Readme before you journey
... Let's embark on a journey beneath the distant ocean floor. In Asia, there are numerous islands. The vibrant hues of the sea make you forget everything and fall in love with it. The beauty is indescribable, especially when you're there. You'll discover the magnificence of the Philippines. Dive deep, deep down with me...
Have you ever wanted to travel abroad without a plan? Not knowing anything at all, just arriving and figuring things out later? Whether it's hilarious, disastrous, or amazing, it's all part of the adventure. To give myself the freedom to travel, I broke out of my shell and flew across the Pacific Ocean to visit the Philippines, the land of the great seas and the world's largest archipelago. Why this country? Because I wanted to go somewhere that few (Thai) people visit, a place that everyone else overlooks. I hadn't even read any reviews about the Philippines. I just heard what people were saying... Many times I was asked, "What's in the Philippines? Why go there? Aren't you afraid to go alone? It's dangerous..." and so on. Who knew how much I would learn by taking the plunge and creating my own experience?
To truly experience the Philippines, ditch the tourist traps and embrace the local way of life. Immerse yourself in the culture, language, food, clothing, and daily routines of Filipinos. Explore hidden gems that will leave you breathless with their beauty and authenticity.
Let's embark on a local's adventure in the Philippines, where we'll experience the thrill of spontaneous exploration and discover the true meaning of "winging it."
...Discover other attractions at https://www.facebook.com/herdingcat.
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#December 24, 2016: Welcoming New Students (Bangkok - Manila)
On a delightful Saturday morning, I embarked on my journey from home to Suvarnabhumi Airport. After scanning my passport and preparing to board, I realized that I had left my ticket on the table outside. I had to contact the staff to retrieve it for me. Fortunately, it was still there, and everything went smoothly (after the initial confusion of booking the wrong date and then forgetting my ticket).
As the plane approached its destination, it encountered turbulent weather, making for an exciting landing. With no companions and a desire to experience local culture, I decided to connect with a Filipino friend, placing my trust in their hands.
This trip is a journey without even searching for what the Philippines has to offer or where to go. I want to go without knowing anything beforehand, letting things unfold naturally, without knowing anyone else's experiences. Simply put, it's a trip with no plan. I believe that every country has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The good and the bad depend on the individual's experience. It might be different if you try it yourself. Let's go on an adventure with no plan, or rather, with the only plan being "I'm going to the Philippines." Whatever happens, happens. We'll be fine, right? Haha.
After contacting a friend in the Philippines, I searched for a Taxi Meter to go to the location my friend shared. If there is no meter, I will be charged 8 times more. Opposite the airport, there will be an airport taxi (White Taxi) service. They will write a bill for you, which is safe. But the taxi in front of the exit door, let's leave it as a base to be cheated or tricked. Along the way, I explored the surroundings. The streets were very clean.
The majority of the wildness here comes from the children, who are quite influential. Adults are less intimidating than children. Most people will greet you and ask, "Madam, where are you going? Would you like to join us?" They will engage you in conversation. Here, women are referred to as "Madam." Initially, I heard "Mom Mom" and thought, "Who are you calling Mom?" 555 As I listened more, I realized that English here is spoken quite quickly, with a lot of rolling and sliding sounds. It's easy to understand some accents, but others are more difficult.
The journey was filled with anticipation and a tinge of nervousness, fueled by the infamous reputation of the Philippines. The lack of internet access further heightened the sense of uncertainty. The route was not particularly desolate, and after a 20-minute drive, we reached our destination. The moment of reckoning arrived when it was time to pay. Clueless about the local currency, I simply handed over a large bill to the taxi driver. Fortunately, the driver was kind and understanding, reducing the fare due to my cluelessness. (It is not advisable to imitate this behavior.)
