TRAVELLING WITH STRANGERS

First Impressions. Icebreakers. Saying Goodbye. Things To Ponder

By Ysabel Villaflor

For those who travel the journey with us. J

I have to admit, whenever I’m travelling with a group of people I don’t know, I’m always nervous.

Who wouldn’t be? Who would want to travel with strangers?

Travelling, enough, for some, can be a little daunting.  Going through the motions of immigration, the language barrier, the cultural differences, the conversion rate, and being in a foreign land where everything seems so strange and very far from everything you know. The most fearful of all non-travelers would probably just give in to defeat.  Add to the mix a bunch of strangers who have very different personalities you probably have more to worry about, right? Right?

If there is one thing that I have learned from it all is that: of all my apprehensions about travelling with a group of strangers, surprisingly, the experience of travelling was GREATLY enhanced by it.  Maybe I was just lucky or (I might just even go as far as) maybe I was just at the right place at the right time.  But I definitely wasn’t complaining of how all my groups turned up.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Like the start of any group activity, it always starts with the awkward first couple of days.  Awkward because people are polite and would often leave other people to their own business.  Unlike most group situations, the beauty of travelling with a bunch of strangers is that you are put in a position to get to know a person and make friends fast. 

Arriving at Narita Airport with the RCSYE.

Touchdown Egypt.  First day with Journeys of Faith.  Note that people are minding their own business :)

In one instance, when a couple of my childhood friends and I went on our 11 country trip to Europe, we joined Contiki, a tour company for 18-35 year olds which specializes in European tours, ice breakers were forced.  Since we missed our welcome party in London, we had the brunt of first impressions on the second day of the tour, when everyone on the bus was asked the question: “What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?” and everyone had to answer- with no exceptions.  The result: a very embarrassing nickname for me and the rest, funny images while trying to remember the name of the person. It also helped that our first trip in the tour was Amsterdam – so that in itself is an ICE Breaker. (hint: it’s not for the faint-hearted or the overly conservative).

what happens in Amsterdam, stays in Amsterdam :)

For my first trip with strangers, the awkwardness was somehow lessened when we were made to practice two months before the trip for a “cultural presentation” in 1998, as part of the Philippine delegation to Japan sponsored by the Rotary Club Summer Youth Exchange Program (RCSYE). I would never forget the Celebration multi-purpose hall where we had to learn this complicated dance for a very short amount of time.  After a couple of sessions, most of us somehow knew each other a little better and we even had a few laughs. It was easier when we got to Japan with something other than just the name.

Presenting at our Japanese Welcoming Party

Just like any human, people sometimes make up an image of people in their heads as to who they might be. To be honest, I am guilty of this offense. I can’t help but be a little judgmental.  But if there’s another thing I learned from the experience of travelling with strangers, is that first impressions usually don’t last.  I would often find myself in the company of people whom I never thought I could hang out with.  People really do surprise you sometimes.

THE “MOMENT”

During a trip, there will be a moment where everyone would forget that they are all strangers.  Everyone on that trip would remember it.  And would often look back remember it vividly with huge smiles on their faces.

In my 2009 trip to the Holy Land with a Filipino Contingent via Journeys of Faith, that moment happened when we were on a boat on the Sea of Galilee.  Just when we thought we were just going on a slow cruise around the Lake, we had no idea just how breathless – literally, we would end the day.  From all the singing and dancing on the boat, all the laughs and pictures, I guess it was one moment we all knew we would never forget. Maybe it was the Israeli DJ who hated everyone sitting down when the music played or the fact that we don't understand the music blazing in the speakers.  There was just something very liberating on that boat.  And it worked to our advantage.  It loosened everyone up to the point that everyone went out even after the day was over.

electrified! the Boat on Galillee

With my Japan group, those days were in the infamous bus where we all played our card games or Truth or Dare during long hauls when we transfer from one province to another.  Those activities defined the vibe of that trip.  It was young, fast-paced, and it was FUN.  It had nothing to do with the Japan but it had a lot to do with the people on the trip. It became personal in such a short amount of time.

The RCSYE group and the INFAMOUS glorious BUS Days

Alcohol played a huge part with my Contiki trip.  We all remember that Venice restaurant that served bottomless wine that lasted to yet another restaurant and a couple of joyous celebrating with a few Italian chubby men who have no qualms of showing us just how drunk, showy and joyous they are.  After a few hang-overs the next day, everyone just couldn’t stop talking about it.  After that incident, the drinking hours after dinner became longer and longer.  It made up for a lot of funny stories.

