Short Taipei Trip 2018

Eversince I knew about Taipei being visa free for a limited time for Filipinos, I dreamt of visiting the country. I am just so fortunate that my boyfriend, Joel, is up for it, too. We started to plan for the trip in the late part of 2017 and chose to fly from Cebu to Taipei thru Airasia last January 2018. The fare we got was about 2,000 PHP (39 USD) for one person for one way. I know we could have gotten it cheaper if there were seat sales at that time. 

As part of the preparation, I read many blogs and articles about Taipei. I made my itinerary from scratch. It was only a short trip to Taipei - just 2 nights and 3 days so the schedule was pretty tight. Also, I have read that it was winter season so I had to be ready with warm clothes!

At Mactan-Cebu airport, we both had to pay the Airport Terminal Fee which is 750 PHP (15 USD) and as a Philippine Resident, I had to pay Philippine Travel Tax of 1620 PHP (31 USD). After 2 hours and 30 minutes, we arrived in Taipei Taoyuan Airport. Look at that cute ceiling design behind us :)

Before leaving this airport, here are my tips:

1. Change money at the airport - I've read this is important because there are not many (or maybe there is none at all) currency exchange stations in the city. Note that they do ask for a fee/ commission when you exchange your money. 

2.Buy phone sim or rent 4g wifi via Klook.com - Another important thing especially when doing tours by DIY. We figured that renting a 4g wifi is more cost efficient and it did not disappoint us! For a bit less than 500PHP (10 USD), our internet connection was fast and cheap!

3. Get a tourist map - for someone who believes in old school ways, I love maps! I always make it a point to grab one from airport tourist counters. Important and tourist friendly information are in it and its free, so why not?

4. Buy Easy Card at the airport - We discussed about getting an Easy Card or Taipei Pass. Both has its pros and cons and we finally agreed on the easy card. There is a 100 NTD non refundable deposit but if you have a balance in the card before you head out, you can have it refunded at the airport counter where you bought it. 

5. ride MRT to Taipei City, cost 160 NTD (6 USD)- the MRT travels 35 minutes only from the airport to the city. A bit costly than the bus (125 NTD or 4.26 USD) but we figured out that it was an easier way to get to our hotel so MRT wins!

6. Choose a hotel near where the action is or near a train station - This is always what I do to save time, effort and save money from fares. 

We had a bit of difficulty locating our hotel and carrying our stuff around even with the help of Google Maps. But once we found it, we were so relieved! :) Since check in was at 5pm (this is the first hotel ever that I knew of a super late check in time), we left our bags in the reception and headed on to explore Taipei.

The intersection near our hotel

During our stay, here are the things we did in Taipei:

1. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

Entrance fee: Free

How to get there: Take the Blue Line and get off at S.Y.S Memorial Hall

This is a memorial built in 1972 as a tribute to the founder of the Republic of China. Walking towards it, we found many students practicing school activities on the grounds and a beautiful garden called Zhongshan Park. Inside we found historical relics of Dr Sun's life. We also waited for the changing of the guards which was awesome.

2. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

 Entrance fee: Free

 How to get there: Red or Green Line to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Upon exiting the train station, we were amazed of the huge building in Chinese Architecture. Entire complex is huge and there were a lot of students practicing. We had to sit down to take in the view. Unfortunately, during our visit, the hall was under renovation so we just stayed in the grounds and we were happy just being there. 

3. Shilin Night Market

Entrance Fee: Free

 How to get there: Take the Red line to Jiantian Station and take exit 1

One of the largest and most popular night markets in Taiwan, we came here not once but for 2 nights because we cannot get enough of the food, the sites and sound. As usual with any night markets, we found a lot of souvenirs of Taiwan. What amazed us were the many entertaining games like balloon popping, bottle standing and a lot more. Their prizes were stuff toys which were so huge, really enticing for the public to try the game.

Food was also a big factor. There were a lot of stalls that served delicious food. We particularly love this glazed strawberry for 50 NTD.

We found the food court of the market and inside it were rows of restaurants serving different kinds of cuisines. We had a difficult time choosing one and when we did, we ordered:

the Oyster Omelet.

Xao Long Bao

 In Taiwan, I had my daily fix of gong cha or milk tea :)

Lots of other drinks to choose from!

