I have been back to reading books before sleeping mainly because it's my other means of traveling. I just finished Age of Miracles which was relatively okay but ending did not justify the whole story.

I moved on to David Levithan's How They Met. It is a compilation of short stories, where I got twitterpatted over one short story - "The Number of People Who Meet on Airplanes". You can read it here to see why it made me excited to fly again.

Next, weekends are spent watching Youtube videos. Particularly watching QI and John Green. Below we have John Green on Roadtrips. If you're not familiar with his books, go read one now.




I'll leave you with a quote from one of the greatest sci-fi writers.
We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost. (Ray Bradbury)

For Coron back in January, I had to find accommodation for seven people. In booking accommodations, my usual routine would be to research on the internet the top accommodations by bloggers and TripAdvisor. Then, I would check their rates if it fits our budget. If they don't have any rates on their website, I send an email or call them if email is not available.

One deal breaker is not usually the rates but how they respond to my inquiries. People from the hospitality industry should know how to treat their customers right especially during the initial contacts. I do my best to be a good customer so I definitely expect to have good service from them.

When I was booking for Coron, I decided to avail tour package together with the accommodation as my trip buddies prefer a no-hassle trip.

I went for Darayonan Lodge. I emailed other resorts that my friends preferred. One of which broke the deal by this kind of response:


I was inquiring if Tour 1B can be modified and that was what I got. Also, please know the difference between you and you're. I don't mind receiving a reply in Filipino.

I did have a similar concern with Darayonan Lodge's tour packages so I sent them an email. I got a well-written reply.




The letter showed effort and concern to their potential customer. It was not like the first one which was like we had just two options: take it or leave it. I know that packaged tours are usually strict but we would be having one boat for our whole group and won't be bothering other groups. Also, I was still on the process of asking three months away from the trip. It was not as if everything was cast in stone. I wanted to know my options to help me decide better. Those in the hospitality industry (or even those who mainly have clients in their work) should know that how you treat potential customers will have a big impact in your business. Loyal customers are what helps a business grow.


Last May, I was calling Zamboanga inns and hotels for my supposed trip this June. Here were some anecdotes over the phone:

Click photo to enlarge

I obviously booked with Hotel No.3 (and was even amused his concern on my flight).

I am not quite particular with my accommodations. As long as I have a bed and a decent bathroom, I will be quite happy. It's the experience with the people in the hotel/inn that actually makes a difference.

More on Darayonan Lodge soon.

Back in the days, I knew you were a weekly home to the society's upper and middle class. You awed them with your beauty. You were a center of attention at night. You were THE Metropolitan Theater.

You were born on the December 10, 1931. Your proud father was Juan M. Arellano. You were a majestic sight back in the days. Back in the good, old days.



Now, you are battered, ignored and slowly being forgotten. You are but a memory. But, you had always intrigued me. I wanted to know you better, to see what is inside of you and to know if there is hope for you.




Last May 20, your doors opened for me. Almost every part of you were dilapidated. I had a little pain in my heart. Broken glass and doors, trashed dressing rooms and flooded orchestra pit. Gone was the Metropolitan Theater I wanted to experience.














I went up and saw a magnificent view of the city. There was rain but I would not mind going back to catch the famous Manila sunset on your roof.










I have always been a fan of theater. I may not watch as much plays as I want but I have a certain love for theater plays. I love the elaborate process of coming up with minutes or hours of live entertainment. And sometimes, my favorite part would be the opening of the red curtains. Because that's when the magic begins.







That Sunday, there was no magic. You were like a fairy. When people stopped believing, you somehow died. But I still believe and I know other people do. We just need the right people to see the beauty that you used to be.

Back in college, I had realized how preservation costs less than restoration. I wished we had preserved you through the years. But now, I wish people will restore you to what you were originally meant to be. We could use more theater and less showbiz in this city.


Note: This Metropolitan Theater Tour is part of the Postal Heritage Walking Tour, sponsored by The Filipinas Stamp Collector's Club (FSCC).

One empty backpack. That's something new considering my flight leaves tomorrow at 12 noon. Usually I've packed my bag a week before my flight. I was under the impression that our flight leaves at 10am and would therefore be coming to the airport at 7am. I was wrong. Reminds me to always check and double-check my itinerary receipt.

One cancelled trip. You can never really tell the future. My Sablayan trip became a Talipanan trip this March. No flying in the air. But it has been replaced by Samal Island on November. That's a good trade-off in my dictionary.

New job by February. This means new income for my travel fund. Although it means less vacation leaves.

via timeanddate.com

Hello, 2012. Surprise me with more adventures!

