Mosaics from 10 Favorite Cities

Day 35 of the Philippine's Enhanced Community Quarantine and as a home buddy, I don't really mind staying at home that much. But time to time, my mind does wander on its own and just this morning, it went far as the cities I have visited in the past decade. I have been blessed to have traveled to a total of 22 countries and territories since 2011, all of it for vacation and pleasure because I never got the chance to be sent by my company to another country for training or meetings of any kind. With that I believe that anybody can achieve their dreams, it's just a question of how much they wanted and how willing they are to make them a reality.

As a citizen of a developing country, it's quite hard for me to travel a lot not just because of our proximity to the world but also because of certain factors such as visa regulations and the power of my passport which is not so high in the passport rankings. But I really have my eyes and my mind fixed on my dream destinations ever since I was a child so there was no choice but to visit these places, it was just a matter of time. I still have a lot on my list including countries in my dream continent South America, and Africa, and of course who wouldn't want to see Australia and New Zealand? 

I may be locked inside my room right now but can you join me as we travel all the way to my favorite cities in the world that I have been to? All the photographs that you will be seeing are taken by me. I'll take you to a beautiful world where there is no need for passports and visas just us and these mosaic memories. I'll be counting down the top 10 cities in the order leading towards my most favorite! hope you guys enjoy it, the way I enjoyed going back through my old files.

Paris

From top left, clockwise: Seine River Cruise; Hôtel De Ville; Champs-Élysées; Tour Eiffel from Montparnasse; Late Night Wine at Chatelet

10th - I may have visited this city at a wrong time (December Greve happened from start to end of my trip) but the lights and the views of this city never failed. Plus I got to reunite with my two high school friends who are now living their lives in the French Capital.

Beijing

From left, clockwise: Sidewalk to Tianenmen; Mutianyu Great Wall; Temple of Heaven; Cute boy at a local Beijing Restaurant; Forbidden City.

9th - Beijing was my first city in the People's Republic of China. I did this trip last 2013 with my Dad and cousin Judy. It was also my first winter and it was an amazing experience for me. What I love about Beijing aside from its ancient wonders is the delicious food I was able to taste.

Brussels

From Left: Grand Place; Church of Our Lady of Finistère; Place des Martyrs; Manneken Pis

8th - A layover in Brussels for just 6 hours did not stop me from exploring this tiny heart of Europe. I took the bus and went to the city center, had a waffle and a stroll around the beautiful landmarks of old Brussels. The place was packed but it's grandeur was enough for everyone to share.

Seattle

From top, clockwise: Seattle Skyline from Alki; View from Public Library; Dancing Couple at Pike Place Market

7th - There's something about Seattle that no matter how crowded some attractions were that summer of 2015, there's this unexplained peace and quiet that I felt which was something I only feel from home. Seeing Seattle through my friends from school Paula and Kuya Bailey was a big reason why I wanted to see this city again soon!

Rome

From top left, clockwise: Orange Garden; San Giovanni in Laterano; Via dell'Olmata; Piazza del Popollo, Colosseum

6th - Another dream come true which was a leg on my European trip last Winter. What better way to see the glory of Roma than with family. I was blessed to have my cousin Carmina adopt me for a week in Rome where I also spent Christmas for the very first time away from home. It was beautiful, Rome truly is!

Kyoto

From top left, clockwise: Japanese couple at Gion; A young boy alone to school; Soba condiments at Honnke Owariya; Fushimi Inari Taisha; Shiba Inu at Arashiyama

5th - This old capital of the Japanese empire surely will charm you with a dense amount of sights, sounds, and tastes! It's hard to choose these shots because I have a lot more to share about this beautiful city! Another unforgettable trip with my favorite cousins in the whole world!

San Francisco

From top left, clockwise: Transamerica; Golden Gate Bridge; Emporio Armani Building; Westfield

4th - Truly one of the most colorful and cultured cities I have ever been to, San Francisco boasts of its melting pot of cultures not just about different nationalities but on all points of views! My brother lives in the Bay Area so I spent 3 months around this beautiful city. Truly one of my favorites, and the best for for me on cities in the USA so far.

