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Los Angeles, CA (part one)

If you came across my last travel blog, I mentioned I was planning my next trip and had my fingers crossed for it. Guess I didn’t cross it the right way because it didn’t happen. At least not on that month.

On thanksgiving day last year, I took the red eye flight to LAX. Coming from the North, having to spend thanksgiving at LA was a treat. Gary and I got to have a break from the daily 20 below temperatures.

LA was unlike any place I’ve ever been. If you have ever played GTA before, the whole vibe of the state was very similar to it. Palm trees, warm weather, gucci gang fashion, neon lights, and not to mention the luxury cars that drive by you in the freeway. Its that and more!

Here are some places that we went to and you can also visit while you are in LA.

1. Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue is a whole avenue of instagramable backdrops. By backdrops, I mean murals. You’ll see murals of various colors and designs block after block. If you get too tired from walking, you can also rent a “bird”. An app operated scooter that can take you anywhere around that area. If you don’t know how to ride it and you suck at physical skills, don’t try to learn it on site. I did that and fell on hard cement. Leaving me with a bleeding knee!! It didn’t stop me from enjoying though. Here are some of our snaps!

2. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Ever saw photos on printerest, tumblr or instagram that has antique street lamps lined up one after the other? you’ll find that in LACMA. It’s an all time favorite! We went there at night thinking that the lights would be a sight to see. If you are there to take pictures, it doesn’t matter what time of the day you go. It’ll be nice either day or night. But there’s more people at night and you don’t want a bunch of photobomers on your photos do you?

3 . Beverly Hills

Trying to think which photo can best represent your trip in Los Angeles? Think no more and head to the streets of Beverly hills. Palm trees lined up on streets is one of the signature symbols of LA. You can carefully find the best timing and park your car on the streets. Stand in the middle or sit on your car top and snap a shot for the gram! People in LA are very used to this. They see that everyday. So don’t worry so much about the awkward situation.

4. Walk around the VERY busy Hollywood Avenue

I’m not even kidding about the busy part. There’s tons of people in this particular place that you’ll forget about finding your favorite hollywood actor’s star tile. I planned on finding Resse Witherspoon’s name because she was always my childhood hero from legally blonde. But while I was there I didn’t even bother. Good thing I came across my other childhood superhero Halle Berry from x-men and my favorite classic trio the Bee Gees.

5. Griffith Observatory

At uptown LA is a museum called the Griffith Observatory. It was one of our last stops so we were all too tired to explore the place. It’s basically a planetary - science museum to be exact. More to that, it will also give you a panoramic view of LA. If you’re a sucker for city lights, this is a great place for you. Evidence of being too tired - No decent photo on this place. haha

and that’s it for the 1st part of my LA travel blog. I Didn’t know you can only 10 photos in one post. Watch out for the second part ♥️

If you had fun reading my blog don’t forget to follow. And if you have any travel questions, feel free to ask away on my ask button on top! Toodles!

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Hi! How are you? I recently read your post and I really like it. I wish someday I can travel to another places to meet new people like you. I want to discover new places. Please continue posting pictures and write some stories. Your are the most inspiring person.

Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad to know there’s at least one person who randomly came across my blog. I’ll post three new ones soon. Work on your dreams and one day you’ll be able to find yourself living it! 😊

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life lately...

On the very first day of this year, I remember writing my goals in my new planner. I only wrote four. The last three were live, laugh, and love. The first was the only one that was concrete.

When I wrote those goals, I knew I really wanted it. I had no clue on how I was going to work towards it, but I knew in my heart/gut/kidney/lungs or wherever the feeling is from, that it wasn’t like any other goal that I wrote on new year’s eve.

At first, everything was a mess! I had to accomplish and worry about so many things, literally one after the other! I didn’t like the idea of gambling. Not just money, but also something more expensive such as time, work, physical and mental effort.

It took a while since I finally came into terms with myself that what I was doing wasn’t gambling. It was actually, understanding what faith really is at its very flesh. 