The sound of a ringing bell filled the air, causing a wave of dizziness to wash over me (as if I wasn't already feeling disoriented). I stumbled around, searching for the name of the accommodation I was looking for. After waiting for what felt like an eternity, my friend still hadn't shown up. I decided to ask an employee if this was the correct location, only to be met with the disappointing news that it wasn't. "What do you mean it's just the same name?" I exclaimed in disbelief. "The address is completely different!" My friend had shared the wrong location with me. Congratulations, I thought to myself sarcastically, looks like you'll be continuing your search. T_T
The situation was awkward and confusing. Without internet access and surrounded by people asking for directions, the individual felt overwhelmed. The locals, known for their physical closeness, approached the individual repeatedly, leading to concerns about their intentions. Fortunately, a McDonald's employee delivering goods intervened and provided assistance. The employee helped the individual connect to the restaurant's Wi-Fi, allowing them to contact friends for help.
Shortly after, my friend picked me up at McDonald's. As we talked, we realized that the names of the accommodations were the same, but the bookings were made for the wrong ones. Okay, thank you. Isn't that funny? 555
This is our accommodation for today. A super soft bed, but be careful not to move too much (haha) because it's so soft that you might roll right off!
The Philippines is a country passionate about basketball. Street basketball is a popular pastime, with games often played in the middle of the road.
We then went to the Christmas Eve event at Rizan Park, a large public park. On the way, we walked through the alleys, where music was playing from almost every house. It seemed like a city of music. No matter how loud the music was, no one complained. They didn't care about anything. They threw stones at each other, but there were no consequences. We tried riding a songthaew, which was a lot of fun. We tried some street food, but it was so bad that we had to spit it out. We tried so many things that we couldn't find anything delicious, so we gave up trying. We decided to just eat whatever we could find. We ate and ate until we were about to die. And so, the first day passed as if we had won a great victory.
The Christmas atmosphere here is strangely quiet, devoid of music.
Let's check out the most popular fast food restaurant in the Philippines, Jollibee. There are so many Jollibee restaurants here! If we compare it to Thailand, it's like McDonald's. There are McDonald's here too, but they're not as popular as Jollibee. It's so popular that it has become the mascot of the Philippines. It used to be a buffalo, but now it's a bee. Haha.
Let's start with the food. The appearance is nothing like the picture!! 55 The end of taking pictures (which weren't very good anyway). So,
The picture clearly shows the taste. The leftmost dish is pork stir-fried with something. It tastes good at first, but then it becomes too salty. The right side is burnt grilled chicken. As for the noodles that look delicious, the taste is so bad that I almost threw up. In short, it looks good but tastes bad.
Fast food here does not offer ketchup or tomato sauce. Instead, they provide a salty dipping sauce and a whole lime. The lime is tiny and tastes like an orange, leaving your taste buds confused. What are they trying to make me taste? 555
After finishing the meal, we had a dessert called Halo-Halo. The taste was a bit confusing, was it sweet or salty? People here seem to really like salty food.
The proper way to eat this dessert is to wait for the staff to serve it to you. Do not eat it while it is still beautifully arranged, as it has not been properly prepared yet. The unique aspect of this dessert is that you must mix, chop, and soak it until it becomes a mushy mixture before consuming it. This process enhances the flavors and creates a more enjoyable eating experience. If you do not chop it, it will not taste as good. Once chopped, the flavors will be more balanced and harmonious. I have tried this dessert at several different restaurants, and the taste varies from place to place.
Merry X'Mass Eve is still on the hunt for the missing Adam.
The vibrant atmosphere of the X'mass Eve Light and Sound Show at Rizan Park
It's not too late tonight, let's continue to the Amusement Park! It's time to have fun. Many people will flock here, making it a hub for events, amusement rides, and various entertainment venues.
The arcade games here are incredibly cheap! Prices range from 30 baht to just over 100 baht, so we decided to play everything. Let's go!
With the children's work finished, it was time to move on to adult activities. Our friends and their friends joined us, taking us to open our eyes at the famous entertainment venue, number 1 in Manila, located in the same zone as the amusement park. Oh, we also got to try a Filipino pub. Let's go see!
This is The PAD BY PADI'S POINT. The queue is very long, but it is well-organized. It is difficult to use connections to skip the line. Everyone, regardless of their size, must wait in line.
