Singapore

Five years ago, there was no Universal studios and there was no Gardens by the Bay. So naturally for my "stopover" at Singapore on the way to Sydney, these places were musts on the itinerary.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Wrong timing!

Shrek's cottage. Daw banyo hehe. 

Eating caveman style. I only finished half this turkey leg. 

Took home the rest and made it into a sandwich. So good!

Waterworld show. Really nice. 

I've just been from two consecutive roller coaster rides. 

And it was hot. #toooldforthis #haggard

This is more like my thing. Haha. Mellow and yummy.

GARDENS BY THE BAY

I was rather averse to be in front of the camera. 

Thankfully, my cousins were always forcing me to pose, 

so I've some mementos to keep. Haha.

Inside the Flower Dome-

Baobab Trees, but I couldn't find the Little Prince.

The waterfall at the Cloudforest. 

It's 7 stories high, and in each floor inside are various exhibits.

 I wanna go again in the day!

A sculpture among the bushes.

Under the canopy of a Super Tree at night. Reminds of a flying saucer.

My hosts in Singapore: Manang Ging and Kuya George

Bonus:

TIM HO WAN

Wanted to do this in Hong Kong, but did not get the chance to. Cheapest Michelin star restaurant. Look at that smile and the twinkle in the eye, baby. That melt-in-your-mouth bun is heaven.

This post was meant to be short and sweet, really, just like my visit. Haha. So, uhmm. Let me leave you with...

Me and my awkward pose.

Sydney

Will I ever satisfy my wanderlust? I don’t believe I will. I have been getting around this year, but the more I do it, the hungrier I get for more. The only thing that kept me rooted in place is $$$. Who else could relate? Oh. Everyone. Except rich people.

 Relatively recently (like 3 months ago!) , I went to Sydney, Australia. I had not planned on it, but I found myself with an opportunity to go, so I grabbed it. To be honest, Sydney was never at the top of my travel wish list… though I want to live there. Don't get me wrong. I had great time exploring because regardless of my preferences for "exotic" culture and far-flung, less traveled places (in short my kaartehan), it is a wonderful city.

Say hi to my beloved host and tour guide, Katherine. 

I found her on the Internet… Just kidding, we’re family, she's my cousin. 

The iconic Sydney Opera House at night. 

The Brooklyn Bridge and the bird. Hashtag noir, hashtag artsyfartsy.

Since Australia is a former British Colony, it's a bit like the UK in some parts. I've actually never been there, so it's the UK of my imagination and from the movies. For example, when walking down the streets at night in the Rocks, Sydney’s oldest neighborhood, it was like in a Harry Potter village. I know there is more to UK than Harry Potter, but yeah, well... sorry. I'm a big geek.

Before the Dementors attacked at The Rocks.

At Queen Victoria Bldg. 

I should have taken pictures of the bathroom, 

the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. 

St. Mary's Cathedral. Or Hogwarts, right? 

Ok, I'll stop now.

The original settlers in Australia are the aborigines. Next time - of course, there is a next time and I'm looking forward to it - I hope to visit central Australia to learn more of their culture.

Speaking of culture, art is thriving in this city. I wish I was there during spring for the Sculpture by the Sea. But I had to arrive in the middle of winter, no??? In any case, there are museums, galleries and alleyways that are open all year round. 

In deep conversation about art at the Museum of Contemporary Arts. 

*Free Admission- yey!

Forgotten Songs. A permanent installation at Angel Place alley.
Also free, and a little bit hidden away.

Street art is pretty cool. If you look closely, the 2 people 
in the photo are the graffiti artists working at a section in the wall.

What's more, Sydney really is a paradise for foodies. My cousin took me to a few restos but a favorite was the Grounds of Alexandria. We went there for brunch, but had to wait for almost an hour because it was already crowded. Fortunately, the waiting is not that bad. Here's why: 

Photo ops everywhere! Unexpected and charming.

There's a flower shop inside The Grounds.

If you're THAT hungry, there's a pastry cart and coffee kiosk 

outside the main restaurant. *drool*

What we ordered: Breakfast burger. Halfway in and we’re filled. 

We struggled to finish, but it was a delicious struggle.

And I also love the Velvet Garage and its eclectic decors.

Yes, it's an orange sedan behind the couch. 

A skull glass with umbrella to quench the thirst after walking around 

and stepping on dog sh*t? Definitely!

K and I were taking our selfie (or groupfie... twofie?) and people, as usual, 

were staring in wonder at the monopod.

But the most remarkable food-related experience, however... 

I just had to. 

Now, for a little bit of nature. And nature, Australia has abundance of - from city parks to wildlife sanctuaries. They have strict bio-ecology laws - that's what I admire about this country. Tani amo man di sa Pinas. 