Prague

Form top left, clockwise: Vltava River; Charles Bridge; Astronomical Clock; John the Baptist at Maltézské Square; Tourist at John Nepomocene Marker

3rd - This has been one of the biggest dream come trues for me. Prague was amazing both in my mind and in person. It was a great trip with my cousin Carmina and seeing it in winter gives is a cool and quiet light but my cousin said seeing it in Autumn gives it a golden filter! Someday again, hopefully.

Bangkok

From top left, clockwise: Jim Thompson House; Monk on a Train; High Schooler at Sky Train; Kind Lady and my breakfast at Hua Lamphong; Rama VIII Bridge.

2nd - Yes, Bangkok really did outplace all those grand and beautiful European cities. The main reason why it has a special place in my heart is the Thai people. Thai people have been the kindest and nicest and most polite people I have ever encountered in my travels. I always get mistaken to be Thai but once I speak they always say "Ohhhh! Philippine!". Food is amazing, Transport is a breeze - Oh I love Bangkok, I'll be heading back very soon!

***drumroll please***

Amsterdam

From top left, clockwise: Swans near Centraal; Rozengracht Bridge; Boats at Oosterdok; Hotel Kooyk near Leidesplein

From Paris, I took a long journey to the Flixbus station due to the greve, seated at a very skimpy seat, arrived at a very dark morning, but all of those en route to a city which will become my most favorite of all! I was alone in Amsterdam the whole two full days but never did I felt lonely. The beautiful winter views, the smiles of the locals, their laid-back bike rides to work at 11 am gives this little city its charm for me. Two days was short especially I only got to see one museum (Anne Frank of course) but a big piece of my heart was left there and hopefully I can get reunited with in time.

***

That was a fun 3 hours to prepare all these photos, write this post, and ride on the dream train to memory lane. It's hard to choose just ten out of all those beautiful places that has their own flavor and filter to the views I have in mind. I always feel blessed to have been to all these amazing points on earth and with all my heart, praying to see more of the world and meet many more people.

Blogging has enabled me to know a lot of amazing people around the world and I hope someday aside from the views and landscapes of their cities, I can see them as well in person and greet them with all my happiness and gratefulness. 

How about you? What are your favorite cities that you have been to and why? What places would you recommend me to visit someday? Hope you had fun on my mini tour across 10 cities, I sure did!

Never Stop Travelling!

Stevenson

Seven Reasons To Visit Bali

Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia

Bali has always been one of the most exotic destinations in the planet not just for people living on the other side of it but even to its neighboring nations. Though just a few hours away from the Philippines, it is not always on anybody's list because a few Filipinos think it is too expensive, well, I was one of them. Airfares to Bali does cost a little more than the usual flights to Hong Kong or Singapore, but the expenses when you are there is just surprisingly affordable.

But the real question is, why do I need to visit Bali? What can I see there or what experiences can it give me once I breathe in Balinese air? Let me name a few seven of them.

1.) Be Amazed by it's unexplained magic

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Bali, Indonesia

There's just something about this island that is very mysterious. The moment you arrive at the airport, there's a feeling that I can never explain, and no matter what's behind it, it's something peaceful and beautiful. People are warm and friendly and smiles are priceless as every face is filled with so much warmth and hospitality.

The photo I took above is probably the most famous landmark on the island. Located at the middle of the lake, the Ulan Danu Temple is situated magically where the clouds meet the surface of water. It is about an hour and a half drive from Denpasar Airport with a stretch of the road going uphill. I tell you, it is worth the while. By the time it was noon, that was when the clouds kissed the lake above the mountains. That in itself is some magic that nobody can contain.

2.) Nasi Goreng

Joglo Villa's Nasi Goreng

Delicious fried rice surrounded by little bits of other dishes like Mi Goreng (fried noodles), Babi Guling (Roast Pork), Rice Crackers, Veggies, and so much more - Nasi Goreng is just one of the country's most famous dishes. Very close to it's neighbor's kitchen Malaysia, Indonesian cuisine is filled with spices, seasonings and of course, every dish usually has rice in them. Oh the variety of spices they use on their dishes gives every plate a different attack to its taste. Food excites me so much, I mean who travels without having food on their to-do list? 

