This is our first time to watch the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival, the longest-running sports event in Asia which is now in its 21st year. I’ve heard this is the last festival, so I enjoined my family my niece, and nephews to witness this exciting activity at OMNI Aviation in Clark, Pampanga which will happen from February 9 to 12, 2017.
the balloons ready for take off
Feel the romantic ambiance of Playa Papagayo, a restaurant, bar, and beachside inn situated in front of the majestic Subic Bay bordered by green rolling hills. Relax, enjoy the morning rays of the sun as well as the sunset and savor their delectable food from Mexican specials, Thai, or Filipino dishes.
This is where you will find the romantic ambiance at Playa Papagayo
Aside from Mt. Pulag’s famous sea of clouds, its uniqueness is its different vegetation in different elevations. Not only that, but it is also home to unique species of flora and fauna and is the natural habitat of the endemic dwarf bamboos and edelweiss that feast to the eyes when trekking the 500 hectares grassland. Sounds exciting right?
and so we survived Mt. Pulag!
Masungi Georeserve a geopark in Tanay, Rizal was fast becoming famous since it opened its doors to the public in December 2015. It is a conservation area where it aims to protect the lush forest, the rock formations which are somehow similar to those found in Palawan, the flora, and its natural fauna.
high above the limestone formations… a bit scary but once you get there the feeling was great!
Dubbed as the “Happiest Place on Earth”, Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong especially if you have kids. It saddened me to leave my family in Manila but they encouraged me to enjoy my solo vacation. It somehow lessened the agony. As for them, a mother deserves to travel once in a while to fully enjoy life. With their support and encouragement, I’m in for a solo adventure in this wonderful theme park! Again, thank you HSBC for my free trip to the city-state.
Yours truly and the solo adventure in this wonderful theme park
Victoria Peak or The Peak is a “must visit” destination and one of the major tourist attractions in Hong Kong. What is so unique about The Peak? First, you’ll be thrilled riding the Peak Tram in getting there. Second, you will be rewarded with the panoramic view of a magnificent skyline and the waterfront that will take your breath away.
it was a downcast morning so this was the only picture I got from The Peak
Our yesterday’s visit to Macau and to the prime attractions of Tsim Sha Tsui of Hong Kong at night had been crammed with adventure. For my second day in the city-state, I was again so excited for I will be riding the double-deck tram and the Peak Tram. And lastly, I will be exploring Disneyland, alone. Sounds exciting, right?
getting ready for the exciting and enjoyable ride at the Peak Tram
I will not leave Macau without visiting its grand casinos which make the city famous. After a hefty lunch with Day Leen, Jelo, Kimmie in a restaurant near Real Casino Hotel, we boarded a free shuttle service going to the Venetian Macao in Cotai Strip. This is the first casino on my bucket list to visit. Surprisingly, after all the walking from Senado Square down to Golden Lotus Square, we were all still giddy with excitement to proceed to the last leg of our Macau tour.
There was something magical about Macau as we explore more the narrow alleys coming from Senado Square and St. Dominic’s Church. The business center was a busy place. We passed by lanes of food stalls, souvenir shops, and fashion boutiques. Finally, we caught glimpse of the imposing facade of Ruins of St. Paul’s perched on top of a hill.
We encountered difficulty in bus hopping due to Macau’s Grand Prix being held from November 17 to 20, 2016. But it didn’t dampen my excitement because my new travel buddies, Day Leen, Jelo, and Kimmie are all persistent to go places despite the situation. Coming from the Ruins of St. Paul’s, we boarded Bus 10A going to A-Ma Temple. From the bus stop, there was signage pointing in the direction of the temple. It was indeed easy to find.
At the Gate Pavilion… visitors flock at the center for a photograph
