Always Wandering

Mortal sins when traveling

Erm, not exactly. Here are a few things I learned over the years when I’m off and about. Let’s just say, I learned ’em the hard (relatively) way. 1. Travel agents and bookings They can be a lifesaver or a pain in the neck. I used to get a travel agent when going to a…
A conscientious tourist

On idleness and relaxation Any wanderer must take the Walker’s Decalogue to heart: 1. Don’t pack your troubles in your rucksack. 2. Don’t grouse at the weather. 3. Don’t miss opportunities of friendship with man or beast. 4. Don’t walk half a yard in front of your companion. 5. Don’t overfeed your body. 6. Don’t…
Sights from the sky

Morning vs. Afternoon I’ve always had a fascination with the sky. Second to the beach, puffy clouds and aerial vistas calm me and make me marvel at how amazing God’s handiwork is. Up in the air, the sweep of clouds that stretches to the horizon ushers an opening onto some other place. When flying, I…
February pic(k) of the month

Life’s a beach. Dear Boracay: I will never tire of basking in your sunny and sandy glory. By the beach, I lie on a chair under the palm trees. By the beach, I watch the sun set, flood colors and cast shadows on the landscape. By the beach, I come to rest after frolicking in…
Beaching in solitude

Willy’s Rock in Boracay Boracay will always be my favorite retreat. Most see it as an island of raucous parties and hot bodies. My own parents for one think this island has all kinds of people and risks. But for me, I take refuge in a tucked away portion of White Beach. Away from the…
Tirad adventure

The summit looks pretty tiny from the saddle. But really, it’s not. I almost missed this climb. If not for the heavens who conspired to reschedule an exam and to give me my boondocks. Nope. I wasn’t off to a good start. Last February 6 and 7, my 2 girlfriends and I joined the 2nd Annual…
Travel in style

Dexter (left) and Connie (right) Dexter’s a Deuter Futura Pro 42. I got him just this week. Connie’s a North Face Recon SE. She’s been with me since 2008. This is how I roll. :)
Electronic pass to the world

“Ma’am, huwag kayo maniwala sa mga sinasabi ng mga buang na ‘yan (Ma’am, don’t believe a word those crazy people are saying).” With an exasperated look, the manong guard addressed my worried question if it was indeed true that the DFA’s electronic encoding machines were out of order. Well, I guess I wasn’t the first…
My first time

Much has been heard and written about Binondo’s good food and cheap finds. So I won’t go into that. Besides, I’m too lazy and I don’t consider myself a foodie nor a shopping junkie. :D The second leg of Rediscovering Manila brought our wandering feet to the historical (cultural? ancient?) and (oh my) despondent streets…
January pic(k) of the month

Dear Walis Tambo: Since many like this picture of yours, you are hereby my pic of the month. How timely, election season is in full force. And everyone is cleaning up their acts. Plus their jurisdiction’s coffers, errr, their bank accounts. 3 for Php100 (for the rattan handle) 3 for Php165 (for the plain wooden…