Joglo Villa is where we stayed during our days at Bali. You can book a stay with them through airbnb using this link JOGLO VILLA and they can also arrange tours for you around the island.

3.) Enjoy the calm and mysteries of Ubud

Spas of Ubud

Another thing about this island are the beautiful spas and resorts not just on the usual coasts but inside at the heart of its rainforests. You can really find peace on this heavenly place through these crystal clear pools and enjoy a relaxing massage under the embrace of nature. There are expensive and luxury resorts across Ubud, some of them are Ashoka Tree Resort Ubud, Alaya Resort, and the Amori Villas.

4.) Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee)

Coffee Tasting

The civet coffee is said to be the most expensive coffee in the world. It undergoes a natural process wherein the coffee beans are eaten whole by the civet cat and passes through it's digestive track and excreted. Then these feces are dried and washed and roasted to mill these delicious tasting coffee. We tried it and I can say it was really good. It is less acidic than the usual roasts but the flavor is still bold and whole.

The coffee shops also sell different kinds of coffee and tea which you can get to taste just like on the photo above. Some of the remarkable ones that I've tried were the Vanilla Coffee, Lemon Grass Tea, and the Bali Coffee. Me and my dad also ordered a cup of their Kintamani Coffee which was not just a cup of coffee, it was an experience.

5.) Walk through the rice fields of Jatiluwih

Me at the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

These rice terraces of Jatiluwih are rolling across the mountains of the island. It has been there for a long time not just an agricultural marvel but also gives a beautiful view for tourists and hikers. These paddies are irrigated from the uplands and attracts visitors and photographers alike. I tried to follow the trail that leads downhill but it just doesn't end so I stopped at some point and decided to just walk up back to where I came from. Trust me, though you walk the same trail, the view going up is different from the views when you went down and both are amazing.

6.) Be Cleansed at Pura Tirta Empul

Pura Tirta Empul

Though Indonesia is probably the largest Islamic country, the island of Bali maintained its Hindu faith and culture. That is also the reason why there are Hindu temples and shrines everywhere you look around the island. One of the most important temple to visit is the Tirta Empul which is located at the town of Tampaksaring. This water temple is were you can be part of a ritual where you bathe yourself and be cleansed by the flowing holy waters as a form of purification. The pools are clean and the waters are clear so you can enjoy the ritual for yourself as you meditate.

7.) Watch the Balinese Theatrical Kecak

A Kecak Theater before the performance

Performed by a hundred men, the kecak is a traditional Balinese dance and music drama which depicts the story of the epic Ramayana. There are no musical instruments used and just a chorale of different voices and sounds produced by the men will surely fascinate your senses. There are lead stars that perform in the middle, while the chorale chants their music wearing just loincloths and bare upper bodies. 

Some kecak's are performed outdoors, one of which was even performed by the Uluwatu cliff under the colorful sunset. But this one was done at a wall-less theater which gave us a very different experience when the rain poured so hard at the middle of the performance. Everyone was so immersed and the singers seem to be in a trance that the rain did not bother any of them as they chant louder and louder. Kecak is a living heir of the spirit of Bali.

***

Bali was my gateway to the 13th country I visited, Indonesia. I don't think there is any other better island to visit first on the Indonesian archipelago other than Bali. It is nature, culture, love, and life all contained on a single place. I am blessed to have shared this experience with my father and it was a great bonding experience for us both. 

Me and my father overlooking wearing our Balinese headresses

I'm ending this post with a quote from a popular novel set on this mystical island of love, 'Eat, Pray, Love'. Think of it as the island speaking to it's people, to people who love Bali.

"There’s nothing you can ever do to lose my love. 

I will protect you until you die, and after your death 

I will still protect you. I am stronger than Depression 

and I am braver than Loneliness

 and nothing will ever exhaust me."