4. Taipei 101 Observatory

Entrance Fee: I bought our tickets ahead from KK day for our  visit to Taipei 101 Observatory. I got it for around 900 PHP ( 17.30 USD)

How to get there: Red Line to Taipei 101 station

view from Taipei 101 Observatory 

Claiming the ticket was a breeze from the counter and we were then asked to queue towards the world's second fastest elevators. We were lucky that the sky was clear that day and we were able to marvel at the city lights and 360 degree view  from the 89th floor. There were shops at the 89th floor for souvenirs as well. What's great with getting my voucher from KK day is that we had a free Oolong milk tea!

5. Longshan Temple

Entrance Fee: Free, Donations for the temple upkeep is accepted

How to get there: Blue Line to Longshan Temple then take exit 1

This is one of the largest and oldest temple in Taiwan. It was built in 1738 but was damaged by American bombers. Now, it is continuously improved and renovated by locals. 

6. Ximending Shopping District

How to get there: Blue or Green Line to Ximen

One cannot miss this shopping haven. With a vast number of stores, restaurants and shops, it is very easy to spend time just walking around this area. We had a quick lunch in a Japanese restaurant which is located on the second floor with a view of the busy street. 

These were only just a few sites that consisted our Taipei trip. There are other interesting sites such as Elephant Mountain, Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola but we didn't have the time to see all. Maybe in the future as we'd love to come back! Thank you for reading and 'til next blog ;)

A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman

Last Sunday, my sister treated me for a movie and we chose to watch The Greatest Showman. I have heard great and not so great reviews about the movie but most of my friends raved about it so it got my curiosity. 

The movie is a musical inspired from the life of P. T Barnum and how he made his dream of putting together a show featuring "freaks". Although the movie made adjustments to what really happened to Barnum's life to keep the audience entertained, I still loved how the casts gave life to their characters, how the songs were pleasing to the ear and the over all inspiration that the story is giving. There were a number of songs that I liked from the movie and one of them is the song from the first part of the movie, entitled A million dreams. While the song is being sang by the young P. T Barnum in the movie, it showcases the hardship that he had gone through and the many things that he hopes to achieve someday.

Here is the official Audio from Atlantic Records with the lyrics below. Enjoy! ;)

"A Million Dreams"

(from "The Greatest Showman" soundtrack)

[Ziv Zaifman:]

I close my eyes and I can see

The world that's waiting up for me

That I call my own

Through the dark, through the door

Through where no one's been before

But it feels like home

They can say, they can say it all sounds crazy

They can say, they can say I've lost my mind

I don't care, I don't care, so call me crazy

We can live in a world that we design

'Cause every night I lie in bed

The brightest colors fill my head

A million dreams are keeping me awake

I think of what the world could be

A vision of the one I see

A million dreams is all it's gonna take

A million dreams for the world we're gonna make

There's a house we can build

Every room inside is filled

With things from far away

The special things I compile

Each one there to make you smile

On a rainy day

They can say, they can say it all sounds crazy

They can say, they can say we've lost our minds

I don't care, I don't care if they call us crazy

Run away to a world that we design

[Hugh Jackman:]

Every night I lie in bed

The brightest colors fill my head

A million dreams are keeping me awake

I think of what the world could be

A vision of the one I see

A million dreams is all it's gonna take

A million dreams for the world we're gonna make

[Michelle Williams:]

However big, however small

Let me be part of it all

Share your dreams with me

You may be right, you may be wrong

But say that you'll bring me along

To the world you see

To the world I close my eyes to see

I close my eyes to see

[Michelle Williams & Hugh Jackman:]

Every night I lie in bed

The brightest colors fill my head

A million dreams are keeping me awake

A million dreams, a million dreams

I think of what the world could be

A vision of the one I see

A million dreams is all it's gonna take

A million dreams for the world we're gonna make

For the world we're gonna make

Half day Trip to Lake Balinsasayao

I've always wanted to visit and see what the famous twin lake of Balinsasayao looks like. I wondered why I did not know about it during the 4 years of my college in Silliman University, Dumaguete City. Nevertheless, eversince I knew about it, I placed it on my bucket list of travel.

From Dumaguete City, me and Joel (my boyfriend) rode a jeep to Amlan. The jeep waits for people before it eventually starts the journey. It is important to tell the driver that you'd like to be dropped off at the junction of La-laan because you'd like to go to the Twin Lakes. The fare per person is 15 PHP (0.29 USD)  and the trip took about 20 minutes 

At the junction, we were immediately swarmed by (habal-habal) motorcycle drivers. As the road was steep and uphill, the driver said it is best to only have one passenger per vehicle. We had to pay a total of 800 PHP (15.36 USD) for the 2 motorcycle drivers. 

