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Blog 17: Philippines 2018

   It has been three years since the last time I felt the glimpse of Philippines. However, the memories on my mind are still fresh as it was. My heart’s cravenness  for filipino foods, awesome places and to see my friends and relatives once again can’t wait. I wonder how my place changed since I left. If the food were delicious as it was three years ago. I will arrive in the Philippines on July 24th and come back to Canada on September. I hope my a month and half vacation is be memorable. In the last week of July, my friends and I are planning to visit Enchanted Kingdom. It would be an amazing experience for us again and remember those good old days in same place seven years ago. I can’t wait to eat to all of favourite restaurants and fast foods. To have those good cheap deals with tasty foods like in Jollibee, Max’ Restaurant and Greenwich. After that, with my family and relatives we are going to Northern part of the country. As well as in South. We are trying to travel in the our country because we might back again after two years. I started to count down and it makes me feel more excited. I thank God because the long wait is finally over. I can see, hug and share about my new experiences with my friends and families.

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Blog #16: Bogota, Colombia

Things you can do in Bogota:

Art tour of Colombia 

Graffiti Walking Tour

Mt. Monseratte

Take a food tour

Visit Museo del oro

Roam around Parque and Plaza Simon Bolivar

Andres Carne de Res

Visit Amor Perfecto

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Blog #15: Things to do in Toronto

Catch the view from CN Tower

Dive inside Ripley’s Aquarium

Watch a sport game

Go inside the giant crystal at the ROM

See a big concert show

Go shopping at York dale Mall

Discover the wonder of the Aga Khan Museum

Visit Graffiti Alley

Take a city bus tour

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Blog #14: Places to visit in Barcelona

Visit casa Misa 

Explore the most outstanding building of 20th Century

“Espai Gaudi” exhibit

Learn more about architectural innovations of scale models, building plans and historic videos and photos.

La boqueria

Visit Basilica of the Sagrada Familia

From C$58 Dollars (low price guarantee)Discover more about UNESCO-listed cathedral’s constructionLearn about symbolism and hidden details 

Casa Batllo

Las Ramblas

Visit barcelona’s aquarium and Maremagnum mall

Feel the shade of tall plane trees and see the some street performance, bird sellers and flower stands

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Blog #13: Alberta

   It was summer vacation 2017 when I first visited Alberta. Because of our family friends, they came up with an idea to have a long drive to Calgary. Early in the morning, we left to Vancouver. After three and half hours we stopped in Kamloops to eat lunch. After that, we continued hitting the road. On our way, we saw the mini golf and go kart. Therefore, we fooled over for an hour. At 12 midnight, we finally arrived to my family’s friends house. In the next day, they decided to go to Drumheller, AB. It was nice and warm weather in Drumheller that time. We visited Royal Tyrrell Museum, Hoodoos Trail, World’s Largest Dinosaur and more. On our second day, we roamed around Calgary. We went to downtown and took some pictures, another family friend’s house and of course at the mall. The tax is much cheaper in Alberta rather than BC. Our plan for the third day was supposed to be in Jasper but it was cancelled. So, we went to Banff instead. Staying for two days and two night was definitely worth it. Roaming around the town at night and seeing so many people walking through the sidewalk were reminding me of my hometown. On our fourth and last day in banff, we went to Gondola Banff. Also, we spend almost the whole day seeing the view from the top of Sulphur Mountain and Banff National Park. On the outdoor hot tubs in Banff we ended our great experience in Banff. After that day, we went back to Vancouver. I recommend you to try Banff Gondola because the view is absolutely beautiful.

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Blog #12: Quezon,Quezon, PH

   This is the place where my identity built and where I grow up. It is the place where my heart kept aiming to go back. I will never forget my memorable childhood such as playing traditional games in the street. But how is this place unique from another place in Philippines? My province is one of over thousand island in the Philippines. It is one of the calmest and breathtaking place in the country. Where you will feel the fresh air while you are in a the rattan hammock surrounded by tall coconut trees. Some of the houses were built from early 20th century. It is a small town where you know most of your neighbors even they are 20 kilometers from your place. There are a tons of street foods around and they are definitely good and cheap. Among the all festivals in Quezon, Niyogyugan Festival also known as “Coconut Festival”. During this festival, every towns built their own booth and present the product that their respective town produce. Besides, there’s a beauty pageant where every contestant represents their own town. Their dresses are well designed from coconut. In our place, we speak dialect but in some towns they speak bicolano too which is another dialect. From 2-3 hours boat ride you could visit the luxury island of Balesin. The island resort featured different theme in every villa. If you are going to visit Quezon Province, I recommend you to visit Villa Escudero, Cagbalete beach and Pulong Pasig also known for white beaches especially in low tide when the water receding waters form ripples on the sand bar it leaves behind.

