Take A Road Trip With Us

We went to Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro the same day the MV Commando ferry accident happened. Our relatives from Manila were worried and calling to check on us. We actually saw the sunken ferry and a survivor waving for help. Some ferries and rescue boats were already heading towards it but not ours. The captain just called for rescue, and we felt too bad we were not able to help.

After landing on the shore, we thanked God for delivering us safely to our destination. We learned from some of our friends who got back to Batangas Port earlier that ticket agents or barkers from Commando were convincing them earlier to take the ferry, but good thing they waited for us before deciding to buy tickets. The rest of our stay in Puerto, we could not stop thinking of the incident and the casualties. We included them in our prayers and when we got back to Manila, we even invited others through social networking sites to pray for them.

The trip to Puerto Galera is the RT's (Roadtrippers) summer get-away and also the celebration of our April, May and June birthday celebrants. Thanks to Roi, Leluck, Jen and Gold for the treat. And of course, thanks to God again for saving us and keeping us safe.

I. Ao Nang, Krabi Thailand

April 8-10

Our trip wouldn’t be complete without going to the BEACH!

(Cue music: Pure Shores)

After a super stressful travel from KL to Thailand, a swim at the beach was a great reward :)

We took a 4 islands beach hopping package tour worth 390 baht (after much haggling with ate..hehe) and was able to see Poda, Chicken and Tub islands. Too bad it rained so hard that we weren’t able to go to the 4th island.



II. Phuket

We went to Patong Beach, Phuket with the image of a breathtaking shoreline in mind. So just imagine our disappointment when we saw that Phuket is far from that. It is densely populated with resorts, restaurants, and bars. The beach itself is filled with beach umbrellas and chairs that totally ruins the view. Worse, the water is uninviting and itchy.

The hostel we stayed in was a disappointment too (not the place itself but its rude owner and receptionist). He’s a far cry from the very accommodating Mr. Mayor of PetSoc from Hotel Petaling.

The good thing about Phuket, however, is the numerous shopping centres and the loud nightlife (if ur into that ). Too bad we didn’t have the budget for both..ahaha.



III. Bangkok

“Sa Bangkok na lang”

That’s what we always said whenever we wanted to buy something during the earlier parts of our trip. After all, Bangkok is known as “the shopping destination”. And since the other places we went to sells stuff at a higher price, we opted to restrain ourselves from buying.

We were in for a surprise when we arrived at Bangkok and saw a flurry of activities --parades, banners, free drinks are strewn everywhere. And on our way to Khao san Road to find a cheap hostel, we immediately had a bad feeling that their Songkran Festival (Thai New Year, Water Festival) will start at that day and our street will be the center of the festivity. Water guns, water bottles, hoses and a stage are being set-up outside.

Because of the &%#@ festival, I was at my worst mood. Who would want to get their clothes and cameras get wet when all we wanted to have is a stress-free sightseeing and shopping time for our last day.

Water gun directed at my ear, Tuktuk ride that got us drenched and heat stroke at Grand Palace and reclining Buddha… these are some of the events that got me pissed off. And as if this is not enough, our shopping galore plans vanished as the stores were all closing… huhuhu… I only got to buy a few items from the few stores that were still open.. sigh.

Going back to the hostel was another challenge. By late afternoon, everyone was already partying on the streets.. Khao San was closed and a stage was set-up for dignitaries and a Miss Songkran beauty contest…If only we weren’t set to leave for the airport that night, it would have been fun to join the partying crowd. But fudge! How do we leave for the airport without getting wet?

As it turned out, even with our backpacks on, the Thai people did not spare us from getting wet. ARGH. whatthe!

Our trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was an adventure of sorts. The highlights weren’t really the places that we saw but instead, it was our hilarious moments that made this trip unforgettable.

1st glitch

While we were lazily dozing off, the bus stopped at the Singapore Immigration Centre and we hurriedly went down the bus with our slips not yet filled up. As usual, we were the last to get off and get back at the bus.

2nd glitch

First Coach dropped us off in an Edsa-like street. It was raining hard and guess what… we don’t have a single Ringgit! And since it’s Sunday, most of the stores are closed and there is no way that we can walk to KL station, where the money exchange is. We just had to find someone who’ll be willing to exchange our Singaporean dollars into Ringgit (take note: doggy eyes mode). Whew! Good thing, kuya Indian gave us RM 7.00 in exchange of our SD.