Pointers for Newly Grads (and Not-So-Newly Grads)

Graduation Day with my Blockmates (March 26, 2010 DLSU-Dasmariñas)

"If you want something to hold on to, you have to have it first". And for you newly grads, you've just earned it, congratulations! They kept on telling you months before the ceremonies that "you'll soon be part of the real world", and before you knew it, you're already in it. The thing is, what is the real world? How do you take on it?

The real world is a world that is solely your own. A place where you can be whatever you want to be-with just one simple condition, you have to work for it. It doesn't always involve spending an 8-10 hour daily shifts at the office, or month-long preparations to land a starting point to a career path. Sometimes, the struggles that are in between are the ones you have to do extra work on. Surely there will be moments like "I got hired! But do I really want this job?" or "I hate this company, but is there something about this place that will help me get through to the next level?", such trade-offs and contradictions that honestly has struck our minds and my heart probably a hunderd times.

I know I'm not in a position to tell you how to be successful, for neither I am not at this moment. But as I write this, I guess I can tell you how I saw this journey and how I am seeing it now as I go through it. Here are a few tips I can share as we go through it together:

Set an ultimate goal for yourself.

On a deep chat conversation with my cousin Carmeline - a lawyer and somebody who I look up to as one of my mentors, she told me that "Everything ends and begins with your solid desire". One should be clear as to what he/she wants. Then, you push yourself towards that direction. Not always easy, she exclaimed, but you will make it. My drama king self still gets a tear or two every time I read what she said.

Ate Carm also told me that one should not be afraid of moving from a job to another. Because after all, it's not really quitting, it's calibrating your map towards that one specific goal. It may take you two or three of five jobs to finally get to your goal, but in the end, the sweetness of being in and living that dream is definitely rewarding. So as long as you don't have that goal, you'll just be floating in a big pool of a life with no reason. If you still don't have that dream, look for it, reflect, explore. It was my 27th birthday when she told these words to me which made me realise how I've been living my life without that ultimate goal. Now that I found my ultimate goal (a month after our conversation), I realise how scary it was not to have it.

Mistakes makes us smarter, makes us stronger. 

You've probably heard this one from a thousand people a million times over and over again. But to tell you, it's true. As of now to be honest, I can't consider myself as someone who is strong. I think I have made just a few mistakes in school, in life, in work. Not because I'm smart or I'm good at things, but it's because I'm afraid to try.

On a film I watched starring Shirley Maclaine, her character Harriet said that "We should all fall on our face". We've all been there right? Even if it's about school, or with love, or with life as we know it, we've all tripped and landed face down. For me, those moments aren't to be erased or be forgotten for those are the times where slips leave a mark where we least want it, thus will always make us remember how we made it through on such misfortunes.

Be Fearless. 

I'm not telling you to yell at your manager for being unfair, or join that interest group at work that teaches you how to ride a motorcycle with blindfolds on. Being fearless requires a strong heart that can resonate within yourself that "You can be whatever you want to be".

The world is very accepting right now. Your degree may be in finance, but the world of fashion awaits you just as long as you take that chance. A framed "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science" diploma can actually be a ticket to being one of the best Geographers in the world. If you're college course led you to a path that you really wanted, then good for you! But if not, it's not the end of the world for us millennials. We're young, we're fearless, we can make it happen, I trust in you!

Go back to school. Learn further, farther. 

Some of us dread school and for a lot of graduates, the only thing they miss about going to uni are their classmates and friends, never the schooling process. But I tell you, if you really want to go far, Graduate School may be your magic carpet to that palace in the clouds you are longing for. I spent a year in Master's but yes, I did well during my time but still, I stopped.

At first, I thought graduate school is not for me but then I realise, I'm just taking the wrong course, the wrong field. So right now do I want to go to Graduate School? By all means, Yes! But this time, I'll follow not what's required of me, but what field my heart really wants in, what my mind wants to learn more about. Oh I imagine how learning is when you're studying something you are passionate about.

You have to deserve it. 