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Blog #11: How travelling helps you to overcome mental problem.

   Mental Health Problem could affect feelings, thoughts, behavior and well-being of the person. Some people find it challenging to talk to someone and open up what they felt. Being able to escape from the stressful place you have living in will refresh your mind and your heart. It will be good for you to see a heavenly place where no one knows you and people seems to care about you. You could see new people who are possibly approachable. Travelling will help you not to the afraid to share yourself with the world. It’s meeting new people that could boost or return your self-confidence. It is a great experience to learn how positive things could change your emotions. After, you calm yourself and return to your home. There might be some questions on your mind such as “Why can’t I be happy? Why do I let stress control my emotions and happiness?”. From that, your mind will be more focus to the current things happening to you rather than looking back from the past or eagerness to move forward. In the end the more you travel, meet new people, learn about new things and the more you felt the depression or anxiety it will help you to see the bigger picture. Therefore, If you are feeling down it will reminds you to be positive in life.

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Blog #10: Whistler, BC

   Last summer, we went to Whistler. From Vancouver, we drove to whistler. On our way, we pulled to Squamish to get some snacks. It was warm and wonderful day to roam around. When we arrive to whistler, we decided to go to Olympic Park. Since, there are many choices of activities we could try and we only had limited amount of time to stay. We took the breathtaking PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA ride to Black comb Mountain. I had seen the overwhelming view of the forest. When we arrived to Black comb Mountain, there are still some snow but it wasn’t cold. I took a walk around to see the view around. We wanted to ride a bus but it left and it was the last trip for the day. If you are willing to spend a lot of money, I recommend you to try to ride on a helicopter to see how gorgeous the place is. After a tiring experience, there is Rendezvous Lodge that will surely will out your starving tummy. We took peak 2 peak gondola again to go back. The calming surroundings of the Valley Vistas is definitely worth the time. There are some people who are dancing or playing music around the town. Before the day ends, we came back to Vancouver because we have to go back to Vancouver the next day.

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Blog #9: Royal Tyrrell Museum

   It was a great sunny day in Alberta. My family and their friends decided to go out and enjoy the warm weather outside.  While we were walking they came out with an idea to visit Royal Tyrrell Museum. In my mind, I can’t wait to see those dinosaurs and its historical stories.  We rode two hours from Calgary to Drumheller. When we arrived, they took some pictures before we entered. They bought some tickets and the tour started. I walked inside,  the display were so adorable and gave me sense of idea what it was like way back 70 millions years ago. From reading the different story and histories of paleontologist was so overwhelming knowing some people put their effort to make it presentable and attractive for other people. There are some video clips that shows about dinosaurs and even solar system. We absolutely enjoyed our afternoon visit in here. It is full of knowledge and never forgotten experience.

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Blog #8: Thailand

   It was my second time aboard! I did not expect I could have another travel after Singapore. Thailand wasn’t a long flight from our country it only took 3 hours to get in Thailand. Our four days stayed in Thailand was a good amount of time to enjoy their unique culture and see what this place could offer. On our first day, we are based on the country’s capital, Bangkok. It was a great start for us having an easy transformation, affordable hotels, cheap foods, lots of shopping centers and tourist-friendly people. It is the place where crossing the border to neighborhood countries is easy. Like Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia.

    On our first destination, we went to Floating Market in Bangkok. It was attractive. People are selling fruits, vegetables and souvenirs on a wooden boats or floating houses lined up on the side of the canal. There are plenty of good foods to try along. We sealed around the market and it is a unique experience. It was funny because whenever I rowed the boat it ended up bumping to other boats. After that day, we went to jewelry manufacturer and store. We saw how jewelry were created and where they got the diamonds that they put on the jewelry. In the next day, we went to safari world and marine park. There are many animal shows including sea lion show, bird show, elephant show and many more. The entrance was free but the tour wasn’t, its 1000 Thai Baht for adults and 700 Thai Baht per kid. It was too bad we can’t really stay longer because we were meeting some family friends and we have to caught the time to go back to our hotel. I recommend you to watch dolphin show and seal show. It’s fun and absolutely worth your time and money. Also, this place is very religious. There so many Buddhist temple around the place. We visited one of the temple in the city and that time I kinda get interested to know more about their traditions. In conclusion, Thailand is where you couldn’t feel home sick because of friendly people, places are close to each other, easy to communicate with, fashionable and low prices things. 

