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.

Destination 5

Fifth Stop:

A country I have always dream of going to (but usually forget I have that dream) is Nepal. It's a mystical yet exotic place for me. It's not a very popular tourist destination since it is located up in the sky. Nepal is home to the world's highest mountains, most notably Mt. Everest.

Nepal is also home to many beautiful and timeless Buddhist and Hindu temples. The country is in the crossroads of ancient civilization. Its capital Kathmandu alone is home to various huge temples and stupas.

The country has been ruled by a royal family, which dates back to hundreds of years. But in April 2008, Nepal will have their very first elections and on that day the royal family will cease to exist. It was in December last year, the interim parliament passed a bill declaring Nepal a federal democratic republic. Gyanendra will be the last king ever.


I remember the country was featured in The Correspondents a few years ago, when host Abner Mercado went there for the Kathmandu TV Awards (forgot the exact name). I was fascinated with the place. It was also mentioned that some movies were shot in that city.

I actually have no idea how to get to this mysterious place. I bet it will be really expensive, since I have to take connecting flights along the way. I think I have to take a Manila to New Delhi route then from India to Nepal. I'm not really sure, have to research first. But certainly, this beautiful country must be visited. Maybe soon.

Destination 4

Fourth Stop:

My next want-go-to-place is one of the most popular sites in the world. It is in fact considered an icon and is used as setting in various movies and novels. It is the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

Everyone knows this place. And pictures continue to attract me to this ancient place that was built because of love. The Taj is actually a complex of structures and gardens completed in 1648. The most famous of all is the white mausoleum with Mughal architectural design, consisting of Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic style elements.

The Taj Mahal was built under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is also the place where he was buried beside his wife. It is the most lavish and famous of all cemeteries in the world. In 1983, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I want to go to this place because of many reasons. One because it is really popular. And of course, it is really beautiful. You don't only get to see the mausoleum, but also experience other old structures and great gardens and ponds. India has so many things to offer, which you could also visit after going to Taj Mahal.

As said, the reason it was built was because of the love of a husband to his wife. Mahal is aptly the translation of love in Filipino language. A symbol of love, known across the world, that lasts till death.


I am not sure if there are flights from Manila to New Delhi. But definitely there are connecting flights, maybe through Hongkong, Singapore or Bangkok. In time, I hope I could visit this place. Maybe not now due to lack of funds, but maybe... just maybe, i can in the future years.

Destination 3

Third Stop:

Many would not believe this, but one of the places I want to go to is Vientiane, capital of Laos. Surely many people don't know that city exists. Though it is true that this country is poor and obviously not a popular tourist destination, I was struck by the serenity and wonders of the city based on pictures I saw while surfing the internet. It seems the place looks beautiful and mystical despite the lack of commercial establishments... and I guess primarily because of the lack of these establishments, I was attracted to this city.

In 1354, Vientiane became an important administrative city. And in 1893, it became a French colony. Because of Laos' rich history, it offers a lot of museums, temples and building with Lao-French design. I was also intrigued with their "Buddha Park", a park full of various Buddha statues of all sizes and shapes. I would also like to assume that the daily expense in this city would be minimal as compared to travelling to Bangkok or Singapore.

As of now, there are no direct flights from Manila to Vientiane, but there are flights Manila to Hanoi or Bangkok. Fom these 2 cities, one can ride another plane or a bus to reach Vientiane. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have flights Manila to Hanoi and Bangkok.

I hope I can visit this exotic and unexplored country of Asia.
Though poor, it's beautiful.