The locals here have a serious penchant for alcohol! This is a "tower" of beer, and the group ordered four towers for eight people, which means two people per tower. Is this beer or water? The tower here is tall and slender, and the taste is good.
This is how pub snacks are served here. It's like street food back home, but elevated for a pub setting. The skewers are an interesting touch.
Merry Christmas Eve
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#Days2 25 Dec 2016 Merry Christmas (Manila - Cebu)
The next morning, we entrusted our lives to Jollibee to see what it looked and tasted like.
"Wow, that looks good and expensive (as it should be)!"
As always, I entrusted my life to chicken. In the Philippines, pork is not commonly consumed, even though the majority of the population is Christian and not Muslim. Meat is a staple in their diet. Pork is expensive here, while meat is more affordable. The taste, however, remains salty. Ugh!
The military was ready, and we left Manila for Cebu. It wouldn't have been possible to leave peacefully and quietly. There had to be some drama, haha. My friend has relatives here, and they sent a driver to take us to the airport. There was a moment of panic when the driver took us to Ninoy Airport, but we only found out when we checked in that we were at the wrong airport. We had to go to the Old Airport, which we didn't know about. The employee told us that we had to take a taxi or we would miss our flight. So we rushed to the Old Airport.
The vibrant city of Manila offers a captivating visual experience, with its bustling streets and unique public transportation. The buses, adorned with diverse and eye-catching designs, resemble transformers, adding a touch of whimsy to the urban landscape.
Motorcycles are scarce here. Most people use public transportation or drive private cars.
Upon arrival at the airport, the ordeal continued as the baggage claim system malfunctioned, preventing passengers from retrieving their luggage. This unexpected turn of events forced travelers to purchase new items, causing considerable inconvenience and stress.
Welcome to Cebu!
Welcome back to the "Stray Kids" segment!
The crowd quickly dispersed after a sudden burst of gunfire from an unknown source. The incident left everyone stunned and confused, questioning the normalcy of the situation. After a brief moment of adjustment, they regained their composure.
Stepping into a local community, you'll find residents casually waiting for buses or public transportation without any designated bus stop signs. They instinctively know where to stand and board, making it a seamless process.
In Cebu, people tend to be more shirtless than in Manila. This could be due to the hot weather or the fact that we are in a community setting. There are many children, both those who have homes and those who are homeless. The buildings and houses are in a state of disrepair.
Public transportation in each city varies. In Cebu, it is similar to the "jeepneys" in our country, which can be considered a "Grade C transformer".
Even faster than the No. 8 bus, I don't know how they managed to hold onto their coins without dropping them.
We drove around the city, enjoying the natural scenery. However, we were unable to drive up the mountain due to a typhoon. We decided to have some food instead.
My friend took me to try local Filipino cuisine. The taste was good, but it was still salty as usual. 😭😭😭😭
Subsequently, my flight was canceled, preventing me from traveling to another island. I was unable to contact the airline's hotline, and the local SIM card only allowed calls within the same network. Finding a place to top up my balance proved challenging, as they were reluctant to sell.
Regarding the SIM card, I spoke with a Filipino who recommended using Smart. However, after two days, I still haven't been able to activate it because I can't find a pin to eject the SIM tray. Toothpicks are unavailable here, and paperclips are even more difficult to find. Finding a place to top up the SIM card is also challenging. They are usually sold at 7-Eleven, but not all 7-Elevens have them.
Convenience stores are not widely accepted by major banks, even though they have change. It is recommended to exchange for many 100 baht bills. Their houses are also truly convenient for shopping and eating, as they have many tables for customers to sit and eat at. It's like a restaurant.
Christmas cheer turned into a stormy night as a typhoon hit, placing us right in the news' red zone. Despite the outdoor events being canceled, the locals remained unfazed, and the indoor events continued as planned.
Subsequently, my friends took me on a tour of Cebu's vibrant nightlife scene. It was an eye-opening experience, although the heavy rain hampered our photo opportunities. We ended the night at a karaoke bar, where I had the chance to try my hand at singing in a foreign language.