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Blog #7: Visita Iglesia

       Visita Iglesia is a catholic church tradition to visit churches on Maundy Thursday. During Visita Iglesia, you will visit seven to fourteen faithful churches in different places and pray before the Blessed Sacrament in each churches. This tradition of visiting churches in Holy week was originated from Rome. In 1300, the first holy year was declared by Pope Boniface VII and visited St. Peter’s Basilica and Basilica of St. Paul outside the walls.

       In the Philippines, the idea is to carry a cross to each church. However in today’s generation, praying on the church and have a chance to sightseeing. I remembered when we visited several church on our province. It was not easy travelling an hour or two hours just to arrived to another location. The smell of vehicle’s gas, dust from the roads while riding in an ordinary bus with open window. But seeing the churches was definitely overwhelming. We visited “Kamay ni Hesus” which means God’s hand Church which I absolutely enjoyed. It was so different from another churches because you could walk through two hundred stairs and see the gorgeous view above as well as God’s statue on the very top of the hill. As you walk closer to the top, there are some statue that shows God’s life. In conclusion, I enjoyed being part of this activity. My relationship with God became deeper. Even though I was having a hard time on the way because I felt sick. However, It was worth it and it was for God.

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Blog #6: How to save money for travel?

   If you know that you were travelling you should start saving money. But how could you save money? First, you should start setting goals. The savings plan should contain the long term savings and the short term savings. It would help if you list your goals with a specific amount. Removing some of your flexible expenses and be strict on your budget will make you save more. Also, adding an additional income will meet your goals. Secondly, start a travel fund. Create an vacation bank account or a coin bank and feed it daily, weekly or monthly. If you were eager to save money and need it as soon as possible. Eating out less often and reduce buying coffees instead put the money on your bank. Make it fun and a habit. Therefore, you would get pressured or stressed about it. Thirdly, be wise spending your money on clothes. Mostly, clothes are expensive don’t spend tons of money just to buy new clothes. When it’s sale, it’s a good time for you to shop and you could save money from the original price. Sometimes, you can get some good quality items at thrift store or any second hand stores. Last but not the least, keep your distance from financially people. They will ruin your budgeting and you will spend your money on group’s party instead of saving it for your vacation. In all, saving money needs a determination and just make it natural.

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Blog #5: It’s more fun in the Philippines

   There are so many places you could go to but what makes Philippines unique from the other countries?  Philippines has seven thousand one hundred seven islands and one of the largest island groups in the world. If you are in to beaches or island adventures, Boracay, Palawan and Siargao are the famous beaches that has white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. You could go to these place for only CA$75-40 airfare from Manila. If you love roaming around the city or go shopping, get lost in huge shopping malls in manila. There are Mega Mall, Mall of Asia and different Super Markets you could go to and buy thing for much cheaper prices. There are so much things you can entertain yourself inside the mall the whole day. Like movie theaters, fashion outlets, Internet cafes, arcades and different kinds of restaurants. Also, there are really great museums all around the city. Philippines has great foods. Filipino foods is mixed of Spanish, Japanese, Chinese and American cuisines. Like Pancit (noodles with veggies and meat.), Halo-Halo ( dessert with milk, fruits, ice cream etc.) and Adobo (the famous cuisine that most foreign people know. It is a dish with chicken or pork that’s cooked with soy sauce and vinegar.). Besides, you can have pineapples, coconut, mangoes and papayas for very low prices or for free. Likewise, you can get fresh sea foods including lobsters and octopus. Lastly, the unique cars that you couldn’t see in the other country like jeepney. Riding in or on a jeepney will absolutely be a fun experience especially if you have not tried it before. It is 14-16 sitters but it could carry more than 20 people. You have to shout “para” which means “stop” in order to get yourself out. It’s cheap and windy but extremely diversion. Travelling to the Philippines is easy because there’s no language barriers. 

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Blog #4: Delicious foods you should try in Korea.