Partying with Contiki 2000

JUST WHEN YOU’RE GETTING COMFORTABLE

One of the things I dread the most is ending a trip. Apart from the fact that I’m just not ready to get out of a country, you’d have to contend with saying goodbye to your new found friends. Just the ride going to the airport is excruciating.  The daily noise you have come to know for a number of consecutive days suddenly becomes dead silent. The steady haze of sadness and a few occasional laughs break silence.  The chatter turns to, “I just don’t wanna go home yet” or “let’s keep in touch” and “I’m so going to miss this”.

the last few minutes going back to Manila with the RCSYE crew

Time sure does fly when you’re having fun. The reality is, everyone knows that there won’t be another time like this. That we’ll all be in one place at the same time.

A few tearful and sad faces happen when you say your goodbyes, and then you wonder just when you will see each other again.

Splitting up the Journeys of Faith Group at the Dubai International Airport. One group will have an extended trip in Dubai while the other half will be returning to Manila.

Video Courtesy of Bernadette Villaflor

2009

THE AFTERMATH

A few days after each trip, I would find myself with a little bit of travelling withdrawal.  With the longing feeling of missing the hype and travel life with some of the new friends you have met along the way.  You look at the pictures you took while on tour with a slow smile on your face and remember the story behind the shots.  You can’t help but talk about what happened during the tour to your friends with the funny details which had nothing to do with the trip. You exchange emails and pictures from people on the trip and recall things that happened during the trip. Yes, some of us, like me, have it big.  While I have lost touch with some of the people from these trips, there are still some that became my good friends:  the type of friend that you would call just to tell them that you’re in their area and reminisce about the good ole days when we do get together.  It’s one of those things you don’t expect from a trip, but it’s one of the most gratifying.

with RCSYE batch 1998 &1999 - 2nd reunion at Clark, Pampanga, 2000

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

So if you do consider going on a trip with a bunch of strangers, here are a couple of things you should live by:

1. Be considerate of other people.

You’re not the only one on the trip.  Be personable and polite. Don’t be the jackass everyone hates.  You’re all in this trip together; why not make it an enjoyable one?

2. Safer.

It’s just safer travelling with a group who knows where you are and who could account for your whereabouts. Just in case something bad happens, there’s always someone there to help out.  And for those adventure seekers, for the protection of your life i.e. you don’t want to end up like that guy in 127 Hours.  Would you?

with Tim and Jaz, on our way to mysterious Petra, Jordan.  

3. Much more INTERESTING

There’s just something about sharing your travel experience with someone at the same time it’s happening.  And that’s something none of the other people who aren’t with you in a trip would share.  A fellow traveler of mine once wrote on my Journal, “Only the individuals in the bus would only know the pure comedy of it all.” Like for instance, Italy won’t be the Italy in my mind without the memory of me and my friends running around in our pajamas in Rome (that’s another story).  Or the drunken nights in Amsterdam with our new found friends. Or getting lost in the Louvre with a guy you’ve fallen in love with (that’s also another story).  Yes, it does make it a bit more interesting.

And, let’s face it; it’s just more fun having a lot more people around!

with Journeys Group in front of  the Giza Pyramids with our Egyptian tour guide and my good friend Mikhael.

I couldn't imagine my European Encounter without Myra and Mae.
Myra, Mae, Ysabs at Trafalgar Square, London.
I love this shot of us, Tres Marias!

With the PG at Holy Sepulchre, Israel
Jaz, Ysabs, Stevie, Stef, Tim (not in pic Jover)
getting ready for another "prayer meeting"? (euphemism for going out at night )

Japan was twice as FUN with the RCSYE Batch 98!

4. Don’t be LATE.

When you screw up with the time, you screw everyone. Meaning: maybe you will miss a few sites or miss the opening before everyone else because of the tardiness. 

In Lucerne, showing off the new watches we bought with our new friend Lee from the U.S. 2000.
p.s. I still use this watch up to this day! :)

5. Cheaper.

Getting a meal ala carte, renting transport or entrance fees are much more expensive if paid for by just one person. Splitting the bill may just give extra bucks to spend on other things J  And companies give discounts for groups too.

a typical dinner with the Contiki Crew!
Florence, Italy

6. Meet fascinating people

With a group, there will always be a mixing of personalities and cultures.  Not only do you get to learn about a person, you learn about the culture that person brings to the group. 