Dear Dicapac WP-570,

I would sincerely like to thank you for making my Lumix LX5, Neesha, the opportunity to swim with us and enjoy the beach in Bacolod.

I remember seeing your kind a couple of months ago. You weren't cheap and it never crossed my mind to buy you. But after my Singapore trip with Neesha and a beach trip afterwards, I decided I wasn't going to sacrifice Neesha's fun times in Bacolod and Coron just to save a few pesos. I first looked at you at Rockwell Digital Walker because J's colleague got hers there. You were out of stock so I was sent to Greenbelt 5. We failed seeing each other again at Greenbelt 5. You were at Eastwood but I had no intention going all the way there just for us to be together. Sorry, I was being practical. Digital Walker volunteered to fly you to Rockwell in a week or so. I had you reserved for me and Neesha. No one could buy you until you're in Rockwell.



I waited for you to meet me in Rockwell. We finally met that one Saturday before our Bacolod trip. I was instructed to test you. I had to check if you can withstand crashing waves and a bucket of water without getting Neesha wet. I wanted Neesha dry and happy. So there you were, floating in a bucket of water for an hour with tissue papers inside you. Sorry if I dipped you, shook you and basically made you experience a tsunami within that hour. YOU HELD THROUGH. Good job, sailor! I hope you stay true to your promise that you're good even under 30 feet. Do not worry, I have no intention of bringing you under 30 feet. We will just be bumming at beaches and snorkeling in the afternoon.

Thank you for protecting Neesha during the turbulent boat ride to Lakawon Island. Thank you also for protecting Neesha from the sand as J and I lazily laid in the sand the whole afternoon. You made me let go of my fears when we went for a quick dip. Sorry for being paranoid and constantly checking if Neesha was still dry.


I had more faith in you when we took a dip at L'Fisher's infinite swimming pool. I was so happy that Neesha was swimming with us.



You and Neesha will definitely enjoy Coron on January. I am such a beach person that I promise we will have more trips together in 2012. Please don't give up on me.

Love,










Dicapac Underwater Case:
How does it work?
Dicapac cases have a ziplock-type of closure, then you fold the closure with velcro. Then it's another set of velcro to seal the velcro-ed closure.

Pros:
1. Cheaper alternative to purchasing an underwater camera.
2. Keeps sand, dirt and water away from your camera.
3. Gives your camera swimming abilities. Your camera will float and swim beside you! ;)
4. Different sizes to match your camera. They even have models for your DSLR.
5. Can zoom and use flash even inside the case

Cons:
1. A bit hard to manipulate the controls in the beginning.
2. A little expensive for people with a budget
3. Needs practice to avoid having a circular shadow/vignette in your photos

WP-570 Model: Php2,200.00


You can check out the sizes here: http://www.greenlife-style.com/ebay/camera/BR00/dicapac_compatible_list/index.html

You can purchase Dicapac in Digital Walker stores or JT Photoworld in Pasong Tamo

I get inspired whenever I get to read a good book or article. For today's Friday Favorites, here are two recent blog entries that you or your friends have shared over your social media accounts. It's not overrated. They're just really good reads.

1. Why Your Twenties are Terrible/Awesome
2. 3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young

These two entries reminded me how I should actually enjoy all these crossroads, misadventures and explorations. Because being in your twenties is one hell of a ride.

Enjoy your weekend and the rest of the year!

Finally stepped into the grassy grounds of Mercato last Saturday night. I went with my guy friends to Midnight Mercato to have a bite of what it offers. Truly, eyes and stomachs will be full by the end of the night.


You can come to the place fresh but you can leave feeling like you've been cooked together with the rows of grilled burgers and steaks. So make sure you wear your comfiest clothes. Although some were dressed up for partying so we're guessing they will be heading to the nearest bar after munching on those sandwiches.

Mercato at peak hours is not exactly haven for a girl who hates crowded places. You have to keep your eyes sharp and open to grab a seat. Best of luck if you're in large groups. Nevertheless, once you've settled in your table you can start hording food. Do not buy food before finding a table. Chances are your food is already cold before you find a table. It is not recommended that you go too late since the good stuff might already be out of stock.





We weren't able to try a lot of the food but I loved the small tacos. I'll try the cheese steak and big burgers next time. You know how sometimes the first time tends to be quick, painful but not that memorable? This is one of those times. I was there, saw what it had to offer but I'm craving to be back to try it some more and have a better experience. It was so hot that night due to the great number of people. Food stalls tend to change per weekend so it will be a different experience per visit.


At least I got my dose of Mochiko.


Midnight Mercato can be found at 34th street and 8th avenue (across MC Home Depot) in Bonifacio Global City. Parking is at a fixed rate of Php30.00.