3rd glitch

We were drenched in rain while looking for a hostel in Jalan Petaling. Mr. Mayor of Petsoc was very accommodating and his clean and cheap hostel is worthy of a recommendation (check out Hotel Petaling)

4th glitch

Supeeerrr ispaysi food of Hameeds! I love spicy food but their “sweet chicken” burned my tongue so just imagine what “spicy” is for them.

5th glitch

The disappointing Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge visit - After waiting for hours for the visit, we were surprised to learn that the skybridge is lower than my office’s floor level in RCBC.. whattaheck.

6th glitch

This last glitch is one for the books! Imagine the five of us running to the train station and almost missing the train just because we thought that the departure time is 30 minutes later. Haha. The guards furiously told us to hurry up as Ishi was waving at the train to stop.wahahaha


April 5-7

Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Petaling
Jalan Tun Lee
Suria KLCC
Sentral
Petronas Towers
PetronasSky Bridge
Muzium Negara Malaysia

April 3-5

We arrived at Singapore with only Isher’s wikitravel printouts at hand (which thankfully proved to be super useful).

North Bridge Road
Bugis Street
Singapore Flyer
Esplanade
Merlion Park
Chinatown







To sum up the first phase of our backpacking adventure, here are the highlights of our trip:

• head throbbing currency conversion and budgeting (spaced out eicky and jen)
• first “tipid” meal at the airport
• need for speed drivers
• taxis with GPS (sosyal!)
• first impression of the place: Makati Business district
• Singaporeans = Fashionistas!
• Free net and Breakfast (toasted bread.haha) at Cozy Corner
• complicated bus routes (or maybe I’m just used to the phils. wherein I can ride the bus anywhere, anytime and even be dropped off at the middle of edsa.. haha)
• a very clean and organized place
• expensive shops..huhu..
• why is Chinatown filled with Indians?
• Tiring and sweaty search for Merlion under the extreme heat of the sun
• I love FIRST COACH. Super comfy bus ride to Kuala Lumpur

Putting aside the mishaps of the trip..

this Pinatubo climb is a great way to start the yearlong adventure of the roadtrippers!

Seeing the crater of Mt. Pinatubo has always been on my list of to do's before I die. And mind you, this list is way before the movie 100 was shown.. hehe..So just imagine how happy I am that this trip pushed through.

Planning the trip wasn't that hard..there were various options available for the packages that we could take. It was all a matter of choosing the cheapest package that we could afford. Here's a breakdown of our expenses per person:

Van (Manila-Capas) back and forth : Php. 423.00
Pinatubo Spa package tour: Php. 1,500.00
(inclusive of 4x4, 2 local guides, skyway fee, lunch)
Shower Php. 100.00
________________
TOTAL: Php 2, 023

We took the shorter route to the crater (skyway), which lasted for 2 hours -- 1 hr 4x4 ride and another hr for the trek. The trek wasn't that hard... :) I actually had a harder time walking on the cemented stairs near the crater. However, the trek going down is a different story. We went down at noontime, just when the sun is at its peak.. so I now have sunburned shoulders and a tank top tanline.hahaha.

Upon reaching the crater, you'll immediately forget your weary feet, sweaty back, and will find yourself smiling in satisfaction. :) A glimpse of the blue-green water of the crater amidst a magnificent backdrop is definitely worth the climb.

Originally, there were 7 falls in our itenerary...

but because of the rain and the lack of nearby gas stations, we made some changes in our itinerary and made it only to 2 falls.. and had a few church stop overs..

Bunga Falls (Nagcarlan, Laguna)



and
Taytay Falls ( Majayjay, Laguna)



as for the chuches.. i remembered only a few names.. St. Gregory (dunno where in Laguna)
and Immaculate Conception (Sta.Cruz)



overnight at P1500 private house w/ pool in Los Baños



Nonetheless, we had a fun fun time!

Before roadtripper Shau leaves for Dubai, we decided to have a summer trip with her. After much planning, multiply flooding, and endless group txts to finalize the trip, we ended up going to CAPOceans, Calatagan, Batangas.

Everyone had a blast during this trip, not because the beach was fantastic (because it’s not), but simply because we never fail to have fun when we’re together. There were mishaps during the trip but we were able to just laugh it off afterwards:

* Superhero bosses who want Len to work on a holiday. And it’s not just any holiday, it’s *%@#* Labor day!