Joni Ang

Two posts ago, I mentioned that I don’t have any other trips this summer. But with just one chat session with Riz and Mae (the former was lonely, the latter was itching to get away) last month, a new itinerary was born! Last week, the three of us went on a 3-day trip to Cebu City just to get away from all of it.

The one thing I wanted to do when I go back to Cebu was try out “Skywalk Extreme” at Crown Regency Hotel and I was so happy that we were able to do that the first night! Mae led the way as she has already been there earlier this year. The P600 we paid for already included the entrance fee, one ride (choice between Skywalk and Edge Coaster), and a hearty buffet meal. Sulit!

The next day we went to Mactan Shrine (or Lapu-Lapu Shrine), Taoist Temple (for the 3rd time!!), and had dinner at Tops, a mountaintop place overlooking the whole of Cebu City.

For two nights, we stayed in Casa Escano but on the last day, we transferred to Shangri-La Mactan and sacrificed a few bucks. Riz, fortunately, has friends in high places (her mom called up her aunt who is connected to Shangri-La to ask for a free room upgrade) so for just one night, we got to pretend we’re rich by staying in Shangri-La. The truth is though, we only had cup noodles and oatmeal for dinner!

After that Skywalk experience, my next favorite is Shangri-La Mactan. The place is so beautiful! See for yourself:

The three of us obviously have not gotten tired of each other yet, because we’re now planning for our next trip. Welcome us with open arms, Hong Kong! Except you, H1N1 virus.

More Cebu pictures here, here, here, here, and here.

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You’ve probably heard other people say this so many times before, but let me say it too: Oh how I love traveling! The thought excites me like nothing else. I check online bookings every now and again to look for cheap flights, and sometimes I just get caught up watching the Discovery Travel & Living and Living Asia channels, just like the Super Girl. If I can afford it, and if there’s no ‘work’ that gets in the way, I would plan trips to places in the Philippines every month — to get lost in a strange city, walk around, and just take pictures. Or maybe fly to a nearby country (so long as Cebu Pacific continually offers Seat Sale!) for a bit of a challenge. The thought of finding my way in a foreign land using only a map, signs and a travel guide, and dealing with foreign-speaking locals does not bother me.

Here are the places I’ve been to this summer:

SINGAPORE

MALAYSIA

PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN

BAGUIO CITY

Mae and I almost decided to fly to Cagayan de Oro for Labor Day weekend. We wanted to experience the renowned whitewater rafting, and to finally set foot in Mindanao(!!!). But since May 1st is only two weeks away, round trip airfare costs P5,000 or more. Eek. Maybe next time then.

I find it fun exploring the Philippines, cos it’s one thing to be proud of your country just by sitting in a chair and watching TV — whole other thing to actually get up from your chair, go places, and witness the “beauty” first-hand. LOVE YOUR OWN!

I wish I had more trips to tourist destinations in the Philippines in the remaining days of the summer. But due to the peak season still in full swing, I shouldn’t even bother checking the airline websites. Looking forward to other trips I’ve scheduled later this year, though.

Let’s Find Some Beautiful Place To Get Lost

Was tagged by Riz to browse through my stock photos, find that one place I want to go back to this very minute, put the words, “Let’s find some beautiful place to get lost” on it, then post it up. I choose Malaysia.

I regret that I only spent less than 24 hours in this country. Checking on travel websites now, there’s obviously more to Malaysia than just Sunway Lagoon, the famous Petronas Twin Towers, and the KL Tower. I would love the chance to go back and check out other spots.

Where have you been and where are you off to this summer?

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During the short time my dad was battling cancer and when he finally succumbed to it, I kept getting comments from friends on how they admire me for handling the situation really well. Some of them even said that they would be in a worse state than I was if they were in my shoes. They say this because when they came to visit my Dad in the hospital, and some others at the wake, they didn’t seem to find any trace of sadness in my face. They find it odd that I look “okay” while I explain to them Papa’s case as though I’m not affected by it.

But the truth is, I was (I am) extremely affected by it. I was just happy to see friends who came to extend their condolences that I was more concerned with showing them how much I appreciate them than making them feel uncomfortable. I’m not one to go hysterical in front of people so when I faced my friends at the hospital and at the funeral, I had to be strong and put on a smile. A friend of mine almost didn’t speak to me because she didn’t know what to say. I just told her that I understood, there’s no need to worry.

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