7. 7.  Self Discovery

There are a lot of things you discover about yourself on a trip. My parents love the idea of sending their kids off to travel.  Why? Because experience is the best teacher.  Apart from knowing about the culture of different countries, your values are tested.  Being in a foreign country forces you be more responsible, more accountable for your actions, and you learn the value of prioritizing most especially with the money you bring. You might surprise yourself

Waking up for the first time in  London for our first day in Europe!!

8. When Life throws you lemons, make lemonade.

Instead of complaining about an unfortunate situation, get out of the rut and make the most out of the situation.  In any group dynamic, there will always be something or someone you might not get along with, so instead of being affected by it, DON’T.  There are a lot of other things that are worth the time.  Remember, it’s up to you if you really want to have fun on a trip.

9. Better person and a better citizen.

You will emerge a better person after each trip with a group. You not only learn about a country, but you grow from knowing about other people’s experiences on the trip.  Unwittingly, you also show the other person on the trip a glimpse of your own culture.

with my Okasan (Japanese for "mother") in our native garb :)

10. Support at hand.

From the most obvious – like helping with the luggage or taking your picture to the most complicated like – helping you with immigration, Being with a group while travelling is like having a family with you for that trip.

END NOTE

Travelling with strangers isn’t for everyone.  However, if you’re up for it, maybe you’d get to meet great people on the trip. And maybe, you might get lucky and meet a friend. J

Petra, you got us under your spell.
with the Journeys Group. Thank you to Tita Arlina Onglao (Journeys of Faith)

with the whole RCSYE crew in the Happiest Place on Earth!

Journeys of Faith, Inc.
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel No: (632) 929-0144 / (632) 929-0155
Mobile No: +639179099706
Fax No: (632) 426-7295
Email: joinjourneys@gmail.com

Visit www.journeys.com.ph

Contiki Tours for 18-35's
for international viewers:

website: www.contiki.com

Contiki in the Philippines:

contact:

Rajah Travel Corporation

http://www.rajahtravel.com/contikiholidays.html

Address:   Manila office
G/F GLC Building
A. Mabini cor. T.M. Kalaw Sts.
Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Telephone: (+632) 523 8801
Fax: (+632) 522 0570
E-mail: reservationsmnl@rajahtravel.com 

Address: Makati office
3/F Gercon Plaza
7901 Makati Avenue
Makati City, Philippines
Telephone: (+632) 894 0886
Fax: (+632) 817 7903
E-mail: reservationsmkt@rajahtravel.com

Rotary Summer Youth Exchange Program

http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/youthprograms/rotaryyouthexchange/Pages/ridefault.aspx

just when you thought travelling couldn't get any more interesting.

Sunday. February 20th

Much Love,

Ysabs, Tin, Johanna

Travel With the Wander Girls

WANDER GIRLS AND FRIENDS' 

MOST ROMANTIC PLACES 

2011

It can’t be disputed.  When February comes along, butterflies start coming, flashing images of red start to come up, the men in our lives suddenly become secretive and the flower rates suddenly start to peak up.  It’s probably because February holds the most loving of all the celebrated days – Valentine’s Day.  But why stop at just one day? 

We have found out that it’s not just February we can celebrate love.  And it doesn’t have to be with someone romantic to celebrate with. 

Love is an all-year round celebration with people we love. 

Just like our New Year’s Article, we have asked our friends to share with us their most romantic places. 

We thank all our friends who have opened their hearts, their minds and their…photo albums to share.  We are very honored and grateful.  Thank you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Spread the Love.

Ysabs, Tin, Johanna

Travel With the Wander Girls

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Tin Santos and Keith Razo

Café 360, Macau Tower, Macau, China  

“ The most romantic place I've ever seen is Cafe 360 at Macau Tower. It has the most breathtaking view of Macau as it slowly rotates (1 and a half hour to take a complete spin) to give you literally a 360 dining experience! Best to go here at night. Any guy can get a "Yes" if he chooses to propose here *wink*. You can slow dance with your partner as they serenade you with your requested song while dining. It was just the most memorable New Year for me and my boyfriend Keith.”- Tin Santos

 

Ysabs Villaflor

Venice, Italy 

Hyde Park, Sydney, Australia

Soccoro, Mindanao, Philippines

“ Venice oozes romance.  And it’s not just the structures or the sites but I guess, the Venetians themselves make this place come alive.  The people here are so happy, showy and sweet! You can’t help but feel the love.

