Around Africa - Transit in Gulf of Aden

Well, there is nothing major here except for the fact that we're heading Middle East and there's no other route than going through the Gulf of Aden.

And why is this such a big deal? My dear, going to Gulf of Aden means passing by SOMALIA. It would have been alright if it would take us several hours only but my gosh, 3 freaking days is the journey time.

Onboard, there were security drills made by the crew and passengers alike. Security was tightened. In times like this, all we can do is pray that we will pass through and arrive in our next destination  safely.

And thank God for the successful transit.

A Glimpse of Negros Occidental (Part 2 of 3)

Murcia

Travelling to the resort was not as near as I expected. It's located in Murcia and the resort is the last stop of the mini-buses. I find it really weird when the guy parker would then announce the next intersection if someone would want to get off. It would not just wait for passengers to alight the bus.

It was an hour and a half of travel, passing by very vast sugarcane plantations, houses in rural areas and realized later on that the only way to get to the resort is through this type of transportation.

Mambukal resort is government-owned and the government may have given a great chance for the mini buses to earn in this particular route (35/head).

The resort's entrance is P50/head. It was only when I saw the map that I realized how big the resort is. We only have a few hours to explore this place and the whole resort is fully-booked.

It has 7 falls and the lady informed us that we can tour the resort starting from the 7th falls then going down. We can go up through a motorcycle. Well, we followed what she had instructed and never really expected what we would experience next.

While waiting for the motorcycle, we toured the ground level of the resort. It was really huge because a lot of things can be done at your stay there.

When our driver arrived, we hopped in his motorcycle and started our journey to the top.

It was not an easy ride, mind you. We passed through private properties, VERY rough roads and for the very first time in all my travels, I felt so unsafe. There were no gears to even protect us and we trusted all of our lives to a stranger driver. My Gosh.

After getting off at a certain spot, we had to hike to the falls. You should be on your slippers by then because you will have to walk and cross rivers. After a few minutes of walking, we managed to arrive in the 7th falls.

We agreed to stay there for a few minutes before descending as it was getting late and we needed to catch the last trip back to Bacolod City which was around 5 pm. So, as you can see, we haven’tbeen to the other falls because of time constraints. We would have really loved to visit all of those spots in Mambukal.

Our initial plan was to be in Talisay City before sunset. We would have loved to see The Ruins during this time but we could not control everything, so we opted to visit the Ruins right after we freshen ourselves.

Talisay City

After dropping by the hotel and changing, we directly went to The Ruins through a taxi. This was far from my DIY plan but since it was getting dark, we needed to be there fast before it closes as there’s no more time.

Luckily, we were the last guests of this very popular tourist destination. Actually, I’m kinda glad we came in late because aside from one group, we had the place on our own. Plus, it was a very good sight at night. The entrance fee is P90 each.

The Ruins was one of the sets of then hit tv series Ikaw Lamang. This was actually an ancestral house of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a Spanish-Filipino sugar baron for his Portuguese wife. This was burned down during the World War II and what remains of the mansion are pillars and great staircase that would leave you in awe. An architectural delight, indeed.

We would have had dinner in The Ruins but as we came in late, both restaurants in the area have been closed already. So, we went back to Bacolod for dinner.

Bacolod City

We were so hungry and did not anymore search for must-eat places. We were walking alongside the street of Lacson and just looked for a place we thought could fill the starvation we were experiencing. Haha.

It was a delight to walk past a lot of restaurants and finally settling with Balboa Restaurant.

The food will always be great if you have an empty stomach. Haha. But it was really good and the interiors of the place made us all feel relaxed.

After spending some time in Balboa, we decided to have desserts in Calea. One of those

 "must-eat" places here in Bacolod we wouldn't wanna miss.

This restaurant has so many patrons you would really expect high of their offers. Since we are not actually into sweets, we ordered two cakes only, Blueberry Cheesecake and White Choco Cake.

Blueberry will always be my love. And I'm always biased on my reviews. Haha. So, I would rather say, it has passed my expectations. 

The White Choco Cake was also a delight. It was not as sweet as we have imagined. We really loved it!

Whole day of activities drained all of us. So, after desserts, we decided to call it a day and returned to the hotel. What a day indeed!

Albay Summer Adventure! (Part 2)

We woke up early and had breakfast. We felt so at home in the hostel that we talked as if we're the only people there. Haha

Mt. Mayon from the hostel's balcony

felt really at home!

coffee!

bread and fruits! - unlimited :)

 Okay. Today's itinerary is one of the highlights of this trip. We will be exploring Mt. Mayon through ATVs! Gladly, the hostel offers that package. So, we just waited for our guide to pick us up. Her name was MJ who was really late we almost lost our patience. Haha. She had a valid reason though. But still! Haha

Anyway, we went to their main office. On the way, she point at some clear fields which were once a village before the disaster caused by the eruption. It really made me sad and scared. Scared because as she was explaining, Mt. Mayon wss very visible and I just couldn't ignore the fact that it is active. That by any time, it may erupt again. Waah!

