What Michelle Does

     Our flight was still late in the evening. We got up a bit earlier than usual, had breakfast at No. 6 (a recommended restaurant by trip advisor) and went for a morning dip at the beach.The backwashing of the water left fine, white bubbles on my feet as they rolled back. The water was restless (just as our feelings were!). Running merrily to crash against the water and letting the waves wipe us onto the light copper colored sand, we did nothing but kill time.

Tick tock.
   
     It was Friday, the 18th of September. After 10 years, this was going to be my first trip outside the Philippines. Last time it was with my mom, now it's with Lawrence. In a nutshell, this trip is extra-extra-extra-super-duper special for me as I 've been longing to visit Thailand ever since FOREVER. Whew.

     To kick off this upcoming trip, we bought beer and vodka and merrily drank our sans souci Saturday away. By the way, this was my first real vacation. In the hospital, seniority complex was a common thing that we had to cut vacations short. I've always despised it.

Checklist please:

1. monopod (Now I know why people are raving over this thing. It was so useful!)

2. Swim wear (I ordered one online. Yep, I was THAT excited. LOL )

3. Money (We saved a couple of thousands in exchange for USD. We should have bought some when the exchange rate was low. Lesson learned.)

4. Sunblock

5. An adventurous heart (triple check!)

     I love the beach. There is no other way to put it. I can bask under the warm sun, listen to the sound of birds singing, waves rolling in and lay on the sand for hours on end. My freckles serve as a recollection of the days when sunblock was of no existence to me. I simply love it. So that day was spent for our scheduled three-island tour. Phi Phi Lay Island, Phi Phi Don Island, and Khai Nok Island with some side trips to Maya Bay and Monkey Beach.

     It got pretty gloomy that morning while we were heading to Royal Phuket Marina. I prayed for the sun to come out soon! We were oriented by an awesome host! His (Her) name was Coco Chanel (No. 5). We were so lucky to have her as our guide because she was all out madness! No regrets booking the premium service tour! Blue and Pink bands were given to the guests upon arrival. If you paid ahead, make sure to bring the payment slip because you're going to need it for the transfer back to your hotel and for the registration. We got blue bands so we got to go with Coco! Chinese- speaking visitors were oriented in a seperate room. Lawrence and I were both chinese-looking, but to speak Chinese would be the last thing you'd ask us to do. (lol) Toast, coffee, candy and other snacks were given, too. If you haven't got a waterproof cam with you (ours got broken after I immersed it in sulfur-ish volcanic water), no need to worry because they have a camera man with them, Mr. Hollywood's the name. :) Minutes later, after roll call, we got on the speed boat the real fun began!

     In a municipality with a population of 28,000 ++, of course you'd already think that this place must have some private getaway where you can LITERALLY get away from killer stress. You got that right, dears! Catmon is a place you have to drop by when you come to beautiful Cebu. It's about two to three hours away from the city proper, by car, that is. It's situated in the Northern part of Cebu. Personally, I prefer the north to the south because I think that the south is just too rowdy. They have better and more pristine beaches than the north, but there's just too many people that it feels like you haven't escaped the bustle the city already provides us too much of. The road to Catmon made me take a quick walk along memory lane, back when my family and I were on a road trip from Ilo-ilo to Boracay. Lateral to the road is the magnificent view of the sea and it seemed endless. It gave me a sense of peace just looking at it. No city turmoil, no smelly garbage, no traffic.

     Days before the trip we called ahead to make our reservation. P350 per head. This includes the cottage, trek guide, hot spring use, life jackets and entrance fee. You can bring your own food. They have a grilling area, just bring your own stuff . They don't charge extra for food brought it. No corkage fee.  If you wish to cancel or reschedule, you can inform them a day or days ahead. Don't forget to make a reservation. They follow a no booking, no entry policy.:)

     We headed for Esoy's Hot Spring. It is owned by Councilor Celso "Esoy" Bustamante. He is very friendly and accomodating to all guests! It is a secluded place in Duyan, Catmon. It's 5 kilometers from the main road. It's easy to spot because they placed a signage (landmark: JM Enterprise). If you don't have a private car, you can ride a bus from North Bus Terminal. It's not a bumpy ride, it's all easy breezy because getting there, the route's already cemented. No more getting nauseous and dizzy! It's a whole lot of unforgettable adventure as you behold of the ever green scenery! Just what we need after a whole week's work! You have to go 150 flights down the stairs before reaching the hot spring though. It's what we needed to get ourselves all warmed up.

     Do you want to relax in the warm waters? We happily lolled without a care for time. Then river trekking we did. Huge chunks of rocks, dried up snake skins in the uneven corners and fishes in the fresh water. This fuels up your thirst for adventure. You have the choice to go further up (ala rock climbing??)  to the top and carefully descend down to the top of the waterfall, take a deep breath and jump. It is an experience in it's own kind.