I got this on a ride home from Manila with my cousin Caren Viniegra, who is also like most of you (yes you, reader!) who just graduated college and will be entering Law school. She got this statement from one of her older sisters Carmina (Carmeline is their eldest sister, how can you not love these siblings?). Caren told me that no matter how smart you are or how capable you are of doing something, if you don't work hard for it, then it will not be given to you. You have to earn it. When she said this, it sent me shivers.

There were times when I had this silent overconfidence within myself, about myself. On a job application as a corporate auditor for a prestigious airline company, I can say I did well every interview by showing them who I am, but I did not end up having the position. To be honest, the fact that I reached that fifth and final interview despite having a different college degree and job experiences that are way too far than what the position requires, it makes me smile as I look back to it. through that experience, I realise that aside from the thought that maybe God wants me somewhere else than there, I did not land the job because I did not deserve it. Not because I'm not smart enough or I lack experience, but because I did not prepare enough.

If you want it, you have to deserve it. Earn it by working hard for it.

***

I haven't been to were I wanted to be, but I know it all depends on myself, and God of course, to be on that very place. Being there won't be as smooth for some as it is easier for others, but all the efforts, the risks, and the hard work will definitely payoff once you're there. But to "be there", remember, you have to dream, fail, stand up, learn, and deserve it.

Graduation Day (March 26, 2010 - DLSU-Dasmariñas)

Never Stop Pushing!

Steve
200600549

Summer Starter (Where to go?)

Bantayan Island, Cebu

Most of us awaits for this sunny season to head to the beach or their favorite summer destinations. Well to be honest, I hate summer. I don't really like the heat that even the artificial cooling from and AC does not compensate to the humidity that this season produces. Make it even worse that I live in the tropics (Nothing against my beautiful country though), where summer is long and yes fierce.

There are actually quick fixes to this heat infested months that we can all enjoy. You can walk along the streets and buy yourself some all-time favorite Halo-Halo, It is a kind of parfait filled with favorite delicious goodies including sweetened banana, tapioca pearls, mung beans, kidney beans, jelly, leche flan, and so much more.

Of course, another treat to beat the heat is ice cream, In the Philippines, you can buy ice cream from your nearest 7-11 or any convenience store. But my favorite is the sorbetes or what we usually call the dirty ice cream (but it's not really dirty okay!) which is usually sold by street hawkers and vendors but Magnolia and Selecta, our primary ice cream manufacturers also produces them. But personally, the ones sold on the streets tastes a lot better. What sets this apart from the usual ice cream is that these are made from coconut milk instead of the usual animal milk and is commonly served with sugar cones, wafer cones, and or bread buns.

For me, the best way to beat the heat is to travel. Tell me any problem that can never be solved by travelling? Personally, anything can be resolved by a plane ticket, a hotel reservation, and days-off from work. Now the question is, where to go? Here are just six of my suggestions on places to see in the Philippines to enjoy the summer season:

1. Baguio City

Burnham Park, Baguio City

Perhaps the best way to counter the high temperature is get somewhere where the air is much cooler and the altitude is much higher. Baguio City boasts of a much cooler temperature all year round which is the main reason why tourists are flocking this mountain-top city all year round. Burnham Park is a popular tourist attraction where you can go boating with the whole family on this man made lagoon.

While in Baguio City: Try their Strawberry Ice Cream. Prepared by the locals, the strawberry sorbetes is very delicious and you can really see big chunks of strawberry fruits with every single bite or lick. Vegetables are also fresh all year round so you can indulge with the fluffiest broccoli and yes, even their bell peppers tastes sweet!

Served like the blizzard - Strawberry Ice Cream at Strawberry Farm

2. Boracay

Station 2, Boracay Island

Named as one of the world's best beaches by several magazines and websites across the globe, Boracay is famous for it's powder fine sand which is white as flour. Imagine yourself soaked in its crystal clear water under the 35 degree summer sunshine (I can't and I won't haha). Also, for those of you who wants to get their tans on, Boracay is perfect for your sun-bathed afternoons at the beach.

