UNWINDING AT MT. PICO DE LORO

I've been wanting to hike a mountain and have a breath of fresh air to escape the toxicity of office works for awhile. But I have no one in my circle of friends has the like to go with me in this kind of adventure. Glad I met Pat, our company nurse. I asked him if I could join his team in their first mountain assault and I was so happy when he said yes! I was even more delighted when I found out that it is Mt. Pico de Loro they are aiming to hike. I can't really contain my excitement since it is my first time doing this kind of thing and considering that I'll be finally seeing the beauty of Mt. Pico de Loro. Plus I'll be relieving now myself from so much stress with the breath of fresh air. lol. I packed my things early and can't even sleep that night (Excited eh!).

So, after that sleepless night we've finally reach our Mt. Pico de Loro in Ternate, Cavite. At first, I couldn't hardly believe that I am witnessing this astonishing God's creation. It was so surreal! We were surrounded by magnificent series of mountains, planes and lake -Taal Lake. What a sight, indeed! All our struggles and sweat just to reach the peak was all worth it.

Location: Mt. Pico de Loro, Ternate, Cavite, Philippines

GONE TO VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR

Vigan is claimed to be the finest city of Spanish colonial era in the northern part of the Philippines. Cobblestone walkways, horse drawn carriages and mansions of yester-year made Vigan a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

June 2015, when I was supposed to visit the place alone but decided to call my mother and sister to join me in this trip. They unhesitatingly give me their YES which made it even more fun and exciting.

A Week Spent in Bali, Indonesia

A year ago, I have diagnosed myself with depression, and in order to combat this virtual battle of mine, I have decided to make a goal for myself and that is to travel the world.

First stop for my "Travel the World Project" is Bali, Indonesia. Bali is a place known for its iconic beaches like Seminyak and Padang Bai which makes Bali a shangri-la for beach bummers and surfing enthusiasts. But instead of taking the usual route which common tourists do I opted to indulge myself with Bali's hidden beaches in Melasti, Suluban, Sanur and Candidasa.

Virgin Beach, Candidasa

A view from Pura Luhur

Suluban Beach

Melasti Beach

The High Cliffs of Melasti

Sanur Beach

Aside from being a paradise of beaches, Bali is also a perfect place for yoga and meditation activities. Meditation and yoga are best for relaxing and giving inner peace to your troubled mind and soul. You can find meditation and yoga centers in Bali mostly in the place of Ubud.

Ubud Monkey Forest

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Bali is also home to Hinduism. Hinduism is considered the oldest religion in the world and mostly practiced in India and Nepal. Had seen a lot of Hindu Temples present  everywhere and was lucky enough to also witness one of their ceremonial rights in Kintamani called "Galungan".

(When entering temples you will be required to wear "sarung")  

Batuan Temple

Meet Yuta my new Japanese friend.

Pura Luhur

Pura Goa Lawah

Other places where I've been in Bali and are also a must visit  are Taman Kertha Gosa (Sideman), Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (Badung Regency), ( Taman Ujung (Candidasa), Charle's Chocolate Factory (Candidasa), Monkey Forest (Ubud) and Le Meyeur Museum in Sanur.

Taman Kertha Gosa - Old Justice Hall of Bali

Garuda Wisnu Kencana 

Taman Ujung

 

   

When it comes to food, Bali has the strangest taste. I can say. My first thought when I tasted their food was "What am I doing here?" Hahaha But eventually my taste buds learned to adjust. Below are just some of the Balinese dishes and drinks I've tried during my stay.

I'll come back in this place for sure.