Unplanned: Tagaytay

Last August 2007, just weeks before I started working... my high school friends Anton, Nescy and I decided to go to Enchanted Kingdom. Anton brought his car, we named "Wicked". They waited for me at the MRT Ayala Station and off we went. But while on the South Luzon Expressway, we all just decided on the spot to go straight to Tagaytay. And because we were all adventurous and unpredictable... goodbye EK, hello Tagaytay.

It was not our first time in the city, but it was definitely a first for us to go there unplanned. We were not even sure where exactly to go.

We first went to People's Park. I think we paid a minimal amount as entrance fee (I think about P10-30 each). The view was awesome. You can see the entire Tagaytay Highlands and of course the famous Taal Volcano. At that time, it was also quite windy, so it was cool. There were also shops on top. And a huge statue of Christ is located at the topmost (similar to the one in Rio). The park is recommended for families as well as friends who seek bonding time and relaxing moments.

After... we ate at a resto also facing the Taal Volcano. The food was good, but we really didn't order a lot since it was not that cheap ... hehehe. There were also many persons along the hi-way that will tempt you for a rare adventure to the Taal Volcano itself. Every 5 meters, there are tourguides along the streets. And since we are adventurous, we gave in to one.

That story would be my next unplanned trip.

Unplanned: Pampanga

Last April 19, 2007...
it was another adventure that was totally unplanned. Nescy, Caloy and I were just at Ger's condo one night when all of a sudden a totally outrageous idea was born. We decided to go out of town... the next day. We didn't know where... or how.

We went to the Victory Liner Bus Terminal in Cubao and just rode a bus we weren't even sure where it would go. Basta, seizing the moment was just shifted a notch higher. We arrived somewhere in San Fernando City... just over an hour from Manila. We walked till we arrived at Susie's Cuisine and ate palabok. Apparently, lately did we realized Susie's is actually a famous Pampanga resto. Now with a full stomach, we are ready to face the Kapampangans.

We visited the San Fernando Church and City Hall and rode the kalesa around the city. It was our first time to ride an "ancient" mode of transportation... hehehe. We passed by Pampanga Capitol and those famous old houses in the province.

We were not satisfied... we rode a jeep to Angeles City... (we don't know where it is). Upon arriving in Angeles, we walked around the Angeles Cathedral... but still not satisifed. We went to Clark!!! (upon the recommendations of the locals).

All 3 of us have never been to the former US base and we were really excited... but it was a shortlived excitement. Everything we thought of Clark was just the opposite. Clark is a ghost town!!! (during mornings I guess). We thought there would a be a lot of people, but no, we didnt even see exciting places. We just went to SM Clark na lang.

Our last stop that day was the town of Dau... where we ate at the popular Razon's. And then off we go back to Manila. It was a great day! Adventurism mixed by culture, food and friends. What else can one asks for. Try it... but just be careful.

Unplanned: Subic

Following the "Destination" series, I will now start the "Unplanned" series. If the Destination series is focus more on places I wanted to visit in the world. The Unplanned series will be concentrated on the many places I have already visited in an unplanned way. Meaning, these are unprepared getaways, not scheduled and just effects of the spontaneous part of my brain.

For the first part of this series... Subic.

Last February 16, 2008, just 2 days after Valentines Day, while having bonding time at a friend condo in Makati at around 4 am, we all suddenly decided to go somewhere. 2 hours later, we were at a Victory Liner Bus Station in Cubao. We didn't know where to go!!! We thought of going to Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tagaytay and so many other places. Suddenly on the spot we decided to go to Olongapo. The adventure begins.

It was really a fun day, partly because all were just spontaneous. We went to Subic and visited the Zoobic Safari. I have heard of the place before, but I was really amazed there is such a place in the Philippines. The entrance fee, if I remember correctly, was about 300 to 400 pesos each. But it was all worth it.

The first part was a walking tour in a zoo/farm-like atmosphere. A guide will tour the group. There were so many animals. It was the first time I was actually touching camels, deers and other species. Then there was also a part where you get to view snakes. One cage was even open... that was scary. And of course, the highlight of the zoo are its tigers. There were so many of them. You will be asked to ride a special car where you passed by tigers. The thing is you have to buy a dead chicken so the tigers will get close to you. There was also a part where native Aetas will perform a dance number for the group. And also view hundreds of crocodiles in one small area. Of course, you will also have to buy dead meat to feed the animals.

Generally, it was a fun and educated trip. Zoobic occupies a huge space, although it is quite far. You really need to have a car or hire one. After the safari, we went shopping at a Duty Free store and then rode a Victory Liner Bus back to CubaoTiring but so coool. I mean, just hours earlier, we didn't have plan at all, then at the end of the day, I have seen all those animals and kept another fun memory in my mind and heart.

Destination 6

Sixth Stop:

Ever since I was young I have always wanted to go to the Holy Land. It is an area of historical and religious significance in Israel. Most of the Biblical stories have taken place in those area. It is where Jesus walked, where Mary met Joseph and other important events that will be valuable in the life of a Christian.

Aside from that, the Holy Land also boasts of really old villages and traditional cultures that date back to the time of Jesus. What is very interesting is that the land is not just for Christians, but also for Jews and Muslims. Judaism and Islam, together with Christianity, have their roots in the Holy Land. This area is very much important for a lot of people.

Some places of significance are Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Calvary Hill, Jordan River, Sea of Galilee and other familiar names we knew since grade school. The Old City of Jerusalem is in fact was added in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The Old City is the location of the Temple Mount, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock.


Walking along the streets would make me visualize the life during Jesus' time. I really want to go here someday. I have seen a lot of postcards when I was young and dream that someday I can. The only problem is the area is always under war and conflicts. Hopefully, peace will reign soon.