   If you were looking for a trip in Korea, you definitely do not want you miss these foods.We all know that Korea is divided into to two parts: the North and the South Korea. In Seoul, South Korea. The most famous food is bibimbap which means mixed rice. It is a rice, veggies, and spicy red pepper that comes in a sizzling hot pot with raw egg on top. Next, Kalbi is one of the favourite korean barbecue. It is beef that’s marinated in sweet sauce and soy sauce. If you are going to any korean restaurant you will have your own grill in your table. You eat it in a lettuce wrap or cabbage wrap. The third one is jajangmyeon. It is korean chinese noodles cuisine with thick black bean sauce.You have this black noodles fo KRW 5.000 or CA$5. Most people who like to watch Korean dramas must know this noodle.

   If you were going to North Korea, there are so much foods that originally prepared and very common in this place. First, Kimchi. Usually, in restaurants it is a side that dish made from salted and fermented vegetables including chili pepper, garlic, and ginger. Traditionally, it is stored in a jar to keep cool therefore they will have stock in winter time. The next one is Banchan. A dish along with cooked rice.  There are so much types of banchans like Eggs Jangjorim, Baek Kimchi (non-spicy) and Kimbap Recipe. And the last one, Dotorimuk. It is a corn jelly. It is a side dish that originated in mountainous areas in Korea. It is a small chunks of dotorimuk mixed with carrot, chili peppers powder, garlic, soy sauce and sesame seeds. In South Korea they usually serve with rice while in North Korea is corn.

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Blog #3: Singapore

   It was my first time! First country that I had been in and first time being a tourist in another country. I can clearly remember when I came home from school and my parents told me that we are going to Singapore. Back then, I had never dream of going to other country. I was so excited and I could not wait for that day to happen. It was for the most favorite person in the family which is my little brother. It was his first birthday. So the day came, as a first timer everything I see makes me surprise. It was 3 hours travel from our place to Singapore. When we got out on the plane, their place was absolutely stunning. The people were so nice and welcoming. The communication was easy because they could also speak English. On our first day, we went to Sentosa and Siloso Beach. First, we went to wave house, which had wave machine. We just watched people doing surfing. We did not tried it because we don’t have swimwear and extra clothes with us. After that, we went by the beach and did some skyline luge and sky ride chairlift. It was fun especially I don’t have to be with my parent’s carts like my siblings. I have my own cart therefore I could control it on what speed I would like my cart go. 

   The next day, we went to Universal Studio. I could literally feel the Disney spirit. The merlion which is half-fish and half-lion at the waterfront park was so good. We just took some pictures and we leave. I wish I could stay a little bit longer but we have to meet-up with some family friends. Our third and last day, we roamed around Singapore with some friends. It was sad that we’re leaving. But I totally enjoyed our 3 days vacation. If you want to go Singapore good choice because it is such a beautiful and clean place to visit. Also, if you want to go to Universal Studio or Sentosa Beach, I recommend you to try all of their rides. It was true,”once is never enough”.

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Blog #2: How to get the cheapest flight

   As a traveler we all want things cheaper than it could be. Usually, flight is the huge part of the trip and mostly it is expensive. Finding the better deals could make your expenses less expensive. Especially, when you’re in the budget and you have specific amount on spending money. I have some tips that I could share for you to know on how you could book cheapest flights. First of all, you must be flexible on your date and time. You must book early and set time and date of departure as soon as possible. The worst time to book ticket was within 14 days before the flight or 6 months advanced.  Also, you could check some sites where some airlines has good deals for you in several places. Besides, you can visit more than one website to see who has less expensive deal. Secondly, have fly budget carriers and keep away from direct flights. It will assist you to be adaptable on your route. There are so many budget carriers all over that world that offers great deals from another city to your destination. In America, there are several budget airlines than Europe and Asia like Airways, AirAsia and flyDubai. If you are a student take advantage of student discount. There are bunch of travel agencies and student discount codes. Lastly, know your price. We all know that airlines prices go up and down and depending how far your destination from your place. Some airline prices goes down or up within a week or so. It is important to know how much money are you willing to spend on your trip. Therefore, you could get the price you feel good about. It isn’t easy to find the cheapest flight you need time and patience in order to get the amount you wanted.

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Blog #1: Why do I like to travel?

   My life has been filled up of colorful characters, chapters, plot twists and travels. Travelling brings happiness and helps me to adjust in my comfort zoned. It makes me feel alive and think about different perspective in different ways. Also. I learned about other countries culture, language and lifestyles. Besides, I’m able to try their traditional food that I’ve never eaten before. Exploring another place gives me a reason to appreciate my hometown more. As I travel with my family, the journey brings us together and deepen our relationship. While we’re in vacation we discover new things from each other and provide a shared memories for a lifetime.