This karaoke place offers both Inter and catalog songs, so you can choose whatever you like. I guess I'll have to go with Inter, since there's no Thai option. Haha. Finding songs here is a bit more outdated than in Thailand, as they still use a system where you open a book, look up the number, and then type it in on the keyboard. You can't just type in the singer's name or song title and search like we do in Thailand these days.
We ended up at a famous wine bar, but only to eat cake. 555
Despite its luxurious appearance, the prices here are surprisingly affordable.
The Christmas event here has concluded that there will be only lights and colors, but no sound. 555 It has no music, no performance at all, just players, people, and decorations. And yay!! Typhoon waves are coming in waves. Today, it is right at the red zone, receiving the full force of the storm. But people are still celebrating Christmas as usual, but in entertainment venues instead, because the outdoors will probably not be dry enough to walk around.
After the storm subsided, we headed to Big Mountain, the most scenic viewpoint in the area. However, we were unable to reach the summit due to another typhoon and the steep, 300-meter incline. The steepness was manageable, but the slippery surface caused our car's wheels to slip off the shoulder of the road several times. Additionally, the single-lane road presented the risk of encountering oncoming vehicles or our car sliding down and colliding with others. Consequently, we were forced to abandon our plan. Nevertheless, the mountain offers a motorbike service that transports visitors to the top, although it appears quite precarious.
Happy Christmas
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Day 3: December 26, 2016 - Arrival in Cebu (Cebu to Negros)
Early in the morning, I left Cebu City for Kawasan Falls. It took 5 hours, which was a long time. I'm not sure if this was the result of the typhoon last night or if it's always like this. I woke up several times, but we still hadn't arrived. When we finally got there, it was incredibly hot, burning my skin. But once I walked into the waterfall area, it was cool.
The initial section features green water and is designated for washing clothes and dishes.
The Kawasan Falls are a beautiful sight, with three main tiers. The entrance fee is 18 baht. It is recommended to only visit the first tier, as it is the most scenic and enjoyable for swimming. The second tier resembles a reservoir, while the third tier, if you choose to climb it, will leave you wondering why you bothered. The area between the entrance and the first tier is deceptively presented as a laundry area, but as you continue towards the source of the falls, you will be shocked to discover that people are actually doing their laundry upstream! It makes one wonder if the people at the bottom of the falls are aware of what is happening above them.
The highlight of Kawasan is the adventurous water journey, where you have to jump into waterfalls to continue your journey. There are also points where you can hang upside down and slide down, giving you an adrenaline rush and a thrilling experience.
The deeper the water in a waterfall, the more turquoise or blue it appears, indicating significant depth and strong water pressure. Swimming in such conditions can be extremely tiring. Therefore, bamboo rafts are available to transport visitors to the waterfall. However, for those who are confident swimmers, swimming is permitted, but caution should be exercised to avoid entanglement with the raft ropes.
The water is very blue and very deep. It is also very cold.
The food at kawasan is extremely expensive, with prices ranging from 100 to 200 baht and even exceeding 300 baht. This is a significant increase compared to the 35 baht meals available in the city. Additionally, the food is excessively salty, leaving diners with a burning sensation on their tongues. A word of caution: avoid ordering the instant noodles, which are priced at nearly 200 baht and taste terrible. They are not a viable option for sustenance and could even be considered harmful. These noodles are devoid of any sophistication and represent a culinary abomination. The portion sizes are also incredibly small, barely exceeding the size of one's palm.
180 Baht
235 Thai Baht
A full day is recommended for Kawasan adventure activities due to the extensive walking involved. For waterfall visits only, half a day is sufficient.
Lockers are available for luggage storage, but they are expensive at 800 baht. You can ask to share with a foreigner and pay only 100 baht.
The price of the pass is 800 baht, while the price of each safety device is 100 baht. The entrance fee is only 18 baht.
After playing in the waterfall until 1 pm, we headed to Negros Island on a large car ferry.