I also can’t not include Hyde Park in Sydney.  I can’t help but imagine beautiful long walks with the people you love.”

“  Virgin white islands +  Aqua Blue Waters +  untamed forests+ Isolation = the recipe for the most romantic place for me. Soccoro Mindanao”

In Venice with the Tres Marias circa 2000.  Ricky, our gondolier, was drunkenly funny-literally.  Note the tilt in the gondola.

Hyde Park’s clustered trees make for beautiful shots.

Imagine waking up to this everyday. Soccoro, Mindanao

Johanna Morden 

Johanna is away on business.  :)  She will be joining us on our next WG entry. :)

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Kaye Pioquinto &  Ed Enriquez 

Bellaroca Resort, Marinduque, Philippines

“This one-year old island resort is the Philippines' Santorini. Bellarocca is stunningly beautiful and the service is impeccable that it feels like all the members of the staff are our personal butlers. When we were given a tour of the Valhalla (our own villa), I wanted to scream with excitement. Everything was so well-thought of and it's like THE SIMS' version of LIVING LARGE. After three days, I can really get used to the "princess treatment". It's hard to say goodbye to our own private infinity pool, two jacuzzis, entertainment center and espresso machine. It's an experience of a lifetime and I wish for everyone to also experience Bellarocca's magic.” – Kaye Pioquinto

Behind us is Mt. Malindig where Bellarocca sources its water.

Lunch buffet. The food is okay, nothing spectacular. However, tapa for breakfast is very good :)

Our villa's infinity pool.

For our last night, the staff arranged a romantic dinner for "couple guests". The servers attires were Greek-inspired. CUTE!!! :)

Behind me are the hotel rooms.

Staff saying bye bye. Bye Bellarocca!!! Wish we could stay here forever.

Hazel Helmuth 

Las Casas Filipinas, Bataan, Philippines

“: medyo nerdy eh! sa las casas filipinas dear, in bataan... i posted photos on my FB album... It was really nice, walking on gas lamp-lit cobblestone streets. lid and I felt like characters off Rizal's Noli Me Tangere :) If baggage weren't an issue I would've brought along a terno. Sigh”. – Hazel Helmuth

view of the courtyard from Escolta

feeling mafia lords

Casa Binondo

Jovit Larrazabal

La Mesa Dam, Philippines 

“ I took this last may 2010 at the Ecopark in La Mesa Dam. I think this picture captures the essence of love, which is really all about fun and laughter with each other. And the park provides the perfect place for love to be enjoyed.”

Anna Ang

Chapel of San Beda College, Manila, Philippines

“ It may seem odd that I consider the San Beda Chapel a romantic place. The reason behind this is simple - this is one of those places Ton and I frequented when we were just starting out as a couple. It was a very rocky start indeed. But nevertheless, whenever we sat down quietly along the chambers of the chapel, firmly holding each other's hand, we felt calm and serene, like nothing around us mattered. The significance of this place is also rooted in the fact that this is where we converse with God, expressing our sincerest desire to pass the bar, not really for ourselves, but for the people we love. After we've done our part by intensively reviewing, we can only leave our fate up to Him.
Falling in love, being in love and staying in love is hardwork.And this is one of those places which constantly reminds me of that. =)” 

Mayou Alegado- Rebadulla

Maui, Hawaii, United States

“ The Kaanapali Beach in Maui hosts four hotels in its stretch. But you could still find spots where it doesn't get too crowded. So, why dont we have a kiss before attending a luau? =)” – Mayou Alegado- Rebadulla

Photo taken by my sis Khrisy
We used this as a backdrop for our reception photobooth.
This is our version of kissing the sunset together.

picture courtesy of my hubby
who captured the mesmerizing Hawaian sunset
while thinking of his beautiful wife beside him

Kapalua Ridge Villas at six in the morning
hon took this shot while I was having coffee, or was I still lounging in bed?

Jerome Wi

Patar Beach, Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines. 

“ The best sunset on earth. A lot of my friends from Manila anticipate the invites for my barkada's annual Bolinao trip. A lot of them really bring their photography gear, and everyone turns into a shutterbug (kahit yung mga lasing) just to capture the sunset.  Beats the Boracay sunset any day.”

