The Freudian Slip is a travel-journal written by a former Doctor to the Barrio. Read his (mis)adventures here and follow how 'Doc Bien' began his exciting journey and more
Whether you are backpacking alone or travelling with a group, whether for a business meeting or for pure leisure, you might want to check out some of these hotels in the country and around the world
After many years, I decided yesterday to brave the streets of Bacolod once again and witness the Masskara Street Dancing and see whether this "new format" for Masskara was better than...
You deserve a break and there are many opportunities that will provide you with all the recreation that you need. Read some of these hang-out spots where you can relax, have fun and enjoy life to the full.
I was lucky enough to visit Honduras while I was cruising around the Caribbean a few years back. Our cruise ship would dock in the town of Roatan. I would know if we were already docked in Honduras because I would hear chants and drums beating from the port. There was a time that I decided to just roam around the town of Roatan. So I walked from the port and to where I was told I could buy cheap souvenirs.
Locals ready to greet tourists with song and dance
getting off the port of Roatan
Local colors and souvenirs greet tourists
Street vendors hawking their native delicacies for the more courageous tourists
Last May 10 elections, Bacolod City voted for a new Mayor. Former Congressman Monico Puentevella was elected as the new mayor of the City of Smiles to the delight of his supporters. He won over incumbent vice-mayor Thaddy Sayson whose running mate Mayor Bing Leonardia won as the new congressman for the lone district of Bacolod City. For Monico Puentevella, it was his first time to step inside the New Government Center.
Here are some snapshots of the event outside and inside the NGC during the day Monico Puentevella was proclaimed by COMELEC as Mayor-elect of Bacolod City. These pictures were taken from my cellphone camera using Camera360 for filter.
The Seat of Power in Bacolod City
Supporters waiting outside of the New Government Center
The NGC Fountain quietly making ripples beneath the dark skies
Supporters getting restless upon hearing news that Mayor-elect Monico is on his way.
Hundreds of supporters gathered to meet Mayor-elect Monico
Mayor-elect Monico finds his way through the cheering crowds
Inside the New Government Center, Mayor-elect Monico was proclaimed.
For latest updates: click on the link PHVote to get latest updates directly from the citizens who are voting and are monitoring the ongoing Midterm Elections in the Philippines. Other websites to follow are COMELEC, ABS-CBN News and GMA News.
It was my second time to visit Legazpi City, the capital city of the province of Albay. And I enjoyed it very much. This is because it was also my first time to drive an all-terrain vehicle along the so-called Lava Trail of Mt. Mayon. Mayon is an active volcano, famous for its nearly-perfect cone. I have never driven a motorbike before so I was kinda wary of driving an ATV. "It's just like driving a bump car," one of the guys at Bicol Adventure told us.
Well it does look like driving a bump car but it sure was kinda uneasy at first. We practiced driving the ATV's at Bicol Adventure grounds first before heading for our Lava Trail. Once we were getting the hang of it, we immediately lined up to head to the Lava Bed.
The Lava trail is a mix of different terrains, designed for an ATV beginner. It has river trails, quarry trail, dirt roads and even a 1-km jungle trail. It ends right at the Lava head where a helipad was constructed right on top of volcanic rocks and dried up lava. Seeing Mt. Mayon itself is already a breathtaking experience. Driving an ATV with Mayon as the backdrop is such a thrill.
When we reached the Lava head, we went up the helipad, grabbing on some volcanic rocks. Upon reaching the helipad, the view of Mt. Mayon was even more exhilarating. The lava bed is actually the remnants of the lava flow which ran down Mayon's crater during its recent eruption in 2006. The helipad was constructed right at the very head of the lava flow.
After a few minutes of taking pictures at the helipad, we went back to our camp tired but happy for having done such an amazing adventure.
A small ATV can cost about 1,500 pesos. Depending on the choice of trail and size of ATV, it can be as expensive as 5,000 pesos. The price already includes a tour guide who takes pictures and leads the group along the trail. If you happen to be in Legazpi City in Albay, I highly recommend doing this with friends or even family. Just don't forget to bring water and put on some sunblock.
While backpacking across Zamboanga Peninsula, I ended up in Dipolog City Dipolog City is the capital of Zamboanga Del Norte. Prior to arriving in Dipolog City, I was already searching for a possible hotel to stay since I had to spend one night in Dipolog City before catching my flight back to Manila. I found this new hotel called West End Court. I decided to try it out.
It is not actually "new" but it is newly renovated. It is basically not hard to find. From the bus terminal, I hired a tricycle to bring me to West End Court Hotel. It is basically 2 blocks away from Dipolog Boulevard. It is also a stone's-throw away from the "downtown" area where you could grab some fast food or buy some groceries or even souvenirs.
The hotel has a variety of rooms to choose from: from an economy room worth 600 pesos per night to an executive suite worth 3300 pesos per night. Each room is airconditioned, with flat screen TV and a hot-and-cold shower.
What I love about the hotel is that it is right at the center of Dipolog and is accessible to almost everything. It is not as luxurious as any other hotels but it is comfortable nonetheless. It also has airport transfers upon request at the reception.