The sea is incredibly beautiful!
This small boat has ventured far from shore... The fishermen here are very relaxed.
The journey continued smoothly for a while, until the ominous aura of Rahu enveloped the sky, hinting at the possible arrival of another typhoon. It was an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience, but the locals seemed unfazed, maintaining their usual calm and composure.
The journey to the other side of the river took one hour, but it took another four hours to reach the city center. The scenery along the way was beautiful, but the road was winding and full of sharp turns.
Travelers to Bacolod must first cross from Cebu, as the journey is time-consuming. Alternatively, flights are available. The city is relatively rural, with few tourists and a lack of hotels. The population is predominantly local. The roadsides are scenic, and locals drive quickly. Residents are familiar with one another, and strangers are easily recognized.
This trip was like a journey to learn about the way of life and culture of the Filipino people. There may not be many important places or beautiful photos, or maybe we didn't take good photos, who knows? But we got to a place where there weren't many tourists, to stay with real Filipinos. Of course, we experienced Filipino life firsthand.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with an overwhelming number of relatives, resulting in countless cheek kisses. The sheer volume of introductions and unfamiliar names left us feeling disoriented and slightly overwhelmed.
The meal concluded with a spicy surprise. The host, knowing our preference for spice, presented a plate overflowing with chilies, though they themselves did not partake. It is important to note that in the Philippines, an invitation to eat does not necessarily imply that the host will join you. They may simply accompany you without partaking in the meal themselves. The local cuisine is predominantly meat-based, with chicken as the primary alternative for those who do not consume meat. Pork is rarely available, and when it is, it is typically of low quality. As is customary in the region, the food was consistently salty.
He assumed that Thai people eat spicy food, so he prepared a whole sack of chili peppers for them, even though he doesn't really like spicy food himself. It was a sweet gesture.
This is an unidentified fish, but it is difficult to find in Thailand. Here, it is readily available and served at every meal. The flesh is firm and boneless (because the bones have been removed). The green stuff is a sweet bean sauce, which is delicious. I have tried it and it is approved! Tears of joy are about to flow.
This fish, resembling a local minnow, would have been delicious if it weren't so salty. I was told it's high in cholesterol, so it's best not to eat it often. Despite that, it was quite tasty.
Our bitter melon soup is more bitter and the gourds are larger.
This meal is enough for seven people. In my hometown, we would usually have more dishes. However, people here tend to eat a lot of rice with fewer dishes. I wonder if this is the reason why most of the food here is salty. The saltier the food, the more rice you eat. It must be a formula! -0-
And just like that, dinner was a success...
In Thai culture, it is customary to wear shoes inside the home. Removing shoes at the entrance is considered rude. This practice may seem unusual, as it involves wearing shoes throughout the house, including in bedrooms. Additionally, Thai toilets often lack seats, requiring users to squat or hover over the bowl.
The bedrooms feature three-tiered beds that slide in and out, maximizing space. Locals seem to favor exceptionally soft mattresses, so much so that they nearly sink into the bed. It is unclear whether this preference is universal, but all three accommodations I visited offered extremely plush mattresses.
The internet on SIM cards remains unavailable, as usual. Locals carry pocket Wi-Fi devices, making SIM cards a persistent national issue. Free messaging services are available, rendering SIM cards unnecessary. However, Wi-Fi connections are often unreliable, with internet speeds slower than a crawling turtle.
Good evening, Black people...
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Days 4: December 27, 2016 - Negros Island
The new day (because I was too lazy to wake up early) so I went for a walk on Negros beach, which is behind the house. It was quiet, but the beach was not very smooth. I couldn't walk very well. 55 The entrance to the
In the afternoon, I went to the Negros viewpoint. It was peaceful and deserted, with no tourists in sight, as usual. The water was crystal clear, but the view was not particularly impressive. There was an abandoned pier that I climbed on to take some photos.
