0 MY TOP 5 MOST LIKED INSTAGRAM PHOTOS OF 2014

While I’m still in the process of collecting the highlights of my 2014’s travel stories, lemme share to you my top 5 of most liked Instagram post of 2014.

Though I love taking photos and posting it over the internet, sharing photos on Instagram is rarer than in Facebook. I know Instagram is created purposely to share photos which you can integrate other networking sites. However maybe one thing I don’t like with this app is that the original photo will be cropped and you will have to decide which side to remove. It’s like twitter, when you know you’re over the limit, you will be thinking which word to suicide.

The pictures I have posted is either the original itself without any edit but most of the time I used the Snapseed application to edit the photos. So here’s the top 5 of my Instagram most liked.

5. AYALA TRIANGLE, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

I was preparing for another half marathon, for Rexun Run 2014 ater the Sofitel Manila Half Mary. Since I reside near the business district, Ayala Triangle is the only place that I think possible to accommodate my preparations for the running events. I used to run here at night on weekdays and morning on the weekend. When you get in there, you will see numbers of runners – either group or individual. Although traffic fenced this small area in hustle-bustle Ayala Avenue yet it’s already enough.. In the morning I love taking photos before and after run. So here’s one of my photos.

4. SM DASMARIÑAS, OCTOBER 19,2014

Huh, I didn't expect that I'll get number of likes for this photo. I'm sure it's not my face but maybe because I'm wearing the Masskara Festival shirt of Bacolod City? Or maybe I'm in front of the travel photo wall showing different world best destinations? Apparently when I get to this shopping mall, it was United Nations month where flags of different nations hang on every floor plus this photo wall.

3. HONG KONG'S CABLE CAR, AUGUST 24, 2014

It's not real time, I'm just doing the throwback. About two years ago when I wen to the beautiful country of Hong Kong. I'm not sure if it's really country of just an autonomous region of China. Jeez. Whatever!!!

Anyway the view is really breathtaking and stunning of Hong Kong's skyline. We were riding on this cable car at the Ocean Park. I have this photo right before I sign up for an Instagram account so I decided to do the throw-backing-esh.

2. TOKEN MACHINES, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

This one is real time, look at the photo, it's taken from my SLR camera and I can't wait to have it posted on the internet. That's how I wanted to show our gratitude for helping us get to the Petronas Towers starting from the token machines. Thank you so much Sir Ryan.

1. BUNTOT PALOS, JANUARY 12, 2014

Whoa I can't believe this photo will get the highest number of likes for 2014. Start of the year by hiking to the majestic falls of Buntot Palos in Pangil, Laguna. This photo really deserves the respect of getting more likes because if it's natural beauty. It's not about my phone, or how I describe not even my IG account but the place itself is really beautiful and I'm sure anyone would really like it.

So this is the summary of my travel stories of 2014! I've got more but this top 5 photos gets the attention of my Instagram followers. Thank you so much for taking time tapping the like button or tapping me twice. You can follow me at @iambuchok, follow me I'll follow you back. Cheers for 2015!!!

8 MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY, HOME OF JOY FOR THE SICK CHILDREN AT TAYUMAN, MANILA

This is not the first time I visited the Missionaries of Charity. I started joining outreach program back in college. It was started when my boss invited us together with my co-students assistants and member of the UE-Caloocan Libraries to do the charity work.

It’s my boss' pledge to visit this place during Christmas season. Now that I am working, I wanted to continue this kind of charity work. So I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my late Boss Helen and Jamin Family who instilled the sense of sharing the Light of Jesus.

This Christmas season, I promised visiting this place again and bring some of my colleagues and grateful that we made it through.

If you wish to visit here and share your blessings you will need to call the office first so they can give you schedule date and time. You can reach them at (632) 255 - 0832, look for Sister Anselm and ask them what they need. Usually they will advise to buy groceries or medicine. The Missionaries of Charity will NOT accept any cash donation.

*Update: If you will be reading the comments below, we have Chris who shared his experience about this place and he said that they do accept monetary donations. Well this a good news, especially if you don't have the luxury of time. Anyway for some reason when we called them as per Sister they're not accepting any cash. But then, to make sure, feel free to call the number posted.