     Right in the middle of bustling Cebu lies a coffee shop that is a secret hideaway from it all. Just at the corner of Elizabeth Pond is Bintana. Bintana  means window in Filipino language. Compared with other contemporary cafes here in Cebu, this place offers more of a shabby chic and homey atmosphere that's sure to give you a good warm snug.

The olden yet classy architecture and culture - rich district.

Vietnam combines both French and Chinese origins in one magnificent city, Hanoi.

Next Stop, Hanoi. <3

See you when I see you!

Credits to moornings.com for the photo. <3

     Rain drops keep falling on my head!

     It was a cold and rainy Saturday here in supposedly sunny Cebu. The wind was blowing so heavily that it seemed like I got a completely different hair do each time it gusted! (lol) Briefly speaking, there was a typhoon. :)

     We went to SM to check out some accessories for our babies Kiki and Kit aka Isuzu and Kia. As we were casually strolling, we felt out caffeine levels slowly dropping. (pahkkk!) I felt a wee bit drowsy and a headache was underway. So to The Ridges we left!

     We usually would have coffee time at a Off Roads but The Ridges had a lot of new interesting shops and cafes that we decided to try out a different chill out this time - for a change. Walking around this small commercial complex, we stumbled upon Beanleaf. Now, I've gotten a taste of their coffee a few months back but I guess I was way too drowsy to enjoy and savor my cup (as I had it late at night and I was on zombie mode).

Hi, I'm Michelle. I'm a nurse with a bad case of wanderlust.
Caffeine is my life extension.
I believe that living a life within the comfort zone is deadly.
Routine is a slow killer.
Currently searching for work that doesn't require sticking to a 9-5.
Passionate about running, travel, nature, animals and the environment.
An online activist for Greenpeace, spreading awareness for all things important.
Learning about different cultures through teaching and travel.
I've destroyed about five pairs of running shoes in my 26 years of existence.
I'm at 980 kilometers now ...and counting.
Stepping up my game every chance I get.

RN, 2010
TEFL, 2015

     Philippines. 7,107 islands. Each place unique. Each experience distinct.

     Cagayan de Oro lies in the Northern part of Mindanao, the Philippines' second largest island group. There are two ways to get to CDO from Cebu. The first (and the easiest way) is by plane (Air Asia, PAL, Cebu Pacific). From MCIA you will reach Cagayan de Oro Airport in less than an hour. Second way is by boat. From Cebu City Pier  7 you leave at 7:00 PM and will reach CDO at 6:00 AM.

     It was my first time to get back on the plane after a decade. I had a minor fear of heights but after that experience, I naturally overcame it. My boyfriend is from sunny CDO but I was more thrilled than he was. His family greeted us with all smiles and delight. As we drove towards LKK, the traffic lights surprised me because they had countdown timers below. Another first for me! The city didn't have much clutter on the streets like what we have in Cebu. We had breakfast at The Pancake House in Lim Ket Kai Mall, which somewhat reminded me of Del Amo Mall in Torrance, CA. It wasn't that big though. Breakfast was finally served. Omelettes, pancakes, coffee. Great company, great food. We make an adventure out of everything. (laughs)

     The alarm clamorously rang before the lazy sunrise. I hurriedly showered and readied myself as Lawrence was going to pick me up in a few minutes and we would head to South Bus Terminal to catch the first ride to Lilo-an, Santander (South of Cebu). This trip we planned for so long and finally we were heading to Siquijor. The arcane place was said to inhabit witches that would cast spells on you if you ever irked them. Really? Well, that was a common notion. We had yet to see with our own eyes if this was true.

     The bus ride from Cebu to Liloan took almost three hours and that was ample time for us to recharge ourselves for the rousing day ahead. It was around six thirty in the morning when we reached Liloan. A short pee break before we rode on a fastcraft to Sibulan, Dumaguete City. Dumaguete is a province of Negros Oriental. To get there it takes around 30 minutes to about an hour depending on what boat you are on. The sun shone bright when we reached the Land of mouth watering Sylvannas! The boat to Siquijor left just as we reached the port. Too excited to be in disappointment, we went to McDonald's to have breakfast. Our empty bellies and hunger pangs were becoming a distraction. With sweat quickly sliding down our foreheads, we entered the fast food resto and the cold air embraced us. (Lami-a sa aircon!) Ah yes, breakfast never tasted that good. When you're a hungry cow, everything you probably tastes like the best dish ever!

     The first thing that pops in my actively imaginative mind when my hear about Manila is...grim, traffic, and duping taxi drivers. So when we went on quite an unforeseen business trip to the metro, I wasn't too excited for it but I pinned my hopes for the best, always! 