I want to take a walk alone for a bit. It turned out that the kids here are really wild. When they saw their victim, they pointed their fingers and called their friends to follow them and ask for money. Then they would follow them everywhere. Adults are not as scary as children. But wherever I go, they stare at me as if they have never seen me before. The end of my walking tour. I almost couldn't walk alone.
For coffee addicts, bring your own coffee as the local options are either decaffeinated or have minimal caffeine. If you have a sweet tooth, be prepared for disappointment. The chocolate lacks sweetness, and desserts are often bland and lack the richness of milk and sugar. Bread, in particular, is deceivingly attractive but falls short of the fluffy texture found in other countries.
When it comes to seafood, abundance doesn't guarantee quality. Order cautiously, as excessive indulgence can lead to disappointment. The dipping sauces, regardless of their variety, are underwhelming. The overall experience is a far cry from culinary excellence, despite the freshness of the ingredients.
The highlight was the chaotic Sim Card episode. Finally, the sim card had internet access, but the drama didn't end there. Having an internet signal didn't mean you could actually use the internet. The internet speed was as slow as a turtle, only E, without 3G. It was as if the E speed was being pulled from the underworld. Even though my heart was burning with impatience, the internet's slowness was like a deep freeze, eternal and unchanging.
As evening falls, the atmosphere shifts to a joyous gathering, with everyone congregating on the beach for a family reunion, a New Year's tradition. My coworker's family gathering is exclusively on their mother's side, with over 100 attendees. The handshakes, hugs, and endless introductions leave me feeling overwhelmed. The sheer length of some names makes me weary just thinking about pronouncing them.
In terms of food, the dinosaurs didn't have much in the way of plants and vegetables. They mostly ate meat, including pork, goat, chicken, and beef. They even slaughtered the animals in front of them. One of the dinosaurs even killed a chicken behind our backs, so we could only eat that. We really couldn't eat anything else, because we had a choice. So we chose what we could still eat. If we didn't have a choice, we would have to eat whatever was available.
During the presentation, each family took turns showcasing themselves and updating the audience on their current status. This process took over two hours to complete.
Another day almost passed without incident, but then I encountered a group of street children. They seem to be everywhere. They approached in a pack, not aggressively, but biding their time, waiting for an opportunity to snatch something of mine—water, food, my bag, anything. Even while I was lying on the beach, they threw stones and circled around, waiting for a chance. It's a pity, because their vagrancy and lack of necessities sometimes force them to behave this way.
The text concludes with a discussion of conversations with Filipinos. Those who are quiet and unable to fight will find it difficult to survive. Filipinos talk all day and night, competing to speak and answer. It's like they're asleep when they're quiet and talking when they move. If you can't stand the constant noise, you might as well go home. 55 The end of napping at any time. As long as you're not sleeping, it's a great way to build relationships with people around you and bond with your family. If you learn and understand the culture, look at the intention.
Farewell, grand celebration...
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Day 5: December 28, 2016 in Sipalay City
Today we will travel to Sipalay City, which is 2 hours away from Negros. We will travel by Tycycle, our old friend. The new thing is that we will go up the mountain!!! 55 Here, people travel by Tycycle. It may look small, but it's a powerful little thing. It took us to many places, no matter how winding, steep, or sharp the road was. This 3-wheeled motorcycle took us all the way to the end. It's really good.
This versatile tricycle offers multiple seating positions, allowing riders to sit, lie down, or even climb onto the roof. Its popularity is evident in its widespread presence in almost every household.
Along the way, you will encounter views like this. The nature here is beautiful.
The route will then continue past the fishing villages.
We have arrived at Sipalay City!
Greetings, Latasan Island
This is a beach in Sipalay, where there is a pirate-like fishing village. There are accommodations, food, and activities to support tourists.
Let's go kayaking to Koh Tao!
You wouldn't know the loneliness of paddling a kayak for two hours to a deserted rocky island in the middle of nowhere. It's probably braver than riding a rubber duck alone. Crazy! Once you start paddling, there's no turning back. And going back is too much effort anyway. Haha. My friend is a great paddler, and in no time, we were miles apart. This isn't a pond, canal, or lake, you know! It's the SEA! No life jackets, nothing. Just pay and take a boat. It's that simple. Paddling in circles.