Famous Boracay Sunset

While in Boracay: Jonah's Fruit Shake & Snack Bar is famed for it's amazingly creamy fruit shakes. I'm not really sure how much milk they add on it but it's as smooth and silky as a ribbon with every sip. They have several flavors including our staple Mango, Pineapple, Banana, and mixtures of much more fruit combinations. But my favorite, and the one that I usually order is their Avocado Milk Shake.

3. Cebu

Sumilon Sand Bar, Oslob, Cebu

The whole island of Cebu is a paradise in itself. Whether you go up north to Bantayan Island or due south to the Municipality of Oslob, there's just something you can see that will leave you awestruck.  Whether you are a lover of waterfalls or a self-professed Beach Bum, this island just caters to anything you have in mind to enjoy the summertime. Cebu is also a great jump-off point for an inter-island escapade because it is just a ferry ride away to the nearby islands like Bohol, Negros, and Siquijor.

I swam with the gentle whale sharks at Oslob

While in Cebu: For the adventurous at heart, sign your group up to Canyoneering in Badian. It's an adrenaline pumping activity that will let you swim, leap, glide, and jump off cliffs and waterfalls until you reach the beautiful Kawasan Falls. The view is just amazing and the water is as blue as the shade of the Gatorade variant. This is truly unforgettable especially if you do it with your friends. When we got there, unfortunately, the activity is suspended and is off for another month so we just decided to visit the multi-level waterfalls, one of which is Kawasan.

Me and my Barkada (Circle of Friends) at Badian, Cebu

4. Camiguin

Clouds above the beautiful Camiguin Island (Photo Credits to R-Jay Miranda)

Another island located at the heart of the country, Camiguin is an island province that is located in the Northern Mindanao region. It is an island formed from a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, of Mount Hibok-Hibok which is one of the country's active volcanoes. The White Island is a sandbar just off the island's coast is a popular attraction where you have to ride a short 10 minute boat ride to reach it, perfect at the break of dawn. One of the tallest waterfalls I've ever seen is also located at the heart of this island, Katibawasan Falls.

Me and my Barkada by the Katibawasan Falls (Photo Credits to R-Jay Miranda)

While in Camiguin: Ardent Hot Spring is nestled through the forests of Mount Hibok-Hibok. It's beautiful natural pools can invigorate the muscular tissues leaving your body with a calm, relaxed feeling. There are levels of pools that have different temperatures and depths that you can choose from based on your own liking. We spent three long hours here just relaxing by the pool and having a great time chatting with my friends.

Adrent Hot Spring at early evening (Photo Credits to R-Jay Miranda)

5. Sagada

Trekking through the Rice Terraces of Aguid - Sagada

If you're not the beach going kind, and you wish to escape the sunny breeze of the seashore, Sagada is the place for you. This alpine town atop the mountains of the Cordilleras is known for it's cool climate, rugged terrain, and mystical towering limestone formations makes it one of a kind in the country. You can try spelunking inside the Sumaguing Cave which is a little extreme for me (my friends tried it though) or trekking along the Aguid Rice Terraces going all the way down to the Bomod-Ok Falls. This city can get a little too crowded though so better book ahead of time not just for accommodation but for tour packages. Probably one of the best sunrises I have seen (aside from the Angkor Wat Sunrise) is the once we saw in Kiltepan Peak, which is also in Sagada. 

Me at the Sea of Clouds - Kiltepan Peak, Sagada

While in Sagada: It is best to try their own take on the Yogurt for these are made into delicious desserts that everyone liked. Their sweet and sour homemade yogurt was topped with delicious honey and sweet strawberry jam is just heaven in a cup. Cafes and restaurants around Sagada serves this happy treat but my favorite is the ones I had in Strawberry Cafe.

6. El Nido, Palawan

El Nido Town Proper

Probably the most talked about Philippine destination when it comes to foreigners, El Nido is a land of its own. At the northern tip of the island of Palawan, El Nido gives us an amazing view of limestones towering over the sea. This part of the country is where I can say that there are more foreign tourists than local ones and I have no questions as to why. Paradise is an understatement for this place.