The road was mostly cemented but still it was uphill and winding and steep. I observed that there were a lot of dogs sleeping in the middle of the street. They would immediately scamper off when they hear that the vehicles are near. During the trip, I can't help but be amazed with the view of the town below and the many trees surrounding me. The entire ride took about 15-20 minutes until we reached the Visitor Center wherein we had to pay for the parking fee and entrance fees.

Tip: If you have a Government Identification card that details your address, you can get a discount from the Local Resident fee.

Joel is a foreigner so we had to pay 100 PHP (1.92 USD) for his entrance. But looking at the receipt now, I (as a local/ Filipino resident) am paying 90 PHP (1.73 USD) which is not far from his fee. LOL!

The staff of the Visitor Center also controls how many vehicles can go up or down at the same time.  This is good for the safety of the visitors. Joel had to go up first. 

While I was waiting for him, I had the time to look around the visitor center. 

It was then my turn to go up. When I arrived, Joel and I were then guided by the driver to the short down hill trek towards the lake. It was a bit dangerous because of the slippery road but at least there was a hand rail. 

The lake looked so serene and there were a few people ahead of us in there. It looked deep and huge at the same time. However there is not much to do other than stare at the vastness of the lake. There is, however, a row boat that one can hire for 350 pesos an hour to take people to see the other lake named Danao. There is also a trail hike which we did not go to because of the slippery path.

As part of the deal with the motorcycle drivers, they dropped us off at Dumaguete City. Now I can say that I have seen the lake with my own eyes and is now ticked off my bucket list.

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

Coco

image from seaburytides.org

I was excited to watch this movie after seeing its trailer from the television. After I learned that it won the Golden Globes 2018 Best Animated Movie of the Year, I immediately watched and I was not disappointed. Although I may be a little late in watching it, I will still recommend for you guys to check it out!

Funny thing is, my colleague told me that he cried after watching the movie. I laughed at him and said to myself I might not. I was wrong. I cried, too. The movie is about family and remembering loved ones who have departed this world and about music.

One of the songs that I liked was entitled: Remember Me. Here is the video and first 2 stanzas of the song. :)

Lyrics from 'Coco'
Written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Performed by Miguel, featuring Natalia Lafourcade

Remember me
Though I have to say goodbye
Remember me
Don't let it make you cry
For even if I'm far away I hold you in my heart
I sing a secret song to you each night we are apart

Remember me
Though I have to travel far
Remember me
Each time you hear a sad guitar
Know that I'm with you the only way that I can be
Until you're in my arms again
Remember me

Puerto Princesa City Tour

Dec 6, 2017

I scheduled our city tour on my birthday. I contacted Kuya Ricky a few days before this and was really grateful with him saying yes even in short notice. I'm sure you'll never regret to have a city tour with him. You can contact him through these numbers: 09157816964 (globe) and 09194074955 (smart).

After breakfast, Kuya Ricky came and got us on his tricycle which can fit 2-3 persons. These were the places we visited:

1.Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Entrance fee; Free

It was under renovation at the time of our visit. Kuya Ricky said the feast is on December 8. There was a mass going on when we came so we just stayed outside.

2. Plaza Cuartel

Entrance fee: free

This is where more or less 150 American soldiers were massacred by Japanese troops. Some soldiers managed to get away by swimming to the sea to the Iwahig River. Now it has been transfromed to a leisurely park.

3.The Boulevard

Entrance fee: Free

The area comes alive during night time especially that they have erected a huge Christmas tree near it. And since it was still daylight, there were only a few people. One thing I have noticed about Puerto Princesa is that the city is very clean. People are do not litter anywhere.

4.  Kuyba Almoneca.

Entrance fee: 100 pesos

It is a private property with 2 caves. The first cave contained a stone formation which looked like the face of Jesus.

The second cave had a very tiny entrance and I was shocked to see what was inside.

There were 2 pools of spring water. Guests are able to enjoy the pool.

I can say that the place is more on the religious side. There is also a tiny but serene chapel where we stayed for a few minutes.

5. Butterfly Farm

Entrance fee: 50 pesos per person and 40 pesos for Senior Citizens.

I really thought that I would be bored in this place but I was wrong.

It was like a mini zoo for me. First off, our guide showed us a millipede whose a cousin of the centipede. I used to see this as a child in our old house's backyard and I used to kill them because they look scary. But the guide said that they have a good use in the ecosystem and are already a bit rare nowadays.

Next he showed us a pet gecko brought from the pet shop. Very different from the house geckos that bites people. This one is very behaved and cute.