"Lechon manok na ni kung sa Pinas." -K

I did get to appreciate Sydney's coast when we walked from Coogee to Bondi. The cliffside views were breathtaking, as well as the houses we passed by. If I were to live in Sydney, this should be my 'hood. This is a prime location, yes, so real estate prices are understandably soaring. But libre mangarap.

Cliffs along Bondi-Coogee coast.

Ain't this a lovely detour? Aahhh, what do I give

to discover secret places. 

Cemetery by the sea at Bronte.

Bondi- but it is a busy one during the summer.

This was the end to our 6 km walk, and to cap it off, we walked some more to 

look for a Pinoy resto somewhere in the area haha!

---

Bitin, no? I know there were lots of things I had missed, for one reason or another. Like, the cold making me numb and lazy. And I was also cramming for an exam. But I have no regrets, honestly. I had soaked enough of Sydney to last me for a while: culture, nature, and adventure-wise. I mean, step on dog sh*t? Get locked out of the house at winter? Went at the edge of the cliff for awesome pictures' sake? Yes, yes, and no because I did not get travel medical insurance.

Besides there's always something new to look forward to when I decide to visit again, right?

Sydney OOTD themes: Homeless in the park, skater girl, normal.

Always a delight to make new friends. Thank you, thank you for having me.

So as I finally close this post... a little Aussie humor seen in a T-shirt in Chinatown:

The Island Life in the Philippines in Pictures

          This year, I get to experience two different kinds of island life that are stark contrast to each other. First, the ideal tropical party place with a famous fine white sand and turquoise waters. It offers an array of options of activities and people to mingle with, from all walks of life and from different parts of the globe. You won't get bored, oh no, no. What's the first thing that pops on your mind? I'm talking of Boracay, what else?! 

          This little island in Aklan has its dynamic community composed of locals, expats, artists, and businessmen. It was interesting to be part of that community however briefly. See, I first went there for a job, and it was only later that I get to be a tourist. There's more work to be done for this island to reach its full potential, but it's a great destination as it is.

That day when we ask around for liquor. Fun times!

(I'm wearing scrubs, but hindi po ako masahista :)

Colors from the horizon to right under my nose: 

Deep blue, cyan, turquoise, aquamarine, beige and white.

(Please be impressed with my color vocabulary)

Locals cleaning White Beach and sometimes doing art in it. 

I love the texture of the sand, especially when I bury my toes in it-

 It remains cool despite the heat.

My favorite resto in La Bora: excellent comfort food, relatively 
cheap, great value for money, and friendly staff. 
Here are R and J (plus a manong photobomber) giving their 
thumbs up to Tilapia N' Chips!

ATV ride on the other side of the island, opposite White Beach. 
Two ATV broke down on us, though it was still safe 
because our challenging terrain...was concrete road. Oops!

Still high on my to-do list in Boracay: Kite surfing and skim boarding.

Looked for coffee first thing in the morning, but I couldn't resist the 

pretty red velvet waffle. The serving size was huge: about 8-in diameter 

and 1-in thick, so we're pretty happy.

Henna tattoo. YOLO lang, hehehe

White Beach in the morning and at night.

Will be back but not via van... just no.

          Next, let's sail on to the rustic Cuyo in Palawan. It's the destination for you when you want to get away from it all. No, really. Seriously. Literally. Things could be a bit spartan here - no pampering, no variety, no nightlife. But I like it! Maybe because it reminds me so much of the town where I grew up - a close-knit community with a traditional way of life.  

          The nearest urban centers, Iloilo City and Puerto Princesa, are approximately 14 hours by boat that travels twice a week if the weather permits. But it makes up for dramatic landscapes and coastline, and warm locals. I've seen a few tourists here, mostly kite surfers who made the harbor their playground during the amihan season. 

 

I cannot capture the wide expanse of the sea and sky, but

right off the boat, here's a peek of the view that greeted us at the port.

Modest quarters but I found it charming nonetheless. 

 An intertidal zone on the other side of the island. 

Sea creatures in the sand, and at the distance the fishing boats.

A man made land bridge: an abandoned project that was supposed to 

connect to the next island.

So peaceful, no? *sigh*

And I just gotta claim this: 

the Philippines have the most amazing sunsets.

Cuyo has a sports complex. Sort of. By the beach.

This special basketful of mangoes is special

given by one of the locals I've befriended. 

With my favorite island people-slash-tour guides. I miss them so.

I got around the island a bit with this rusty bicycle. 

Serious cardio, man!

And this is me being pretentious about being bad ass (hihi!).

 I absolutely have no idea how to ride the motorbike.

If there's a photo to sum it all up, of what island life is all about... 

this is it.