What is there to Travel?

What is really there to Travel? 

Is travelling only about the destination or the place? Why does some people find it addicting while I never heard anyone who finds it boring!

Yeah, I've already heard that it's time consuming, it's exhausting, tiring, and so on. But, what is really there to Travel? 

When you travel, you don't only look forward to the place. But yeah, it is the first things, the PLACE itself, but that's not the only thing there is about travelling, right?

Feeling, when travelling, you always had this mix emotions, like, you're happy or you're excited. Some are also thrilled, and some are frightened, because traveling also involves trying and doing new things! You become adventurous when you travel, and whatever you feel while you're travelling, it will turn into,

Experience. Yes! When you feel it, you experience it, right? It is what most people's driving force to go for a second time around, to go for a next one, or to keep travelling, because they want to experience it again! The feeling! Be it a positive or negative feeling, it surely will become an experience. 

You might want to experience it again because you were too happy, and enjoyed what you felt, or it can also that you weren't too satisfied and that's why you want to experience it again, and it is what we call, 

Impression! What you experience is what will leave impression to you! Be it the feeling, the experience, or the specific things like the place, the food, or the scenery. It will all leave an impression. It is what you feel or experience even if you no longer in the place itself. It is the lingering feeling of the experience that you will always have in your mind whenever you thought of a certain place, and when you have all of them, the feeling, the experience, and the impression, it will all turn into,

Memories. Yes! Memories that never fades! A memory that you can treasure in your heart for your whole life. It is the thing that no one can steal from you. It is the best souvenir to have. The memory that you can always look back whenever you want, the memory that reminds you of the feeling, the experience, and the impressions of your travels. It is the treasure that no one can own other than your. 

So what are you still waiting for? Travelling is really worth it, right? 

Start now and dig treasures for yourself to keep. the memories of travelling that only you can own for the rest of your life. Start travelling and feel the wonders of the world! 

Happy travelling everyone! 

Travel tips!

3 Travel tips that I have and got to share with you guys! 

(Photo Credits to Travel Triangle)

1. Choose the weather! 

This is the first thing that you need to consider in travelling. However good the place or the destination is, when you have a bad weather, you cannot enjoy. Locally or internationally, there will always a season for a change of weather. This is why choosing the weather is first in the list because we also need to consider that people are not the same. Some people wants a cool weather, and some people are weak in heat. 

So, choosing the weather first thing in travelling is the best tip I can give. It is for you to enjoy, to relax, and also for you to avoid the cancellation of your adventures! 

2. Choose the destination! 

The destination or the place itself is what will gonna make your experience good! Wondering why choosing the destination is just the second in the list? Well, you've probably first considered the season or the weather before choosing your destination, right? 

Choosing the place where to go is the most exciting and the thing that you will surely look forward in travelling. So, choose the destination wisely!

3. Bring yourself with you.

What a weird tips it is, right?

You can't travel without your own self. So why did I bother to write this here? Does it sound funny to you? Well, I understand, but here's the thing, 

I've already encountered people who went out to travel in different places and once they came back, the first thing that they say is 'I didn't enjoy.' 'I lost the opportunity to feel the moment.' But why? 

Well, we know that travelling is not only about enjoying. It can also be a de-stressing for other, or for leisure, or business purpose, or just to unwind, or to make time for themselves, or it's just their cup of tea, or even a goal, to travel is a goal for them. But most importantly, the first experience is always what leaves the impression. When you travel BRING YOURSELF WITH YOU. The whole you. 

For whatever purpose you have in travelling, the experience will always be a memory. Don't ruin it just because you were travelling absent minded, or you've got a lot of things to do and you just left it to travel. DON'T EVER DO THAT. 

When you travel, put... yourself first! 

Favorites saves the day!

 Food experience, going with the trend.

So, the photo above is called a Burger steak in a board. It's really tasty and suits. The story behind this experience was way back 2019, in Porac Proper town, there is a trending food stall for a while and that's where me and my friend got curious as well, and it happened that the food stall has has a twist.

It seems like a small food court. There are separated stalls that sells different kind of foods, and the stalls owner are also different. It really looks like a small food court. There are stalls for burger steaks, milk drinks, liquors, desserts, chicken, pork, and beef are also being offered by different stalls. 

It's so unique, and even the place itself. It doesn't look so cozy, and in fact it was designed to look a lot more like 90's design. The place is called 'Tagpuan'. Sadly, because of pandemic, they were brought into force closure, and up until now, they were not able to open the place.

PANCAKES saves the day.

Pancake has always been my favorite and comfort food. No matter what kind of pancake it is, and no matter what the filling, the twist, and the flavor, I will always love pancakes! Photo above was also offered from the place I mentioned above, 'Tagpuan'. Just like how delicious looking it is, the taste doesn't disappoint as well.