It’s very easy to get here. You can ride LRT Line 1 and get off at Tayuman Station then you can ride jeep going to Pritil and tell the driver to stop at Missionaries of Charity. It’s beside PLDT Tayuman and across the street is Manila Cathedral School, Immaculate Concepcion Church. 

  

Straight from our night shift, we headed to Tayuman and ride all the way to Puregold – Pritil. This is the nearest grocery store from the Orphanage that opens at 9AM. After an hour buying all the stuffs on the list provided, we went straight to the place. We were welcome by one of the sisters (sorry forgot her name) which very accommodating and thankful that we visited them. They say that the Missionaries is very happy especially this Christmas season because they continue to receive an overflowing donations coming from different organizations and of course visitors that do the volunteer spending time with the sick and abandoned children. 

After our conversation with the sister who gave us calendars, she told us to visit the children. At first, I was kinda hesitant to get inside and see the children because I know my heart will break into million pieces again seeing the innocent children. However I came to realize that they need us, they want us to see that they are not complaining about the situation, in fact when you gotta see them, they will give you the warmest smiles. No protest feeling from their faces, and probably they wanted to tell us how lucky we are and has no right to complain. They're lying on bed night and day without seeing the outside world. That's why they're excited to see someone that would tell them story and the happenings. They can hardly speak yet from the smiles and blink of their eyes, it’s a realization that life is beautiful and God loves us so much.

It’s not allowed to take pictures of the children inside, but they’re not strict. However to offer respect, it would be better not to take any pictures. When you are inside, you can spend quality time with them, playing and talking, you can also feed them during lunch time. It will add up emotions that would break in tears. But I know for sure, there’s always time to go back and visit these poor children. The children of God. 

To all Concur folks, who shared some Blessings, it’s never ending thank you that we gave another joy in the hearts of those children. As I always say, we give not because we have everything but we know the feeling of nothing. Merry Merry Christmas and Fruitful New Year to everyone. I hope you will find time visiting them too..you are most welcome.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Luke 6:37-38

5 WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN, OUR FIRST DAY IN SINGAPORE

Arrived in Woodlands CIQ (Singapore-Malaysia border) around 5AM but we were stuck at the immigration line. Though there are about 20 counters open but each counter is serving two lines. I think we spent more than an hour there waiting for our turn. I can’t believe how many people crossing borders each day and can’t imagine how busy these immigration officers carefully checking all the travel documents. 

When everything all cleared, we went straight to ground level where bus terminals are located. I saw people falling in line, it’s really crowded. Just like MRT line during rush hour in Manila it’s really really long. While everyone in rushed, I am also hasty looking for money changer. I don’t have any SGD and even my travel buddies. Because I know and I’m sure that there will be money changer whenever you are entering borders.

And it turned out nothing! I'm all wrong. Woodlands does not have any money changer and the nearest is in MRT stations but you are required to ride bus to get to closest station.

I don’t know what to do anymore. We were thinking to look for Filipinos working in Singapore who can lend us money just to get to the nearest MRT station but I think it’s impossible. So I can’t think of any solution.

I have asked several people but they only have one response, that you can’t find any money changer here! And then I asked this guy wearing glasses if it’s possible to get to nearest MRT station by foot. He said no, better to ride bus. I told him the situation. I told him I have USD but no SGD.

I need miracle. Bus fare is 1 SGD so we need 3 SGD for the three of us. He asked me if I have at least 3 SGD and I said none, nothing at all!

After a couple of seconds, he grabbed his wallet from his pocket and told me that he is willing to lend me 3 SGD only. He has extra money but not enough. I feel so embarrassed. We have money but we can't use it!

When he is about to hand the three 1 SGD coins, I suddenly remembered that I have 5 SGD note in my wallet. I remember that my friend who is working in Singapore gave it to me about 2 years ago when he return home for Christmas vacation.

God is really good all the time! No doubt! The headline of this article should be "How 5SGD Saved our First Day in Singapore".