The victim was found on the island.
Oh, really?!
After an hour of paddling, we arrived at Koh Tao, an island in the middle of the sea. The rocks were extremely slippery. The water was divided into two colors: green on one side and blue on the other. However, my camera could only capture so much.
The heavy downpour drenched everything, even the tricycles. But we were undeterred, and continued on our journey to Danjugan Island.
Oh no! A typhoon is approaching! This comes shortly after we just abandoned ship. We hope that those who are adrift at sea will stay safe.
We are almost there! Just a little closer, chic! (Apologies for the blurriness, the GoPro went diving, haha) We finally made it through the storm.
Secluded Island, Hidden Beach...
Small boats should leave the shore...
Rockers must keep fighting! When will the next typhoon come?
A small boat should leave the shore, but when it will fall, that's another story. 555
Sail on like Luffy!!!
A small boat should reach the shore safely.
Leaving now. The atmosphere is getting tense. Boom! #Days6 29 Dec 2016 From being sea nomads, they became fishermen, living by the fishpond (Western Visayas).
Despite the late hour, we couldn't sleep. After expending our energy scuba diving, he invited us to sample Filipino-style seafood. He encouraged us to try it, but he didn't eat any himself.
Is this a seafood restaurant or a lizard buffet? Eek!
But no, we're eating at this restaurant instead!! 55 Welcome to Johna Talabahan, they say this is the biggest and most famous restaurant in the area. It's owned by his relatives, it's delicious, come and try it!
Teenagers still use charcoal stoves for cooking, not gas or electric stoves.
Dinner today. Thank you so much <3 I want to say that he ordered all of this for us, but he will only eat fish!! Because he is a Christian and is strict in his religion. Oh my god, how much is too much?
Father Kaew, Mother Kaew, please help me! He keeps giving me this durian to eat. I'm so happy to be able to eat it, but there's so much of it!
After a hearty meal, we set off to the fishing village, which is my friend's father's home. His father said, "You want nature, right? Well, I'll give you nature!"
Welcome to the Fisherman's Hut, a cozy retreat for those seeking tranquility.
The father brought him and left him in the middle of the rice field!! He can choose to sleep in a hut or a tent.
The surroundings are full of fish ponds.
To see the shrimp, fish, crabs, or even snakes...
In the end, I got a crab, steamed fresh, but it was for the dog to eat (What? This is dog food... This is dog food). Can I have some?
Good morning, bright new day...
Auntie! Why did you come in?
In the water, there are fish. On land, there are dogs.
And in the rice field, there is grass!!!
A 15-year-old girl, barely 16, is here! Ahhh, refreshing...
A lively welcome with a happy breakfast. We ate fish, which is very expensive at home, but here they catch and eat it for fun. This meal was less salty because they saw that we eat everything salty. That's salty, this is salty, so they told the cook to make a flavor that they thought we could eat. It was delicious (but the cook said, "How can you eat it? It tastes bland." The cook still wonders if it will be to our taste, haha). And as usual, the music is blasting in the house. We have to eat with music. It's so lively! This is definitely a city of music!!
And, oh my, chili! Thinking we could handle the heat, they brought out a whole bottle. Oh, dear lord, we don't eat that spicy! But we were grateful for their warm welcome and wanted to show our appreciation by eating as much as we could. In the end, we had to finish everything. If we could have gnawed on the table, we would have! Gulp!
Having satisfied our appetites, we set off from Western Visayas to Bacolod to explore what this city has to offer.
A unique vehicle transporting passengers on both upper and lower levels, reminiscent of India (though I haven't been there). The passengers appear relaxed and comfortable, enjoying the open air and sunshine.
Is it hot, little one?
Bacolod is a large city with more motorcycles than Manila. It is unclear why Manila is the capital, but from my travels in the region, I believe Bacolod is more developed. As always, the most noticeable difference between cities is the transportation. Each city has unique and diverse public transportation designs, which are truly impressive.
