This would be the second part, continuation of my travel stories in
2014 covering months of July to December. You can also click below link for the first
part highlighting January to June.
JULY 2014 - THEKIDWANDERER GOES TO THAILAND
After two years of silence of having not traveled abroad, I
finally got the chance to step into another soil. And this time it’s going to
be ASEAN invasion. Bangkok, Thailand is one of the sought-after destinations
because of its friendly people and lifestyle is less expensive than any cities
around the globe. That’s why we also want to experience the touch of Thai
people and their rich culture. Indeed, it was a real pleasure stepping the land
of Siam interspersing the locals whom pricelessly offered their beautiful smiles
and hospitality. I love the food by the way; the authentic ones can be found
not just on fancy diners but also in all over the streets. Spicy foods are plus
for me. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1wGWFCw
AUGUST 2014: SECOND HALF MARATHON IN MANILA
Following to a successful first half marathon finished,
after two months I didn’t expect that I would run again for my second half
marathon. I thought the passion is now hitting the roads but the trail up on the
mountains is always my first love. I trained hardly for this event, because I
wanted to break my personal record hoping to finish below 3 hours threshold. I
know every runner wishes to smash their own records and so do I. I trained
almost every day for 10k at the Ayala Triangle and after two weeks of training
the official event held. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to hit the goal of below
three hours but I was able to break my PR ahead of 15 minutes. It’s just the
start! Push for more in 2015. Read more at: http://bit.ly/VLhHou
AUGUST 2014: BURUWISAN FALLS, SINILOAN LAGUNA
Also on the same month after hitting the road for fun run
events I have decided joining the trails of the mountains. We visited the beautiful Buruwisan Falls in Siniloan, Laguna. Although until now I don’t
really understand why they call it Mt. Romelo. It’s not about the summit visit
I would say; it’s about visiting the series of falls of Famy which Buruwisan is
the grandest among others. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1vyGerP
SEPTEMBER 2014: FOREVER SUMMER IN PANSOL, LAGUNA
Indeed it’s forever summer. September is actually rainy
month however no one can stop chasing the party. If not by the beach it’s by
the pool with different private resorts. Pansol Laguna houses almost all of the
private resorts because of their hot spring. Therefore whether the weather is
hot or cold we have all the ways just to cater non-stop happenings. Thanks to my company, I think I’m in the right
place, they’re generous enough to give us little budget for a little gathering.
They want us to celebrate for a newly form department. That’s why we decided
last minute to crash it down in Pansol. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1I38ae5
OCTOBER 2014: REXONA RUN IN MANILA
This would my third and last half marathon event for this
year. I couldn’t believe that I made it three for this year, though less for
others but a great great great achievement for me. Also with this run, I broke
not just my PR but hit the below three hours threshold. I also want to give
credit all the people and organizer to make the Rexona Run 2014 successful, I’d
like to say that this is the hippest run to your beat marathon I have ever
joined. Looking forward to join again next year. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1vyQXCq
MALAYSIA
I never expected that I’ll have my second and third country
of this year. I don’t have sponsors for an all-expense paid trip so everything
is coming out of pocket. I don’t have enough resources and all these was from my savings. I know I should be saving at this moment but sometimes
the experience is priceless. Malaysia was our first stop, though the itinerary flopped
a little due to heavy rains but I had the chance mingling with the locals.
SINGAPORE
Straight from Manila and we arrived in Kuala Lumpur, then
from Kuala Lumpur we arrived in Singapore next day morning. It was my first
time stepping in three different countries in less than 24 hours. That was
amazing. We had so much fun in Singapore especially the Universal Studios. In
fact I’m started liking this tiny nation yet so full of life. Everything is in place,
people respect the law, and public transportation is in order. I would say this
small country has a lot to offer. If there’s one place I wanna go back, it is
Singapore.
NOVEMBER 2014: BOLINAO AND ALAMINOS, PANGASINAN
Also November of 2014, I had the chance to visit one the
Philippines tourism frontiers. Our very own, Hundred Islands in Alaminos
Pangasinan. Straight all the way from Malaysia and Singapore I only have on day
rest then jump to explore Pangasinan. First day we went to Bolinao Tour
exploring the country side of the province. We visited Bolinao Falls, Enchanted
Cave, Lighthouse and Rock Formation near Patar Beach. Second day, we went to
the Hundred Islands. There’s so much activity to do here, the most recent
activity is ziplining from one island to another. You can also the usual beach bumming,
snorkeling, reef walking or even cliff jumping at the cave inside Marcos
Island.
DECEMBER 2014: GIVE LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS
An accomplished mission, I’m really dreaming of doing the
outreach program. I want to give back and share the blessings I received. Not
just this year. Thank you is I guess not enough, I would say the best is to
share what you have. I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity, the
colleague helped me raised money to buy the groceries and friends who joined
us. I want to do it yearly. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1rLQpxU
DECEMBER 2014: CHRISTMAS AT THE CORDILLERAS
It’s a year-end travel. We often go to Baguio to experience
this so called Christmas weather. But we would like to extend our trip and
visit more places at the Cordilleras. Thus we decided to conquer one of the
UNESCO’s heritage site the Banaue-Batad Rice Terraces. Going there was never
easy but when you get there is like something you’ll never regret. I wish I can
bring my work and stay there for longer days. The experience was awesome, were
totally detached from the outside world.
Then after Banaue, we decided to climb in Sagada, we did nothing, we only seized the best diners in town. And of course the Summer
Capital however this time, the traffic was tremendous.
So this conclude my travel year. I didn't expect that I have activity each month. 2014 was really awesome. Again I would say 'twas the year that I traveled so much. Thank you! Hoping for more travel dates in 2015!
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