When in El Nido: Never miss the Island Hopping Adventure tours. For a whole day, you will visit five destinations, different from every tour group/package. You'll get to swim on the sea, lunch is served by the beach where you will feast on grilled meat, fish, veggies, and fresh fruits! I availed of the Tour A Package which included the following attractions: Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimitzu Island. Yes, it was amazing! There are three more tour packages - B, C, and D, though my time there was limited; More things to visit the next time right?

The last stop of our Island Hoping Tour - Big Lagoon

***

Never Stop Summer

Steve

Food Trippin' Asia

For most of us, our travel lists are made up of sightseeing, souvenir shopping, and even trying out extreme sports. But one thing we all have in common on our lists is Food. Whether it's tasting the most exotic delicacies on the city streets, to sit down dinners at Michelin star fine dine restaurants, food really mirrors not just the county's taste but also it gives our taste buds a glimpse of the story of a nation's culture.

Across Asia, here are a few of my favorite and truly remarkable dishes that I have tried on my Asian expeditions. Let me share you some of them here.

1. Pad Thai (Thailand)

Street hawker at Bangkok

Probably the most famous dish of Siam, Pad Thai is something you can enjoy anytime of the day. We tried this delicious noodle dish on the streets of Nighttime Bangkok. Stir Fried on flat iron griddle, Pad Thai is best enjoyed hot off the grill. It has a variety of ingredients including eggs, shrimp, pork, chicken, lime juice, sugar, and a special rice noodle or as they call it lo mein noodles.

Bangkok Style Pad Thai

Just on the street, we chose this hawker stall that sells Pad Thai during our second night in the city. I observed how it's being prepared and cooked and the chef's hands are just so fast I literally can't catch up with the small ingredients at that very moment.But what I love about Pad Thai is how you season it with condiments. I put a lot of chili and crushed peanuts on top of mine. It was good! I can still remember myself telling my cousin that Pad Thai is a good reason to go back to Thailand.

2. Lemon Breaded Pork (China)

Lemon Breaded Pork

This perfect fusion of sweet, sour, and tangy tastes left a remarkable mark to our Beijing experience. The pork was completely covered with crispy batter and then deep fried to its perfect consistensy while maintaining its tenderness inside its coat. 

It was winter when we traveled around the majestic city and instead of water for drinks, hot soya milk were given for free to dine-in customers. We never missed their take on tomato soup where fresh tomatoes are mashed and pureed to make a hot soup. Served in flamed warmers, the soup is warm throughout your meal under the freezing cold of the outside chill.

My dad and our Hot Tomato Soup - Beijing Style

Dining in the heart of Beijing was sort of a challenge for us to be honest. There were no Menus written in English. Good thing the owner of the restaurant near Red Lantern House, where we stayed were very nice and accommodating to us. We cannot speak in Mandarin and he cannot speak in English so we relied on sign language and animal sounds to distinguish the kind of meat these dishes are made of.

3. Hainanese Chicken Rice (Singapore)

Singapore's Famous Chicken Rice

Originally from the Chinese island of Hainan, the Chicken Rice is a dish made up of two main parts, the chicken and the rice. HAHAHA But as funny as how literal its name is, this dish is so tasty! The secret to this is exfoliating the chicken with coarse salt which then creates this silky and smooth skin once it has been cooked, while keeping the meat tender and tasty.

Bugis Hainanese Chicken Rice

Although the sign reads "Bugis Hainanese Chicken Rice" this very store I enjoyed this dish is located at the bottom of the Singapore Flyer, South East Asia's largest Ferris wheel attraction. Just for 5 Singapore Dollars (Php 180.00) you can enjoy this delectable dish. As simple as it sounds and looks like, pairing it with its special peanut sauce (My Favorite) is just an adventure at your table.

4. Yakitori (Japan)

One of Japan's most famous street food is the Yakitori (Japanese for grilled chicken). Grilled over hot charcoal on little skewers called kushi, these are usually seasoned with salt or sometimes their special sauces.

Plain Salted Chicken Yakitori

Before, I thought Yakitori is just made up of thigh fillet pieces but there did I knew that Yakitori can be prepared using boned chicken, chicken intestines, and even ground chicken to name a few.