This started when I was a kid. My grandma used to sell hotcakes, the most original one for me, the one that you can buy for 2 pesos and has margarine and sugar on top. I was so addicted to it, and until I grew up, it was still my favorite food, although because our taste buds changes at times, the pancake overtook it, lol.

Though this photo looks similar from the photo above, but it is actually called waffle pancakes. Just like what I've said earlier, no matter what it looks like, and no matter what twist it is, for me, they look and tastes the same! So delicious, and I think I will never get enough of this certain food. 

This was bought from 'Eggz and Brekky' and it's really so delicious. Though, I never said the other way around for pancakes, lol. 

Memories that can and cannot be kept.

 My experience in 'White Sand Beach, Bataan'

This is one of my treasured photos. It's way back 2016 when my cousins were still complete because some of them now are in abroad, while some got married. It was the last picture we had together. It was a nice sunset in a beach, while we feel the the warmth and the cold breeze of the seaside. This is also why whenever I happen to see the sunset, it brings some nostalgia upon me. I really miss the memory that this photo brings, and hopefully that we may have a chance to remake these photos together again.

Peak of the mountain, Camias Pampanga

This photo was taken when I was in 10th grade. Mountain hiking is a trend that time. So, me and my friends decided to go to one of the famous mountains in our town, and it is called the 'Camias Mountain'. Well... as you can see, in the photo, I seem like I'm not happy or I'm a bit upset, and I am! (laughs) It was my first time in hiking and I didn't know the struggle to go up to the peak of the mountain. 

The terrain was also bad. We went out at 3 am, but we reached the peak at 7 am. It was so tiring, hella tiring. But, I admit that it was fun, adventurous and exciting. It is really cold up there, and the view is worth all the struggles! I just felt like I'm close with the nature just by inhaling the breeze up there, and if you can see all the greens in the photo, yeah... it's really refreshing to the eyes!

Kaingin Resort in Babo Pangulo Porac Pampanga

Just like the first photo. This photo was the last photo I had in memory that me and my cousins (father side) were all complete. If I remember it correctly, it was before the pandemic strikes. It was an overnight stay. The resort itself is good and nice. You can stay at the villas and can do whatever you want without bothering the other villa's, because the villa's are separated with fences.

 

Now, even if the pandemic is already lifting, we are not sure if we can go to resorts anymore because all of us are busy now. Some of my cousins are working on other places away from our hometown, so it's already rare to make us get together again in complete. 

Wedding Preparation in Lewis Grand Hotel

This photo is my most favorite! This was taken way back 2018. It was my first time to experience a stay in hotel. It was really nice and relaxing, especially when my stay was all free and was paid by my cousin who was getting married that time. I was one of the bridesmaids. This was my last photo with her though, because after she got married, she flew to Madrid, Spain with her husband, because that was her husband's hometown.

My second hiking in Villamaria- Hacienda Calista

This photo was a memory of my second hiking. At this time, I already expected the struggle of mountain hiking, so I was no longer feeling shock and upset when we reached the peak. Also, at the peak, there was a tourist spot which is what we really aim to see in this adventure, and it was the Hacienda Calista. The place has a lot of flowers around and to add with the ambience was the consistent cold breeze even if the sun is already up.

In this second hike, I was with my classmates.

A traveler's sentiment

 

(Photo credits to Travel Daily)

As a traveler, I can say that the tourism industry was greatly affected by the Pandemic that started from 2019, and up until now (2022), the tourism industry has yet fully restored the operation to go back from before. Many says that, it will no longer back to the previous normal but to the new normal wherein the operation will continue, but with the implementation of health protocols.

It really saddens me, or to say it extravagantly, it broke me and it also became a horror for me when the news about airlines, food establishments, and tourist spots aired, saying that they were forced to stop their operation. Just having to mention these, aren't they all part of tourism industry itself? It was heartbreaking to see it, and up until now, the tourism industry is still struggling to get back from the loss and damages that the pandemic has done. 

Many people became jobless. The force closure of many establishments had affected hundreds of people, and even greater to those who works in tourism industry. As a traveler, I can say that the work in tourism industry is really astounding. They bring joy from the establishments to the services itself. People smiles at you to make you feel at home even if you're in a far away destination. Tourism industry brings excitement, joy, and pleasure, but everything of these was ruined when the Pandemic breaks in.  

In the hope of maintaining the safety protocols. Almost all the establishments sorted out in carrying the new normal. Social distancing is one of those. Imagining it just really breaks my heart. I used to meet a lot of people, talk to them, and laugh with them even if they were strangers whom I met at the places I visit, but because of the new normal now. It looks like as if people will try their best to avoid each other. 

The thing that I consider a 'magic' is now gone. But hopefully, it will go back to the way it was before, though it will surely take a lot of years to completely fade away the trauma and effects that the pandemic brought to us. 

