot is one of those overly cliched but poorly played romcom movies. Again, all the usual cutesy stuff was evident. A date in the carnival? Check. A bad boy who turned out to be from a wealthy Southern family? Check. Familiar plotlines were out there.

But as the story progresses, you'll discover there's a gripping reason behind sweet Daisy's innocence.

MUSIC

I'm loving the British indie pop duo Oh Wonder. I've been listening to them for days and their songs are endless on repeat. Last week it was "Without You" then "Dazzle" and as of writing "Livewire" is on loop. They replaced my Hozier obsession (since 2015). Finally!

BOOK/S

Done reading #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso. I've been wanting to read this for the longest time but I waited for the paperback edition. Haha. #CheapskateForeves. It's the kind of worldly wisdom we need to take notes of to make it in life and doing it the #GIRLBOSS way. 

I was glad I was able to buy a paperback copy at Fully Booked during a recent trip to Manila with my officemates, which I'm about to share next!

What are you consuming lately?

(Photos used in this post are all via Google. Minor edits by me.)

SINULOG 2016 EXPERIENCE

After the trip from Oslob back to downtown Cebu (previous post), I decided to separate from my friends to see my cousins who are based in Cordova and whom I haven't seen for a quite a while.

Going to Cordova from Banilad involved a real frightening experience. It was past 10 PM but the streets in the city were still alive and buzzing. It was the eve of Sinulog after all. But consequently, the traffic was bad. So I decided to ride a habal-habal to get myself to Cordova the faster way. I entrusted my life to a driver who confidently said he knows how to get around Cordova.

It turned out the driver didn't know much about getting around Cordova. We had to stop multiple times to ask for directions. It was scary as hell. There I was, with a complete stranger who seems just as lost as I was (or he could be faking it, who knows?). It was almost getting midnight and the roads were dark.

It was then and there that I felt fear is freaking real.

In my mind, I kept thinking if I have some hidden karate moves to defend myself in case something crazy happens. But realistically, I know I don't have those skills. Can I blame it to my youth for feeling invincible and confident that nothing bad could ever happen to me? Or I'm just simply so stubborn at times. I remember my Mom once said to me that being carefree is far different from being careless. I was being the latter. I'm not one of those YA protagonists who are, as John Green would put it, "indef*ckingstructible". Feeling lang. Haha.

But with all seriousness, this was the real side of traveling solo. If it's something that genuinely appeals to you as well, be prepared enough to face situations like this. I personally, over-romanticize travel and adventure so much not caring that actual threats of danger are out there. Be safe folks.

Thankfully, I was able to meet up with my cousin at a 7-11 Store close to their subdivision. The habal-habal driver even waited for my cousin to arrive before going. That guy still freaked me out though. In a little way that experience helped me to be a better judge of one's character and make smarter decisions in the first place.

I made it in one piece at my cousins' place and we talked and catch up. I only rested for a bit and the next thing I knew, we were on our way back to Cebu City to attend the Mañanita Mass (Dawn Mass) at Basilica del Sto. Niño. I have no sleep for like literally 24 hours. #YOLO

The crowd as expected yearly was big. Many of us Filipinos do it every year as a devotion. I said to myself that THIS is the whole point of SINULOG. People gathered together to celebrate their faith and gratitude to Sto. Niño.

I had goosebumps during the part when "Bato Balani Sa Gugma" was being sung. It was being sung wholeheartedly, hands were swayed up in the air and what made it more dramatic were the balloons (with people's petitions) being released up in the sky. It got me teary-eyed. It was astounding in a spiritual way. As I write this, it was over a month ago but I still can't help but shiver a little recalling the experience.

I may not join the parade and festivities since my return flight back home was at 10AM (sadly) but I'm content I got to celebrate the Mañanita Mass and felt the real essence on why we Filipinos, celebrate Sinulog.

Ahhh, Cebu you never fail. 

Thank you for all the good times!




P.S.

I just want to insert a little pasalubong tip. Haha. If you find yourself in Cebu, forego the usual otap, rosquillos pasalubong. Try Turrones de Mani or rGies Butterscotch Squares for a change. They are personal favorites. :)

(Source)

EXPLORING OSLOB, CEBU!

Early morning of January 16, 2016 we were en route to Oslob, Cebu.

The old heritage churches, the sunrise and the blue sea were noticeable while on the way. It distracted us a bit from heavy sleepiness due to the early call time.

Oslob is a municipality in the South of Cebu that has become famous (and controversial) for its whale shark watching attraction which was first in our itinerary for that day.

As we arrived, there were already a lot of tourists (local and foreigners) either lining up for the boat (bangka) or already out in the sea interacting with the whale sharks. January is peak season and just like us, tourists who will be celebrating the Sinulog in the main city also took side trips around Cebu.

We first had an orientation on the Do's and Dont's when whale watching. Afterwards, we waited for a few minutes and it was our turn to ride the bangka. Off we went.

I don't want to re-tell my experiences with rose-colored glasses so I'll be honest here. It's true that the place smells stinky because of the uyap (sergestid shrimp) that's being fed to the whale sharks.

When the boatmen stopped paddling, we waited for the go-signal from the guide to get off from the bangka. We dipped in the sea and waited...