Me in front of Toritake, Tokyo

My cousin Carmina took me to this famous Yakitori place just a block away from the iconic Shibuya Junction. The place is small and cute but patrons line up just to be seated inside the cozy area. We were lucky enough to go straight right away since we were just a party of two and it was a weekday when we visited. Aside from Yakitori, Ate Carmina also ordered a tofu dish, an onigiri dish with salmon roe, and two bottles of sake. It was amazing!

5. Beef Lok Lak

Cambodia's Beef Lok Lak

Prepared with a sauce usually made up of lime juice, salt, and pepper, Beef Lok Lak is a stir fried beef dish famous in Cambodia. It is usually served with rice and this one (from Golden Coconut at Siem Reap) with fried egg on top. 

It is a mixture of salty, savory, sweet, sour, and spicy! What else can you look for in a dish. As crazy as it sounds, the fusion of all these tastes gives it a perfect combination that will leave you wanting a second serving at your table. 

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Never Stop Eating Dreaming!

Steve

Osu Shopping District, Nagoya, Japan

Five Dream Trips for the Coming Years

One of my best mottos in life is "Dream Big" and as I do, big chunks of these dreams are always about trips and adventures. Here are five of my most awaited trips, hopefully checked on my list this coming years.

1. Eastern Europe (Hamburg - Warsaw - Prague)

Everybody dreams of having a European Getaway at least once in their lives! Seeing the Eiffel Tower, having a meal of authentic pasta in Italy, and cruising through the canals of Amsterdam! Honestly, I would really want to experience those three! But if I were to choose to go somewhere in Europe as soon as possible, I would definitely want to visit Eastern Europe. Just as they say, expenses are relatively cheaper on this side than their western neighbours and I really find the strong medieval influences in their food, architecture and their culture absolutely magical!

Another reason why I would love to visit Hamburg and Warsaw is I have two friends who are born and living in Germany and Poland who have been so nice to me through these years. It would be such a delight to see them finally once and for all. Stephan and Adrian, please wait for me! I'll visit soon, I promise.

2. Bali, Indonesia

From Eat, Pray, Love to the real life love story of my friend Eyna and her husband, Bali has really become somewhat the Verona of Asia. With it's mystical aura and magical tropical landscape, who wouldn't be in love with such a place! Also, Me and my sister Judy and friend Abbey have always been discussing about visiting Bali through the years and who knows, this year might just make it an addition to our memories!

The Kecak, or the Balinese Monkey Chant, is something I have always wanted to watch. It is usually performed by a large group of men chanting which is a traditional form of dance and music drama. 

3. Mongolia

This for me is one of the most exotic places not just in Asia but in the whole world. I have often dreamed of being on the Mongol Steppe surrounded by the friendliest and strongest of the nomads as they chant along the night around the fire. What enchants me about Mongolia is not just its surreal landscape but the amazing lifestyle of the Mongol Nomads who have been living their vagabond lifestyle for centuries now.

Getting there, I would love to do the train from Beijing in Northern China to Ulaanbator, the country's Capital. I have read accounts of people who took those rails and how amazing it feels to be on that journey.

4. New York City

Do I even need to explain this? New York City has been on lists of people who wanted to see the world since forever! I know a lot of family members and friends who have been to the big apple and most of them telling how unappealing it is when you are actually in there. To be honest, I really don't care! Seeing the good and even the bad of places is part of travelling, really travelling and not just touring some place.

Central Park, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building - these are just some of the landmarks I would love to be in for it has always been a symbol of the city especially on the movies and TV series I have seen which are set on New York City.

5. Mexico City

Growing up being a big fan of telenovelas, I have always had this fascination with Mexico especially its beautiful men and women! But what really made Mexico on my list is my love for Our Lady of Guadalupe. Home to delicious cuisine, colourful buildings, and rich Spanish culture, Mexico City is definitely surprising even if I have never even been there.

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With all these wonderful places, I really hope someday I can make it to each and every one of these five places, hopefully in two or three years! I have always been so gracious for all the traveling blessings and mercy from the Lord and all the loving people who helps and supports my trips these past years.