     Our flight was at 4:30 in the morning. We booked tickets and a room a week before. It wasn't entirely a vacation as we were set to go back to Cebu the next day. We landed before 6:00 a.m at NAIA Terminal 3. NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) T3 was way different from the last one in terms of size and cleanliness. Terminals 1 and 2 were a little congested. T3 was capacious and clean as a whistle.

     We were not in favor of riding a taxi (ala budget traveling style) so we took the bus. Lawrence suggested we visit Baclaran church before breakfast. I felt thrilled because it was going to be my first time visiting such place. My mother often talked about this olden church when I was a kid. The bus stopped just outside the airport and we paid a fare of P20.00 each. Not bad! It was still early but the traffic already started building up the wide and long highway of Pasay city. The driver dropped us off at Baclaran and we went inside the church that was reminiscent of old Spanish architecture. Walls were painted dirty white and corners in hues of dark brown. You could see birds comforably laying in their respective nests, their sound echoing inside. People were kneeling down, sarcosanctly praying. It was all so solemn. We lit candles outside and said our wishes. Then we headed on. Just a few blocks beside the church were some restaurants and since it was only 6:00 a.m all were closed except for Jollibee. After breakfast we went to CCP, I stayed there 'til noon time. The heat was high on!

     Weekends are very much awaited especially if one has had a high pressure and rough week. The busy-week aftermath usually compels me to just sit back and take a few moments to breathe! In this case, for as long as I wish. Saturdays and Sundays mean no dirty, ink-stained fingers, no lessons to prepare, no waking up early and no rushing to finish my jolting cup of joe. In a nutshell, the weekend defines relaxation.

     Resting at the corner of E-Park Building in Talamban is Oxford Brewing Co. This secluded and nonchalant cafe is the perfect place to do away from the tumult of the city. It is far enough from the main road to give you that coffee ambience feel but not very distant so you can easily spot it the moment you pass by.

     The crisp and fresh wind blew across our faces on October 2nd 2012. I can still vividly recall  the eye-opening and serene nature of Camotes Island. So, with heavy and bulky backpacks on, skipping heart beats and our ever so trusty helmets, we hopped on to the motorcycle and drove up North to Danao. We stopped over this small-scale restaurant just along the street. With grumbling stomachs, we checked out the catch of the day! Unlike the blood shot eyed fishes we normally come to see in supermarkets, the ones in Danao have clear eyes and such conspicuous sea water smell that even the word fresh would be considered an understatement.  As soon as the fish was taken fresh off the grill and served on the table, we excitedly ripped open our puso (hanging rice) and tore through the fishes' hot , white flesh with our plastic covered hands. What a satisfying and almost sweet P180-peso meal.

Immediately after eating, we rushed to Danao port only to find out that the next trip was still on the next hour. So, with no time wasted, we bought our tickets for the RoRo (Roll in - Roll out) Boat and went around the quiet, unfrequented town. We were practically our own tour guides! And just like that, 60 minutes passed by quickly. 

     It was a 2-hour boat ride from Danao to Consuelo, Camotes. Upon docking the pier, the light blue to almost aquamarine effervescent water welcomed us.  The golden rays of the sun gushed forth from the sky and shone through the water which reflected shadows of the boat we were on. The sand on the shore was glimmering with the warmth of the sunlight. Our hearts dropped with elation. Say hello to three days of unmoved bliss!

     Mystical stories of folklore and enchanting scenery led us to discover Sagada. Hanging coffins, uphill winding roads and hidden waterfalls in a province of more than 2000 meters above sea levels excited us. Coming from sunny Cebu, Sagada was a place that gave us an unequal interest. Cool weather, slow-paced lifestyle and heavily laden Igorot culture. 

     After reading forums and blogs. We decided to book a tour from an agency named "A Whole New World Travel and Tours." As the name suggested, we knew we were expecting one. :) I remember that we were so excited waiting for our departure time! Manila wasn't one of our most favorite places but coming from a province outside Luzon, usually, we stop by NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport.) And it's always a finger-crossing experience that Manila will not rip us off! 

     We arrived early morning and went straight to Tondo, Manila and had a noodle breakfast at renowned noodle house, Makong. We thought it would taste like "Quick Chow" instant noodle, but it was more than what we bargained for! Real noodles, shall I say! We went to Binondo area, which is just a 10- minute jeepney ride and visited bargain places. It was like China trade store on steroids. "Cheap" was the word of the day. After a few hours, we took the LRT and headed straight to our pick up point in Quezon City. We filled our stomachs and had legit (as we consider it to be) coffee knowing that we had to take a 13-hour ride. At around 9 p.m, we started to head off. Spirits we high for a magical place to come.