And there it was, our first whale shark to behold in all its mighty glory!

But it's not as easy as it looks. The waves were strong and it was a real struggle seeing the whale shark up close. We were required to wear goggles which covers the nose because the whale sharks get distracted with bubbles. But all the kicking and struggling usually produces bubbles. 

We also kept looking where Kuya "GoPro" was, the guide we assigned to take charge of the camera to document the whole thing. We stayed a little longer just to get the perfect photos. We waited again for any whale shark to get close.

This is the kind of photo that makes it on Instagram:


And these are the photos that don't get the social media airtime but pretty sums up the actual experience:

At one point I stopped thinking where the hell Kuya "Go Pro" is and if my photo will be taken. I wanted to see the whale shark properly with my own two eyes. It's an experience I want saved in my core memory and not on a memory card.

I swam a little closer (not too close though) and was amazed how huge it really is! Its mouth, its fin, its gills...never seen anything quite like it!

But my realizations: It's a pity for the whale sharks that their food are to be baited around just to satisfy us curious tourists. It was an overwhelming experience but it is something I would only do once and that's it. No more.

On the other hand, I see how these whale sharks helped improve the eco-tourism in this fourth income class municipality. It provides livelihood and income to Oslobanons.

If you ever find yourself whale watching in Oslob, Cebu the least you can do is to follow the rules. Don't apply sunscreen as it will be harmful to the whale sharks.

As much as possible, do your best not to get too close and prevent physical contact with the whale sharks because they can be sensitive to human skin. (More about that in this article). I hope they implement strictly the rule of penalizing anyone who makes contact with the butandings. Follow the rules!

With researchers helping, I hope too that the local government will improve and develop a more (I quote the article) sustainable and well-guided management plan for the whale shark eco-tourism not just in Oslob but in the whole Philippines.

We had our brunch after the encounter with the butandings. There are a lot of eateries at the shore for you to choose from (an effect of the booming eco-tourism).

After our meal, we went to our next itinerary: TUMALOG FALLS! We had to ride a separate multicab for the uphill ride en route to Tumalog Falls. It's only a short drive away.

The view en route was amazing! You could see the sea from above and Sumilon Island from afar.

This photo is not even one-fourth of the actual view but you just knew you enjoyed the view cause you have no time capturing it (and the winding, uphill road made it hard to take pictures). You just take it all in. Ahh, how many times Cebu took my breath away. Naks.

We stopped in what seemed to be a terminal of habal-habal drivers. To get to Tumalog Falls, you have two choices: either you walk down or ride the habal-habal. We chose to ride the habal-habal (P50.00 per head, back & forth).

At first glance, Tumalog Falls was underwhelming. I mean, there were no bushy pathways getting there. You get off from the habal-habal and that's it, there's Tumalog Falls. We even joked that the artificial falls of Veranza in KCC Mall of Gensan is way better. Lol.

But as you get closer, it's a different story. Here I go again: ANG GANDAAA sa malapitan. <3

It's not your typical waterfalls. According to travel blog, Adrenaline Romance,"Tumalog Falls is an example of a horsetail waterfall in which the descending water remains in contact with the rock most of the time."

Kawasan Falls was intense while Tumalog Falls was chill, the drops were mild at that time. The pool underneath it is only knee-deep shallow but the water is super cold, mind you.

I seized the moment by floating on my back and just observed the descending water. In my head Bon Iver's Holocene was playing. I love moments like that. I'm so romanticizing the moment but travel just does that to you (or to me personally anyway).

Tumalog Falls ended up my Number 1 favorite among all the places we visited. :) I loved it. It's a grand piece of nature but it doesn't overwhelm you. You had to look at it closer to appreciate it. Kung naging tao pa, yung simple lang pero rock. Yung ganun. Gets niyo ba? Haha. What a beauty.

A groufie! It was a sweet short visit Tumalog Falls.

The sight-seeing doesn't stop! On the way back to the city, we made sure to visit The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist in Marian Hills, Lindogon, Sibonga.

This grand monastery is popularly known as "Simala" but Kuya Stewart, our tourguide, clarified that technically the monastery is in Brgy. LINDOGON, the baranggay after Simala. People perhaps started calling it Simala because the big arc where you turn on the way says "BRGY. SIMALA".

And Simala rhymes with "himala" (miracle in Filipino) which sounds more apt given that it is a religious place of devotion. Maybe that's what stuck with people more?

For a Catholic like me, it is always a religious experience coming to Cebu. Aside from the natural wonders of nature, the Catholic faith is also very evident in the whole province.

We said our prayers and marveled at the architecture of the place too. It's not yet even finished but for sure it'll be grander once it's done.

That ended our exploration of Cebu South!

We went back to the city and had dinner at Choobi Choobi, SM City Cebu as per Kuya Sonny's recommendation again. In all fairness, we liked whatever Kuya Sonny recommended (that must have been part of the package tour too noh? Haha). It really takes a true local to recommend the best food around.

We ordered the Sea Food Bag in Choobi Choobi Sauce. Perf! We loved it, the sauce especially.
(Glad to know Choobi Choobi will be opening soon in SM Lanang, Davao!)

Alright, that's Day 3 of 4.

Thank you for reading!