About 6:30 AM we arrived at Kranji Station, the nearest MRT station in Woodlands Checkpoint. We quickly look for money changer however it looks like we will be facing another dilemma.

Whew I really love Singapore; I love how the Lion City greets us. The only money changer in Kranji opens at 9 AM. Well I can smell that we will be waiting for more than two hours. I only have 2 SGD left and I don’t think it’s enough to buy breakfast. We’re all hungry but we have no choice. I have 300 Malaysian Ringgit but I doubt they will accept it or even USD.

We were patiently waiting for 9 AM and glad that they opened on time. I exchanged my 100 USD and after one hour travel time from Kranji to Kallang Station we finally arrived at Coziee Lodge at Geylang Road. I should be excited watching outside while riding the MRT to see how beautiful the Lion City is but I found myself sleeping quietly at the corner.

Here's our first glance of Singapore.

1 TRIP ITINERARY: HOW TO GET TO SINGAPORE FROM MALAYSIA AND VICE VERSA

Jerome and Hart with their free Malaysia Magazine at KLIA2.

Like what I mentioned from my previous post, backpackers nowadays are traveling in multiple countries. Example: Hongkong – Macau and Singapore – Malaysia or sometimes tri-country like Thailand – Cambodia – Vietnam.

And because crossing borders are becoming mainstream, I decided to include Singapore for our supposedly 4-day trip to Malaysia. Now the question is how to go to Singapore from Malaysia, or Malaysia from Singapore?!

You have three options – Air, Train, or Bus.

By Air

AirAsia and Tiger Airways have daily trips from Malaysia to Singapore and vice versa. Travel time is just 1 hour and 15 minutes. This would be the convenient way if you are saving time but expect it would cost you a lot of money depends if there are promos. That’s why if you are planning to visit these countries.

I have few tips for you to get low airfares.

• Make sure to check airline’s website more often, there’s no magic to buy the best airfare. Unlike with Cebu Pacific, whenever there’s Philippine holiday expect of piso-fare promo.
• Sign-up to subscribe email alerts. Like me, I am currently subscribe to  Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Air Asia so I know whenever the fares go down. It is one of the easiest ways to track airfares.
• Make sure to follow their official facebook or twitter pages so you will be informed quickly whenever there's promo.

By Train

They call it sleeper train, instead of checking in for a hotel stay, you will be sleeping at the train en route to Singapore from Malaysia or vice versa. Most of the people chose this mode of transportation instead taking by Air to save money. Travel time from Malaysia to Singapore is 6 – 7 hours overnight.

You can book you train ticket from KL Sentral to Woodlands in Singapore here: KTMB E-Ticket. When booking it is required to enter the passport numbers; however one of us is still running to get his passport delivered and we are almost out of time booking the tickets.

Woodlands, Immigration checkpoint to enter Singapore.

By Bus:

Out of these three options, we ended up taking Bus. No regrets, I thought it would lure us issues and problems but nope. Actually we arrived in Woodlands Singapore in 6 hours including lines at the immigration both exit and entrance. Not only that, we also have comfy seats like taking airplane’s business class.

Please refer to this site: http://www.busonlineticket.com/ so you can select your convenient time.

TBS Terminal Bersapadu Selatan, taken at the MRT Station.

Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) is I guess the major bus terminal in Malaysia. This is for provincial operation including Singapore and Johor Bahru. It’s not really hard to get to the place like what I thought before.

How to get here: Depending on your initial point but normally if you are coming from Kuala Lumpur International Airport your next destination is KL Sentral. Now let’s say KL Sentral is your starting point, you can take MRT (recommended) going to Seremban (end station) and then alight at Bandar Tasik Selatan station. However in our case, we headed first to KLCC Station to see the Petronas Towers and then afterwards we took MRT going to Masjid Jamek. Starting from Masjid Jamek, we took MRT again heading to Sri Petaling and then alight at Bandar Tasik Selatan.

Again, TBS is located at Bandar Tasik Selatan station. When you get here, you need to cross an overpass (bridge) to get to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. 

Inside Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. 