The saying : ”faith is taking the first step even if you don’t see the whole staircase.“ didn’t make so much sense until it hit me hard in reality.

I am in no way religious, or anything. I could be the worse of all the sinners. I fell short of God’s expectations countless (literal) of times but I guess I know now why I knew for some reasons that I was going to succeed. It is because I placed my faith on the one who has always been faithful and that is Jesus. 

Today, I am extremely grateful for what I have now! There are no words... 

Its still surreal how I’m already a few weeks from jumping into the new chapter. I’m all giddy of the idea of being able to start again with a clean slate. As I move on, I lay down more goals with the hopes of living more meaningfully! -- to live facing forward, to forgive the people who changed my life, to stop thinking so much about the future, to be in the moment, to always have the sense of wonder and finally, to do whatever makes my heart full and happy! 

To a better life, Self..

*do you have any questions? or have you enjoyed my post? feel free to leave some comments by clicking on the “ask me anything” button above. You can also find me in instagram – paulalaaaaaaaaa. Feel free to DM me there too! Talk to you soon!

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Surigao del Norte

I was scouting for good places to go on our next trip (fingers crossed that it will push through) when I remembered that I need to at least share my travel experience in Surigao del Norte. Last march, together with approximately 80 colleagues, we took the long ride to Surigao del Norte.

Traveling to this island is on great hype right now! It’s like the new Boracay Island of our time. People from different areas of the world flock to the island to experience the Island Vibe. But the question is -- Is the island worth the hype?

Yes it is! More to just surfing, the island has so much to offer that the term “so much” is even an understatement. 

Here are Three simple things that literally really made my heart full while I was in the island.

ONE: Long Boat Rides- Long boat rides means I get to view the waves, feel the breeze and smell the ocean scent for as long as it lasts. As a Thalassophile, I always marvel at the vast ocean. My heart is full when I am reminded of how great its Creator is! 

TWO: The unforgettable grandeur of the waves at Magpupungko Rock Pool- I’ve never seen such beauty in my life! I’m not even over describing! When we went there, the waves were at play. I tried to take photos of and with the waves but, the photos I took just won’t give any justice to the actual view. Here’s when technology fails! It’s one of the few things that you really have to see for yourself. 

THREE: The excitement and thrill of Sohoton- I enjoyed Sohoton more than Siargao. I did a lot of unforgettable firsts in Sohoton. I’ve swam through the luminous water  in the Crystal Cave at Bucas Grande, traded my dear life as I trekked my way through the opening of Magkukuob Cave and just as I was able to redeem it, I traded it again as I jumped off a high cliff to the waters. Oh, the insatiable need for thrill!

Just as I have mentioned, they are the simplest of things to be written. I mean how can riding a boat be unforgettable? But you see, sometimes, the simplest things are actually the best things. You just have to come into terms with yourself by realizing it! This summer get away was a series of ticking off things in my bucket list! I’m more than blessed to live in a country that showcases the beauty of nature! Till we meet again SDN!

*do you have any questions? or have you enjoyed my post? feel free to leave some comments by clicking on the “ask me anything” button above. You can also find me in instagram – paulalaaaaaaaaa. Feel free to DM me there too! Talk to you soon!

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Camiguin

Just as I started to change my attitude on life, I started waking up to brighter mornings and better days. February this year, my friends and I went on an early summer get away (thank you, long weekends!) to the second smallest Island here in the Philippines. Camiguin. If you live around Northern Mindanao, you know how accessible it is to travel to this place. Everyone from the bunch has been there. But, unlike them, it was my first time! I have my very strict parentals to blame. 

Spontaneity is the word that describes our holiday get away. All plans were emergent but nevertheless, we still managed to be super productive. We had a private vehicle and driver to drive us around the area which made it so easy for us to hop from one place to another. 

Here are some of the photos that I’d like to share to you!

Here’s on our first morning at Camiguin. We stayed at a guest house called Villa Paraiso. They have villas that can accommodate more that ten people! Very ideal for a large group of friends. 