Join us on a public transportation adventure to Mabukal! Brace yourself for a scenic 1-hour journey across the mountains from Bacolod City, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a chance to stretch your legs.
Passengers wait patiently in an orderly queue to board the bus.
Mabukal is more than just a resort; it's a renowned tourist destination for locals. Let's explore it!
This is a hot waterfall with beautiful sulfur-colored rocks. We are sitting in it. Haha!
Mabukal boasts approximately seven waterfalls, each situated at a distance from the others. Due to our late arrival, we were only able to visit one. The trail was easy to navigate, with stone steps leading through a humid rainforest. Admission is free, requiring only a signature.
The location offers kayak rentals for a mere 20 baht, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely paddle. A small waterfall provides a refreshing sight, though its size may not be particularly impressive. We found the overall experience underwhelming, opting to simply observe the surroundings rather than engage in any active pursuits.
Thank you, Mom. There are zip lines to play on, swinging through the waterfalls, and many other places to visit.
I was initially under the impression that the butterfly garden was a vast, open space. However, upon closer inspection, I realized it was actually an enclosed butterfly enclosure.
And then we went to the hot spring... This is a hot spring, it's a real hot spring, just a plain hot spring, raw. Oh my god, it's not like the hot springs in our country. The end of my dream hot spring. 555
In addition, there are many activities such as climbing, archery, and tree climbing. There is also a large lagoon-like pool, but I didn't dare to take a picture for fear of being bitten by a crocodile. 55 It's time to go. Goodbye Mabukal, we have to move on.
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December 30, 2016: Farewell, Philippines
Farewell, Transformers City.
Farewell, kayak, and capsized shoes lost to the water.
Farewell, the most beautiful beach.
Farewell Tricycle, soaring through the sky
And we shall meet again...
Once again...
Travel Log Summary
- The Philippines is a land of Jollibee, where Jollibee is the go-to food choice.
- 90% of the food is incredibly salty!!
- Physical contact is a common part of their culture. They often touch each other when talking or walking, but it is not considered intimate or sexual.
- Many stray children and very long streets.
- People here are attracted to white people. Just being white makes you hot. They stare at you like they're hungry.
- Often mistaken for Korean or Japanese.
- Some groups of people will immediately reject you when they find out you are from Thailand, while others will be welcoming and friendly.
- The cost of living is 25% lower than in Thailand.
- Walking alone is not recommended, as people will constantly approach you, and their intentions are unclear.
- Extended families are common, with strong bonds and a high value placed on family gatherings.
- Taking off your shoes in front of someone's house is considered rude.
- Public transportation is speeding around the corner very fast.
- The traffic was chaotic, but without any collisions. Each driver was highly skilled.
- Certain islands are reserved for Filipinos only.
- Hiring a car is very expensive, costing between 3,000 and 5,000 baht per trip.
- Typhoons are a breeze.
- A festive event without music, but music plays almost everywhere except at the festive event. So confusing!!
- They prefer to eat chicken and rarely eat pork.
- After the change in leadership, the country has lifted restrictions on photography, and he enjoys being photographed and appearing on camera.
- Filipinos are known for their kindness and helpfulness.
- Manila is not just a city, in fact, the nature is super interesting!! Flew through but missed the bus! 555
- The sea is incredibly beautiful.
- Traveling alone, you will eventually meet many people. It's not easy, but don't make it difficult.
- Having good friends is half the battle won.
- The seafood in the Philippines is incredibly fresh, even exceeding the freshness of mud-caked life.
- 7-Eleven is not popular and has made us eat spoiled food many times. Amen.
- Visited 5 malls, 4 of them were full of dust, so confused!!
- Proficient in English conversation
- The area boasts abundant natural resources, yet it remains largely unpromoted and receives minimal reviews. (Will visit and document later.)
… The easiest way to travel, don't hesitate, go out and chase experiences!!
Do not believe just because they say so...
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Friday, October 4, 2024 3:15 PM