Next one is the scorpion. Sorry I didn't hear much of what he said because I was in awe of him touching it. I remembered he said that when UV light will hit its shell, the color is actually blue. 

These are larvaes that the supplier gives to the farm and will hatch in a few days to become beautiful butterflies. Heaps of them!

Also saw the Palawan Bearded Pig sleeping in his room because it is a nocturnal creature. The same as that of the Palawan Bear Cat

Next up, we went to the Palaw'an Village which is still part of the Butterfly Farm. Our guide was very knowledgeable about them and showed us their musical instruments, the bag used they use to hold their things and their hunting tools which are all amazing. We also got to have a picture with them. 

Saw this nice map of the province of Palawan outside the Butterfly Farm.

We then went to Ka Inato for lunch. Since it was my birthday, I invited Kuya Ricky to join us. We had their pancit, lechon kawali and shrimp. We reserved dessert for later and headed on to our next destination.

6. Mitra's Ranch

Entrance fee: free

We saw an aerial view of PP here. There were activities such as horse back riding and zip lining. People can come into the Mitra House but they have to pay a fee of 20 pesos for the maintenance. 

7. Baker's Hill.

Entrance fee: Free

This is just a few meters from Mitra's Ranch. I liked it there because its like a place where you can take lots of selfies and also has a viewing platfrom. They have an aviary which includes different kinds of birds and beautiful peacocks. Their bakery is one of the must go to places because they have affordable baked goods which can be gifts for people back home. I recommend their hopia which is about 50 pesos for 1 box and contains 10 hopias already. I also love their choco crinkles shaped into bite sizes for 25 pesos. The one I bought didn't even reach Cebu because I gobbled them all up while waiting at Puerto Princesa Airport. 

We also headed to the Pasalubong center (8) to buy gifts for people back home. The shop sells pearls, wallets, shirts, ref magnets and keychains.

My sister was amazed that Palawan Pawnshop really originated in Palawan. Their main office and head office is in Puerto Princesa. She could not pass the opportunity not to have her photo taken in one of these popular places to send money. 

To cap off our tour, our stop number 9 and the last stop was at Noki Nocs where we tasted their famous Halo-halo. Yes, it was a delicious way cap to our whole day tour. It was easy and comfortable for all of us and I did not regret trying out a tricycle tour in the city.

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog! ;)

Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

Dec 5, 2017.

We were a bit tired from the trip the night before but we had to wake up early for our Underground River Tour. I had a very good sleep because of Inn Greenspace's very thick and heavenly mattress and pillows. Although our breakfast was not prepared early by the kitchen staff, they gave us bread and bananas for take away since our pick up for the tour came in early.

The van contained 10 of us tourists: 6 Filipinos, 2 Belgians and 2 Scottish couples to be exact. Our tour guide was Marie who was very enthusiastic. The drive to the Underground River was about 1 hour and 30 minutes and instead of waiting in the port where there are a lot of tourists, Marie gave us an option. We can either do the Mangrove boat tour or the Zipline. Majority of the group voted for the Mangrove Tour and so all of us went on a boat to see and learn about Mangrove Trees. This costs 350 pesos per person.

Fun facts I gained from the Mangrove Tour:

1. Mangrove trees are either male or female. This can be distinguished with their leaves.

2. Mangrove fruit is elongated and are eaten by monkeys.

3. The crocodiles get stuck in the mangrove roots and so they are not seen in the area.

After the tour, we had lunch which was included in our package. It consisted of Filipino dishes such as pancit, adobo and fried chicken. We ordered another dish, the Tamilok or wood worm. It is one of the must try exotic food in Palawan. It was scary to taste at first but when you do so, it tastes like squid.

We then went to the port where we rode a small boat to where the Underground River was. We transferred to a second boat with a rowing boatman to get into the cave. The staff made sure that our audio device was working before heading inside.

The Underground River is pretty big - 8 kilometers long and was explored by the group Laventa. Only 1.2 kilometers is navigable by boat. I liked that there is an audio device wherein you can clearly hear the information about the site. There were a lot of bats and stone formations - stalagmites and stalactites formed by nature. There is a part of the Underground river named as the Cathedral where stones are somehow shaped like that of a big candle, of Mother Mary and of the 12 Apostles. I can't help but tilt my head and stare upwards and open my mouth (but opening the mouth is not advised as there are a lot of bats and their poop may be land in your mouth!)

After the tour, we were brought back to Puerto Princesa City and dropped back to our respective hotels.

I am super happy to have had the chance to visit this UNESCO world heritage site. This one is now  checked on my list. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog! :)