Our mandatory group photo with the nice view along the road. According to our driver, most tourists have their photos taken with this view as their background. Our driver was thoughtful enough to intentionally drop us here and take a photo of us!

We went to a lot of springs but I enjoyed the most at St. Nino Cold Spring. Reason is -- I don’t know how to swim and they offered inflatable buoys for rent! We stayed the longest in that place. Most of the girls in the group didn’t know how to swim as well. So, I’m guessing, they were as happy I was!

We jumped into a small pump boat to head our way to Mantigue Island. We enjoyed our time there under the scorching heat of the sun. You’d surely trade going three shades darker for it’s very clear waters and fine white sand.

We also dropped by Katunggan Mangrove Park. Camiguin’s largest Mangrove plantation. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the sea breeze while you walk through narrow bamboo walkways.

Lastly, before heading back home, we dropped by BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources). For some reasons we were authorized to take a look at the milkfish breeding and hatchery. I have always been a sucker for anything that has to do with the ocean. I’ve always wanted to take up marine biology. More to just visiting, the staff there were kind enough to share their knowledge about milkfish aquaculture. It was a great experience! Being able to see the oversized milkfish breeders, transparent milkfish eggs, and baby fishes swarming on the food every time we feed them.

Camiguin was a very beautiful place that showcases features of what makes Philippines a legit Tropical country. Its very accessible and also, affordable. We missed going to some of the tourists spots but maybe we unintentionally saved it for our next visit!

*do you have any questions? or have you enjoyed my post? feel free to leave some comments by clicking on the “ask me anything” button above. You can also find me in instagram – paulalaaaaaaaaa. Feel free to DM me there too! Talk to you soon!

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Hong Kong

October last year, my family had our very first vacation abroad. If you live here in the Philippines, you would know that most of the “first” family vacations abroad are bound to any of the asian countries nearby. Main reason is -- cheap flights and cheap currency exchange.

Planning our family vacation was not hard at all. We were in complete consensus that we are heading to Hong Kong and would stay there for five days. 

Here’s some tips of how to maximize your stay (where to go and what to do).

1. Visit Kowloon Park

One suggestion I could give to anyone who is traveling at a low budget to hong Kong is to find a place to stay at Tsim Sha Tsui. The area is very close to walk-in parks for free and one of which is Kowloon Park. 

We stayed in a low cost guest house in Chungking Mansions. It is a building of trade and cheap guest houses. It has the worst views in the internet. I might be the first person to say that whatever they are ranting about is bearable. I consider it as part of the experience. 

Anyway, Kowloon Park is a public park (which means entry is for free). Its mostly a very wide nature park. 

There are a lot of things that you can enjoy in the park. They have an aviary, a garden of different fauna, a maze garden, a place where you can sit and play chinese checkers and many more! Its definitely a leisure place.

That’s my DP by the way. hahaha. There are many exits to the park. one of its exits lead you out to the concrete city. If you live in the province, you don’t see all buildings everyday, so the sight to me was a beauty. 

If you stroll ahead from that exit, you will have to cross a wobbly bridge. We stayed in the bridge to take some photos and noticed that its actually moving. You have to try to stand on that bridge!

2.  Visit Victoria’s Peak

It is also know as The Peak. It is the majestic display of the panorama of Hong Kong. As a person who finds delight in city lights, its best to go there late in the afternoon. The queue in the ticketing lines is crazy but the view makes it all worth it. It is by far one of the most breathtaking sceneries I have seen in my life. 

3.  Visit The Avenue of The Stars

That’s their iconic monument for the tourist site. The Avenue of the stars is like an outdoor museum of all of the famous stars of Hong Kong. It is located along the Victoria Harbour so the waterfront is another view to enjoy.

There were handprints of the most influential chinese actors and actresses. My sister and I are fans of Jackie Chan (we have our papa to blame). We spent most of our days at home watching his movies. We knew his hand print should be around here. Surprise! 

guess who else we saw on display! It’s Jet Li everyone. haha

3.  Be a child again in The Happiest Place on Earth

Another travel tip: purchase your theme park tickets ahead. We purchased ours from a mobile app called klook. Tickets are sold with discount if you buy it ahead of your actual visit. It saves both your money and time on lining up on queue in the ticketing area. 