Julius Estur

Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines

“ Sunset in Bolinao, Pangasinan, not too crowdy and so serene” 

Raymond Chan

Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan, Philippines

“ I recommended Dos Palmas as one of the most romantic places to visit. Sadly though when I visited this place, I am just with my college buddy. My Korean best friend in UST visited the Philippines and wanted to go on a peaceful vacation so I booked a flight for Palawan after hearing that is a great place to simply relax. This was my first time here and true enough the place is so tranquil and peaceful that it is a perfect for meditation and relaxation. Also a perfect setting for couples. If I have a date this coming Valentine, i would definitely come back to this place and have a romantic date by the beach.”

The Lotus Garden Suites is the place where we stayed at while we were in the city of Puerto Princesa. One of the best places to stay at. Great location as it is just 5 minutes away from the airport. The room comes in with a Jacuzzi and when you step out, you'll be greeted with a Japanese-inspired garden where you can also dine. The Lotus Garden is also one of the well known restaurants in Puerto Princesa.

During the day, head for the beach and relax or take a nap in one of their mini huts. Also a perfect place to hide from the scorching sun in the afternoon.

Feast on the glorious buffet lunch and dinner offered at Dos Palmas. The foods are so amazing and delicious that I would recommend that you forget your diet for a moment when you get here and try out all their dishes

This place is quite the place to be. Not so commercialized but it gives people a heap of life. The beach is calm. Dos Palmas is the perfect getaway for travelers who want to relax and also an opportunity to avoid the big crowds on other beaches such as Boracay

Spend the night in a bungalow right on the waters, and you'll fall in love all over again. Plunge into your private pool, have a morning walk by the beach, and treat yourselves to traditional massages. Catch the sun sinking beyond the sea from your private deck.

Chay Sanchez & Paco Tanlapco

Tagaytay, Philippines

"Tagaytay has always been a not-so-faraway escape from the hustle and bustle of manila :D nice places we've been to are the fire-lake grill & T-house. The cool weather, warm lights, and good food always sum up to an almost perfect date :D thanks yabs and i'll always be a fan of this page :D” – Chay Sanchez

Cres Mayor

-          “We hardly go out as you may have known, that's why I haven’t really answered your survey. Our most precious time is when my pseudo-hubby is off duty and not preoccupied with any surgery, it is not exactly a lot so just being together is enough. I find romance just being at home with my pseudo-hubby cooking dinner for me and making sure I’m well-fed. I find it sweet to be in his car early in the morning when he exerts extra effort to drive me to work and on late afternoons when he fetches me from work so I don’t have to commute. Finally, just in my room when he puts me to sleep by gently massaging my lower back which had been in pain most of the time recently. There you go.”

Pat Soriaso & Josh Villena

University of the Philippines, Los Banos, Philippines

Ilocos Norte, Philippines

UP Los Banos, under the rain

Bantay Abot Island Beach, Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte
(huge rock formation that seems like a doorway to the beach - a.k.a. hole in the wall :P )

Kabigan Falls, Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte (Waterfalls hidden deep in the forest; 20-minute hike)

Bart Tanjuako & Daphne Penaflor

La Jolla Cove, San Diego
Prado Farms, Lubao, Pampanga

Prado Farms, Lubao, Pampanga

La Jolla Cove, San Diego

Thea Bohol

Bohol Bee Farm, Bohol, Philippines

Venice, Italy

Brugges, Belgium

Toledo, Spain

Bohol Bee Farm, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines. A really nice place for a quiet weekend getaway.

Venezia, Italia Nothing says romantic like a walk around St. Mark's Square (sans the tourists, of course).

Brugges, Belgium Quaint, fairytale-like ancient little city.

Toledo, Spain They say, if you leave a lock on the bridge with both of your names inscribed on it, you'll stay together forevah! But forever is such a long time.  A ball and chain would be more suitable.

Toledo, Spain

Tin Tin Yuchongtian

The feeling of romance, magic and butterflies is purely subjective. Personally, it is at home where I've seen the best of love. ♥  

Lizelle Lira- Buenafe

Paris, France

Rome, Italy

definitely PARIS is most romantic!!!!

 romantic din sa rome!!!!