When you get inside the terminal make sure to go straight to your selected Bus company booth and show your bookings for confirmation and just wait for the arrival time of the coaster. Don’t worry; bus is scheduled to depart on time without delay (well in our  case).

Waiting for our Coach, after stamping of Passports.

After 6 hours of travel, we finally arrived in Singapore! It was my first time to be in three different countries in less than 24 hours. We left Manila at 2PM, arrived in KL at 6PM, and then arrived in Singapore at 6AM the next day! Whew..traveling is LOVE.

NOW HOW TO GET BACK FROM SINGAPORE TO MALAYSIA?

Whether you book your trip by air, train, or bus I’m sure you will have the return ticket unless you will stay there for good.

If by train, the end to end point is KL Sentral (Malaysia) and Woodlands CIQ (Singapore). So whether you are coming from Malaysia or Singapore you need to go on those end stations.

However since we booked via bus there will be pickup and drop-off locations. Our pickup location is in 5001, Beach Road #01-12, Golden Mile Complex, Singapore, just make sure to get to their booth so your tickets will be processed. And then our drop-off location is 135 Jalan Imbi 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

At Kranji MRT Station in Singapore. Then nearest MRT Station in Woodlands.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.

10 DO-IT-YOURSELF THAILAND: 4D/4N TRIP ITINERARY AND EXPENSES

Initially our plan is to do Thailand-Laos backpacking since I guess it is now becoming mainstream when going out of the country. As they say, hitting two birds in one stone.

However it ended up just Thailand and decided to visit the nearest province as replacement to Laos. We know Thailand is one of the most favorite places to visit in the world. Like the Philippines, people here are friendly and have the purest smile of happiness. And of course, the cost of living is affordable.

Here are the full details of travel itinerary and estimated expenses. I don’t feel like calling it as suggested itinerary but rather I’d like to call it sharing our trip itinerary and expense. It's up to you how you make your own but you can use this as reference for your do-it-yourself.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1:

We arrived at Suvanabhumi Airport past 12MN and checked in at the hotel near Petchaburi Road around 2AM. After all the papers processed at the hotel lobby, we found ourselves deeply asleep while snoring. We were so drained flying from Manila for almost for hours.

I have set my alarm to 8AM to catch breakfast at the hotel. We need to have the full energy to start our first day in Thailand.

8:00 AM	Call time – Prepare for breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 AM	Depart to Grand Palace Take the BTS from Phayathai to Siam (Bearing End). Interchange to Sathorn/Saphan Taksin/Central Pier (Wong Wian Yai end). Take the boat with Orange or Green Flag and alight at Tha Chang (Pier N9).
12 Noon	Lunch
1:00 PM	Visit Wat Pho (right behind the Grand Palace)
3:00 PM	Visit Wat Arun (short walk towards Tha Tien Pier N8) by crossing the river.
4:00 PM	Head to Asiatique Riverfront. From Central Pier, take the free shuttle boat.
6:00 PM	Explore Silom Road/Pat Pong From Sathorn/Saphan Taksin/Central Pier, take the BTS to Sala  Daeng (National Stadium end).
9:00 PM	Head back to hotel.
EOD	Return to the hotel for a good night rest.

DAY 2:

Woke up early for another hotel breakfast and scheduled to depart at 9AM en route to Pattaya. This is one of the most famous beach roads in Thailand which is about 2 hours away from downtown City. After our cramped ride from Minibus, we arrived at the beach city past 12 NN. Since we do not have the hotel to stay yet, we decided to walk on the beach road searching for affordable inn. We were positive that we can find one because Pattaya is one of the most visited places in Thailand for some beach bumming and of course, life afterdark. XD

When everything was settled, we found ourselves sitting at the beachfront watching the sunset while drinking beer. Although we drink discreetly because it was holiday when we arrived and we don’t know about it that drinking or any kind of partying is not allowed. But it was still relaxing!

9:00 AM	Depart for Pattaya Take the cab/BTS from Phayathai to Victory Monument. After which, take  the van from Victory Monument to Pattaya.
12 Noon	Lunch – Arrival to Pattaya Look for accommodation.
1 PM	Free Time – Lounge at the beach, drink and party. Optional – Island hop to Koh Larn.