One thing that scares me but many considers a good thing is the touchless technology that they're trying so hard to make possible. Imagine a world with touchless technology, it doesn't only involve simple or small machines that you need to use but can be operated without touching it, but also those things such as using man power. For me, the tourism industry will not be the same as before if the manpower will cease to take over.  

Cafe, Milktea Shops, and Bites. My list of Favorites Shops in our town.

 

Ten out of Ten Teas

Ten out of Ten Teas is a Bubble Tea and Bite Shop. It is located on Porac Proper Town, and with an extended branch in our community. I love this shop starting from their Milkteas to their Bites. My most favorite is their Strawberry Latte with Cream cheese, and their Chicken Buffalo Wings. Even my family loves to order from this shop from time to time.

Tastes from the Greens

Tastes from the Greens is widely known in Angeles City and other part of Pampanga or even on other provinces. I can still remember that I started drinking Milktea becasue of TFTG. I just love their Creampuff so much, and I think many others too. 

I used to visit in Angeles solely for this Milktea, it will take an hour to reach Angeles City from out town, but I still used to go in A.C because of TFTG's Milktea. That's why when I heard that there will be a new branch in our town, I was so happy. 

D’teacakes

D’Tea Cakes is a new Milk Tea and Cake shop located also in Porac, Pampanga, but its original branch was established first in our community. On its first 2 years, it became well-known for its good service and delicious milk teas and foods, so the owner decided to build it’s first ever extended branch in Porac Proper Town. My most favorite in this shop is their Yema add ons. Their cakes are also infamous for their unique styles and its signature taste, though they’re a bit pricy.

They also offer, pizza's, coffees, and a lot more if you're not a fan of Milk Tea's.

Milktealicious

Milktealicious is also one of my favorite Milktea shop, specially their Chocolate Milktea. I rarely order chocolate drinks, but in this shop, their chocolate Milktea is worth trying. It’s not sugary and the chocolate taste is just enough to enjoy. It is also located in Porac Proper Town.

(Extra)

Also, in the Porac Branch, Milktealicious has a partnership with one of my other favorite food, Shawarma Stall, named TGIS. It is one of the reason why I considered Milktealicious as one of my favorite shops of Milktea. Their Shawarms wrap, and Salads are the best to partner with Milktealicious's drinks. 

My visit in Mt. Samat Shrine, Bataan

Mt. Samat Shrine, Bataan

Photo Credits to tieza.gov.ph

Mt. Samat Shrine or known as 'Dambana ng Kagitingan' has became popular for its historical purpose. It is located on Pilar, Bataan Philippines. 

I went to Mt. Samat Shrine when I was still in Senior High for an Academic Trip. It was early in the morning when we were still on our way. From the name itself 'Mt. Samat', the Shrine is located on a high place. The road leading to Mt. Samat isn't that easy to pass. Our ride experience was a bit scary yet thrilling. You need to have an expert driver if you're riding a huge vehicle because the road keeps getting higher, but fortunately, the road is good and smooth to drive with. 

The more you get close to the Shrine, the colder you feel the breeze. Especially, it was early in the morning and the sun was still rising up. The soft light that the sun brings, and the cold breeze of air, it's just so relaxing and soothing to the mind.

When you finally reaches the shrine. For sure, the first thing that will captivate your eyes is the Altar or the 'Dambana ng Kagitingan'. On the walls there are wide writings where in you can read the history of the place. The Shrine wasn't that grand, and the design was simple yet you can feel the lingering feeling of the history itself. 

Photo Credits to pinasmuna.com

On the basement, there is a small museum. There are guns, pictures, and other things that is related to the history of the Shrine, but what caught my attention is a picture of a woman who is tortured and her breasts' nipples were removed, and even though my last visit was already many years ago, that picture's still vivid in my mind. It was also the reason why I chose Mt. Samat to feature in this blog. I want to write my experience about a simple yet memorable place that I visited, and also, a historical one. 

Photo credits to https://bluedreamer27.com/

Now, let's move on to the Mount Samat Cross. It's a gargantuan cross on the top of the shrine, and it is what most visitors wants to reach. Upon reaching the cross, you can stand on a certain spot where in you can see the beautiful view of the Bataan. Although, you can go to the shrine on any time of the day, but in my own experience, it's best to visit at early in the morning when the sun's still rising up.

Photo credits to lakadpinas.com

In addition,  Mt. Samat Shrine is accessible for everyone. Even before the pandemic strikes, it is famous as a tourist spot. My friends, and relatives, and even my brother's friends went there for fun. They were just having a road trip and found themselves reaching the Mt. Samat Shrine with just riding a tricycle and motorcycle. 

It was a historical place, but at the same time tourists visits the Mt. Samat for the beautiful view, not to mention the underground museum.