Jomar Villar

Boracay, Aklan, Philippines 

"MOST ROMANTIC PLACE I HAVE EVER SEEN? There was this hole in a wall place along Quezon Ave, called Good Ah! It had the best Arroz Caldo perfect after a long night of drinking. LOL!
In reality it has to be a full moon night on the white sandy beach of Boracay. The sky full of stars and dining tables decorated with candlelights"

Aya Abraham

“ This year my friends and I are going to celebrate Vday together at Sorsogon magbutanding kami so yun sana ishare ko if ever. Hehehehe! =)”

(We can’t wait for you to share that photo, Aya! J - WGs)

JoAnne Claudio

Venice, Italy

"Venice is the most romantic place ever...when riding a gondola, girl gets a kiss from her love everytime they go under sa bridge... E ilang bridge yun? Madami. Hehe. Tsaka di ko pa kilala si jm nun. Kasi it was years ago and i would have to look for it pa. Hehe."

Juvie Villaflor

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy 

“ tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain and a valentines dinner at Via Condoti”

Charles Yao

Nurture Spa, Tagaytay, Philippines

“Nurture spa :)  tagaytay hehe. But that was for my birthday.”

Czai Pablo and Sean Nepomuceno

Great Wall of China

Climbing the Great Wall of China was one of the most romantic getaways that my fiance and I have ever experienced...

We strolled up a steep trail until we finally had a magnificent and breathtaking view of the Wall stretching off into infinity..

It exceeded anything that we could have expected..

Roselyn Valdez Alba and Mark Alba

Acuatico Beach Resort, Laiya Batagas, Philippines


We celebrated our 3rd year anniversary last June 2010 at Acuatico Beach Resort in Laiya, San Juan Batangas. Laiya has one of the country's best beaches and to make customers' stay even more enjoyable, the resort has the most magnificent infinity pool I've ever seen. To top it all of, this place beats other places we've been to together as a couple because this is where I said "YES" to forever with Mark. 

Erwina Velasco Javier


Laia, Northshore, Hawaii

Hawaii is a romantic place to visit.You don't have to worry about getting too cold or too hot.It's a tropical country like Philippines.Beaches are awesome,beautiful and fantastic.I had been to several beaches from Ko Olina to Laia.This is one of the beautiful beaches I have visited in my 6 months of stay in Hawaii,And this is also close to Kahuku where tehy serve fresh garlic n butter Kahuku Shrimps.Laia is in North shore the home of Jack Johnson.










Meanne Catanghal and Gino Danan

Sentosa, Singapore

Iva Tanya and Melvin AlcalaLaiya, Batangas
Baguio
Ilocos Norte

Kristine Pernez and Alvin Ryan

Venetian Hotel, Macau

Hong Kony Disneyland

Bogs and Ann Cruz 

Laiya, Batangas

Tagaytay Highlands

Isla ng Magalawa, Palauig Zambales

Mick Tacio Bautista and Mary Sj

Pico De Loro, Ternate, Cavite, Philippines

Ycel Ramos- Axalan and Alex Axalan

Grand Vista de Boracay, Philippines

We spent Valentine's Day at Grand Vista de Boracay



Pei Chiu-Tan and hubby

Venice, Italy
Louvre, Paris
First pic was taken at Venice on gondola ride around the canal of Venice and 2nd pic is at Louvre, but in general Paris is a romantic place to be!

Rheiner and Brigette Marie Franco

Central Park, New York

Toby Gels Binay Calaguan

Clarke Quay

Botanical Garden, Singapore

Hong Kong Disneyland

Shiela Valdeavilla-Imbao and Robert Imbao

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

i love how 'frothy' the water on the hotel private beach is (notice how all the water in other spots are blue and not bubbly white)... I think they intended it to be that way -- genius! :-) - Robert Imbao

top view of Dubai seen at AL MUNTAHA RESTAURANT, BURJ AL ARAB



Anj Manuel-Cariquitan and Jan Cariquitan

St.Paul Ruins, Macau

Mr.& Mrs. TinkyWinky experience Macau!:):)




Geoffrey Jones Garcia and Hazel Garcia

Marianas Trench, Saipan
Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino, Saipan

Tinian to Saipan plane ride with mama hazel,haley and our pilot sean




Maricar Loinaz and Patrick Sarmiento

Twin Lagoons Coron, Palawan, Philippines

at the Twin Lagoons Coron, Palawan 06/07/10

Shiella Guiwan Jose and Francis Jose 

Vigan, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Joy Lopez and Bryan Magallanes

Punta Bulata, Bacolod, Philippines

Malapascua Island, Cebu, Philippines

Ogtong, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Budyong, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Punta Bulata, Bacolod

Ogtong, Batayan Island, Cebu

Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Budyong, Bantayan Island, Cebu