Anyway, we arrived, registered and listened to our atv guides before finally riding an ATV for the very first time!

Briefing!

Maneuvering this vehicle was not easy at first. And I'm just happy we had this test drive to feel and sooner adapt to it.

let the adventure begin!

needed some time to adjust

Our trail is for 45 minutes. It costs 600 each. We won't be climbing up the Mayon but the trail would give us a different view of it.

let's go!

At this time of the day, Mt. Mayon is not fully visible. We were actually praying the clouds would disappear for a while but to no avail.

the Mayon Volcano would have been the best background! :(

On the other hand, we pretty much enjoyed the obstacles we kinda forgot about Mt. Mayon. Haha

just like a pro! haha

45 minutes was really enough in my own opinion. There are much longer trails that would take 3 hrs to complete. But I was satisfied already.

and it's 11 am already! haha

We had lunch in a restaurant near the office named Makabugwas. And after freshening up, walked ourselves to the Cagsawa Ruins which was just a few steps from the restaurant!

Chicken Cordon Bleu

sooo hungry already

The 10-peso entrance fee would give you access to this famous postcard pic. It's just sad that Mayon was covered.

seeing this site is really a dream come true

souvenir jump shot!

There are photographers who actually know of a lot of unique poses that would make you enjoy your pics back home. And you can give them any amount you like.

There are a lot of souvenir stalls as well and booths selling shakes. Not just your ordinary shakes but SILI shakes! Who would dare miss! Haha

only in Bicol!

I had Avocado shake and to make it spicy, they put siling labuyo sauce in it. The cold and spicy feeling as you take a sip makes this unique.

We did some exploration of the ruined church then headed back to the city through a tricycle.

the ruins

this famous bell tower!

After a day of adventure, we rested for a while.

Then, at around 4:30, walked to the St. Gregory Cathedral to hear mass. Gosh, it was really a challenge hearing it as it was in Bicolano! I noted some differences but really appreciate it.

After mass, we rode a jeep headed to Embarcadero de Legazpi. It is a mall by the bay. I particularly like how it is designed and where it is situated.

Then, we tried a fastfood chain found in Bicol only, Bigg's Diner!

Their food was satisfactory and I just love the fact it has been around for years already!

After dinner, we went to their famous boulevard. There were a lot of people!

We were actually looking for some bar strip. They say it could be found in this area but later realized that the boulevard is kinda long. Haha

night life!

After seeing bright lights in the other end, we hailed a tricycle. And there we found it and settled in Zagitzit Bar.

The company of beer and music made me realize that there can always be a comfort zone outside your comfort zone. Haha

my spontaneous buddies!

Legazpi's nightlife is not really comparable to Cebu's but the feeling is just the same if you're with your dearest friends.

We went back the hostel when we felt tired already. Tomorrow's gonna be more fun as we will explore Albay!

Albay Summer Adventure! (Part 1) 

Albay Summer Adventure! (Part 3)

Albay Summer Adventure! (Part 4)

Little Saigon Big Bangkok

Together with my new teammates, we went to Little Saigon Big Bangkok on a very humid noon. We first planned to go to the original location in Banawa but we found out they closed their first home and the one in Paseo One in Banilad remains.

So, we went to the place and thought at first that it was closed. Well who wouldn't when this greets you?

Thankfully, a waitress came out and confirmed they were indeed operating this very hour. We later found out that there were customers already but preferred to dine inside the air-conditioned room, which we also did.

Little Saigon Big Bangkok has this "Fresh Asian Street Food" tagline which kind of raised my expectations considering that I've been to Bangkok and experienced their food culture too.

We ordered and filled those "waiting" moments with stories, bullying and laughter. We were so hungry when the dishes were served.

First up is Tom Yang, a popular Thai soup. I love how hot and spicy it was. 

Then, Goi Con, a fresh Vietnamese spring rolls and Cha Gio, the fried version. Not that enticing for me. 

We also had Thai barbecue termed "Satay". It's different from a pinoy barbecue since it's not covered with the usual orangey sauce and tastes kinda different too. See this.

Then we tried the 2 fried rice dishes they have (no pictures) - Smoked Pork and Seafoods I enjoyed the former though the latter is not bad really. There was this Thai Fried Chicken as well and my favorite, the Thai Chicken in Mango Salsa.

We never really thought that mangoes blend with onions. So, we kinda enjoyed eating this dish.

All in all, we were so full. We enjoyed every dish as well as each other's company. 

I think the ambiance would be much better at night. I would love to come back and experience it.

Here's a glimpse of their menu:

You can also choose dishes from their daily board too.