DAY 3:

Scheduled to depart in downtown Bangkok but we still have the morning time to go around Pattaya City. We actually decided to swim by the beach early morning but ‘twas low tide. That’s why we ended swimming at hotel pool located at the rooftop. Perfect point indeed with overview of the whole Pattaya City.

We left the beach City around 11AM.

After 2 hours of bus ride we arrived in Ekkamai terminal, near Ekkamai BTS Station. And instead of going back to hotel, we decided to go straight to Chatuchak, the biggest weekend market in Thailand to buy souvenirs and explore the place with the most affordable items.

After two hours of rambling at the market, bought some souvenir items for friends and loved ones back home, we decided to go back to hotel for a needed rest. We have things to do still at night.

By 6PM, with only two hours rest, we decided to explore Khao San Road. We needed to have a quick break with beer session plus food trip. There we found ourselves hanging out with other foreign visitors and intermingling with the locals. 

8:00 AM	Breakfast and prepare for departure to BKK
11:00 AM	Depart to BKK
1:30 PM	Arrival in BKK Lunch Time Hotel Check-in – Pratunam Pavilion Hotel
2:00 PM	Chatuchak Weekend Market Take BTS from Pratunam to Mo Chit Station (Sukhimvit Line)
4:00 PM	Head back to Hotel
6:00 PM	Depart for Khao San Road

DAY 4:

Our last day in Thailand! Whoa I hate to say goodbye but yes, my piglets are waiting for me back home. We woke up early to visit the famous Terminal 21 Mall in Bangkok. This mall is situated near Asok BTS Station, and what make this mall unique to others? It’s the world’s mall, not because this is the biggest but each floor has a unique theme with the famous cities in the world. Though the prices are not really affordable but yet you gonna feel arriving and departing around the globe at the same place.

Next, we headed to Platinum Fashion Mall.

This mall is situated near Petchaburi where we stayed. Platinum Fashion Mall has the variety of different items, from clothing, to shoes, men and women’s apparel. Any-thing! Prices are affordable; it’s within your budget so I guess I spent all my money left buying clothes and other items. The entire 6th floor as well occupies the food center, so if you wish to crave an authentic Thai cuisine, you can also find it here. 

8:00 AM	Hunt for Brekky
9:00 AM	Terminal 21 Mall to shop for Pasalubong
12 Noon	Lunch
1:00 PM	Platinum Fashion Mall/Pantip Plaza IT Mall Free shuttle from hotel.
3:00 PM	Head back to hotel and prepare for the flight back.
6:00 PM	Early Dinner (Pratunam Area)
7:00 PM	Depart to Airport
12:00 AM	Flight back to Manila

EXPENSES:

I hope my memory serves me right. Please see below figures for the expenses during our tour in Thailand. First figure is fixed price. Second figure is the estimated expenses for transportation, food, drinks, and souvenir items. During our tour, exchange rate was 1 PHP = 1.36 THB but I converted it to 1.50 THB so the excess will be mine an additional money for souvenirs.

ACTIVITY	THB	PHP
Airfare (Cebu Pacific promo fare roundtrip)		3,800.25
Taxi from Airport to Hotel (400THB/3 persons)	133.00	200.00
Hotel Bangkok 2nights	1,200.00	1,800.00
Minivan going to Pattaya	100.00	150.00
Hotel Pattaya 1 night	700.00	1,050.00
Bus from Pattaya back to Bangkok	124.00	186.00
Hotel Bangkok 1 night	600.00	900.00
Rabbit Card for BTS Transportation	300.00	450.00
Wat Pho Temple	100.00	150.00
TOTAL		8,686.25 PHP

ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE (ESTIMATED ONLY)	THB	PHP
Transportation	1,000	1,500
Food/Beer	1,000 – 1,500	1,500 - 2,250
Souvenir Items	1,600	2,400
TOTAL:		6,150.00 PHP
OVERALL TOTAL:		14,836.25 PHP

I hope by sharing our DIY would help you plan and execute your trip to Thailand. You have something to comment or suggest, appreciate if you would post it in the comment section.