Memoirs of Thailand

Couchsurfing Friends: Cass and Lui

Cassandra and Louie

These are my two new-found friends I met through CS Community. They are solo backpackers and honestly, they inspired me to go solo backpacking, too. Cassandra or Qianwen from China emailed me  and asked if she could stay in my place for a night and I never hesitated. She's been here in the Philippines since December 18, 2011 and have reached places such as Sagada, Baguio, Manila, Palawan, Boracay, Kalibo and now she's currently in Legazpi, Albay. She's really fun to be with and not afraid to do things beyond the usual. She never gets tired and has a huge appetite. hehe She appreciates a lot of things even the simple ones and finds pleasure in the people she meets in her journey.

On the other hand, Louie emailed me to inquire about the Ati-atihan Festival through CS and decided to meet up with him when he arrived in Kalibo after his Boracay trip. He's into photography and I must say he's really a great artist. He's an awesome guy with great personality, a gentleman in every sense of the word, a man with few words and has a sense of humor. You can check out his great photos in his FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/louiearcillaphotography Believe me, you won't regret clicking the Like button after seeing all his shots. =)

In the span of two days that I get to be with them, we really clicked as friends and I know for sure, we still got a long way to keep the friendship burning.

 

A text from Louie - he failed to write in my travel notebook though. ;(

This one's from Cassandra. She wrote this while we were waiting for Louie at Abre Test Kitchen for a brunch. ;)

I did enjoy their company.

 I'll let you know guys if my plans of backpacking solo will push through. Who knows, I might be able to travel China or go back to Manila this summer. I'll definitely buzz you when I'm around. For sure, it'll be a whole lotta fun. 'Till next time, guys! Tatah! ;)

LitratoRoll

 Happy 2012!

       Yesterday ended last night and today is the beginning of better things to come, more opportunities and exciting challenges we have to face as 2012 starts. Today, let me share to you a collection of some of my photos taken during the holiday and the thoughts I have reflected as I excitedly looks forward for another year in my journey through life.

I pray for:

 LESS ANGER, COOLER TEMPER

“Maybe it’s always the pepper that makes people hot-tempered” – Alice in Wonderland

MORE HUMBLE, LESS PROUD

                         

MORE GOALS, STRONGER ASPIRATIONS

 “Good, Better, Best – never let it rest, ‘till your good becomes better and your better becomes best”

MORE HARD WORK, LESS PROCRASTINATION

“Like ants, it is best to prepare for the necessities” –Aesop

MORE QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY

MORE ENTHUSIASM, LESS DISAPPOINTMENT

MORE CONFIDENCE, STRONGER FAITH

MORE WISDOM TO INSPIRE

MORE LOVE TO SHARE

MORE ZEST FOR LIFE, LESS DRAMA

MORE CONTENTMENT, LESS ANXIETY

MORE HAPPINESS, MORE CONTENTMENT

CLEARER CONSCIENCE, STRONGER FAITH IN GOD

MORE FUN AND COLORFUL ADVENTURES WITH FRIENDS

MORE INSPIRATION, MORE WISDOM

MORE PASSION AND COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT

                                   

 

AND MORE MEANINGFUL AND COLORFUL LIFE TO LIVE AND DREAMS TO PURSUE.

 May this year be filled with so many blessings and that may all that we aspire and hope for becomes a reality.

Happy New Year to All! ;-)

Daytripping Bohol

After attending the One Visayas Regional Jamborette in Camp Danao, Maasin City Forest Park, Southern Leyte, the whole BSP Aklan delegation decided for a side trip in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.  We left the Maasin City Port at 11:00 A.M. and took 2 hours ferry boat ride to Port of Ubay, Bohol. From here, we took van that will take us to Tagbilaran City and we feasted on the scenes along the way.  We stayed at Boy Scouts of the Philippines Bohol Headquarters and rested for the night to prepare ourselves for a full-fun-packed-day-trip and sight-seeing adventures the following day.

At Tagbilaran City, we hired a coaster bus to tour around the scenic views of Bohol and it costs us 35oPhp each for the whole day trip. The driver served as a tour guide as well.

Where to go?

SAGBAYAN PEAK

Entrance Fee: 20php

This is an amusement park with children’s pool and cozy restaurant. You can take a glimpse of the magnificent chocolate hills from the top. Pasalubongs are too expensive here so if I were you, don’t feast yet.. there’s more to come

Entrance to the gate of  Sagbayan Peak

BACLAYON CHURCH

The Baclayon Church is the oldest Catholic stone church building in the Philippines constructed during the Spanish occupation. Until now, the original structure of the stone church can still be seen in the Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines.

Baclayon Church

CARMEN, BOHOL

Entrance Fee: 20Php

This is the best and perfect place for “Chocolate Hills Viewing”. From here, you can enjoy the scenic view from the top and it’s as if you’re closer to heaven. In order to get to the top, one must climb the steep stairs to witness a spectacular work of natural wonders. Pasalubong centers are everywhere with many items to choose from bags, key chains, tarsier accessories and Bohol T-shirts for affordable prices.

View from the top

Whoaaaahhhh.. Magnifico!

MAN-MADE FOREST

No entrance fee. This reminds me of the scenes back in my travel to Sagada, Mountain Province. Cool and refreshing.

With my scouts at the man-made forest

  

MUSEO DE LOBOC/LOBOC CHURCH

Entrance Fee: 10Php

The Museo De Loboc is situated just across the riverside of Loboc River. Old images of Jesus Christs and Saints, antique costumes and other religious deity were displayed. Camera is prohibited inside the museum. No clicking this time.

LOBOC RIVER CRUISE

Entrance Fee: 350Php with Lunch Buffet

River-cruisin' Loboc River

TARSIER/LEMUR WATCHING

I don’t know where this place is located but we passed through this upon going to Carmen, Bohol.  We took pictures with these little creatures and turned off flashes from our cameras so as not to harm the eyes of the tarsiers. 

CLARIN ANCESTRAL HOUSE/CAFÉ OLEGARIO

Entrance Fee: 20Php

This is the old ancestral house of former Senator Clarin during the time of Carlos P. Romulo. His grandchildren manage the Café/Restaurant where they served the most loved “pasta” in Bohol. Antique paintings, figurines, jars, vases, cupboards, family treasures and old dusty furniture were displayed for the public to see. When I was inside the house, I felt a shiver down my spines. An eerie feeling I couldn’t even explain. It brings lot memories from the past. It’s quite scary though.. like there’s some kinda ghost or spirit that dwells in every antique jar displayed in the hallway. I couldn’t even dare to stare at the mirrors in the fear of seeing something I didn’t want to see. Nakakalurkey talaga.

PRONY THE PYTHON

Entrance Fee: 10Php

Prony is the name of the python who was captured by the owner in his yard and taken care of when he was still 5 meters long. Prony’s keeper fed him with a whole goat or pig and after devouring them, Prony hibernates for a month and that’s the time the guests can take photos with him without worrying to be the next meal for his supper. Hahaha

HINAGDANAN CAVE

Entrance Fee: 10Php

Situated just across Prony. It’s a man made cave with water inside and invaded with nocturnal animal. Bats are everywhere. Not advisable to plunge into the water because it’s kinda smelly.