I guess I don’t have to describe what Disney Land is all about. Everybody knows what’s in Disney Land! From time to time, announcements are aired around the park. It always begins with “Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls...” It’s funny how I only hear the “Boys and Girls” like I classify myself as such. You’ll seriously feel like you are a child again when you are around here.

One of the things that you should never miss is the live show of The Festival of the Lion King. (All Show schedules are found on the leaflets you receive as you enter the theme park). Make this the first on your itinerary. It is by far the best live show of my life. Please do yourself a favor as you watch, do not get busy with filming the whole show. Watch the show with your two naked eyes and immortalize the moment by taking a few pictures when the show is done. 

I guess its an untold mandate to have your photo taken in front of the very iconic castle of Sleeping Beauty. So I didn’t miss out on it!

Disney land is mainly divided according to the disney film that they are trying to showcase. There are several of rides  to choose from. I had this childhood dream of riding The Mad Hatter’s cup. Above is a captured dream come true. haha! Few rides that I could suggest, that you might also like are It’s a small world, Star wars: Hyper Space Mountain, The Mystic Manor, RC Racer (Hot Wheels Ride), Grizzly Gulch, Tarzan’s Tree House Tour. 

I highly discourage lining up to meet and greet Disney Characters. It takes so much time! Well, unless its your childhood dream, then, do not waste your time on falling in line to have a photo taken with them. They’ll be on parade usually at noon or late in the afternoon. You have to be careful not to miss it though. 

Lastly, do not leave Disney land if you have not experienced Disney in The Stars. If you grew up with disney shows and characters, there is a great chance that you’ll tear up a bit on this one. It could be the best hour of your life. 

Some head’s up! Nobody goes out of Disney Land without being hung up with the song A whole new world. 

You’ll understand why, once your walking out of the place. 

4.  Go crazy at Ocean Park

It’s more than the name. Yes there is a great display of anything that is in the ocean, including their very famous display of the great panda. But, it is also the place where you get to experience extreme thrill rides. 

The rides are crazy by the looks of it. The idea of getting into it is so exciting,but you will always draw back because you’ll feel like you won’t be able survive.

But, I suggest you go for it! Fear is just a tricky myth that your mind tells you. Here’s a tip. If you are on the ride and you feel like you can’t take it anymore, just scream! If it doesn’t work, close your eyes and wait for the ride to end. haha.

Few ride suggestions that you shouldn’t miss: Hair Raiser, The Rapids, The Flash, Rev Booster and The Cable Car to the other side of Ocean Park.

I’m not really the adventurous type, but tried them all, and I’m still alive now. So you are most likely to survive too.

Also, don’t miss The old china town. It’s a great place to take pictures. 

5. Shop at Lady’s Market

It’s mom’s happy place. Didn’t get to take pictures because we were too busy shopping. Everything that people write or tell about how haggling for prices in this place is done is absolutely true. You’ll find sorts of stuff for sale in that place. It’s the best place to shop for pasalubongs

6. Drop by Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars

Remember I mentioned earlier that the Kowloon Park leads to many exits? One of the exits lead to Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars. If you stay around Tsim Sha Tsui, this public attraction is very accessible to you. Its the cutest part of the park. I suggest you go here when there is broad daylight so that your photos will look good.

Hong Kong really is a great place to go to if you are the type who loves the urban life. Your travel budget will really be maximized given that the city itself offers a lot of things to enjoy. The busy streets, the fast paced life, the tasty chinese food and the city sights are something that you can experience as a bonus to your visit! To anyone who reading, I hope this helps!

*do you have any questions? or have you enjoyed my post? feel free to leave some comments by clicking on the “ask me anything” button above. You can also find me in instagram -- paulalaaaaaaaaa. Feel free to DM me there too! Talk to you soon!