Travel Blogger of the Month: Going Places

Hello guys! Today’s blog post is our next travel blogger of the month. He has been traveling since he was 7 years old.  Yes! You read it right! His mother brought him in her various trips abroad and many places. And since then, he became a travel addict.

I am glad to introduce our blogger of the month is, drum roll please… Ian, the author of Going Places.

Below are the travel tips and travel experiences from Ian.

The Great Wall of China - Mutyaniu Section, Beijing, China

Q and A with Pinoy Travel Freak

1. What is your purpose of travelling?

My purpose is mainly to live out my life motto of “travel is an experience of a lifetime”. Travel is an opportunity not just to go places but also a good way to experience the best of life can offer. Travelling is a better way for me to learn the realities of life, discover the cultures surrounding us and how beautiful our country is - which by the way; it is indeed more fun in the Philippines!

2. Do you travel solo? Couple? Or in a group?

I always travel in group because it is always fun with others and travel moments are best shared when you traveled with friends and loved ones. I haven’t experience travelling solo yet. 

3. How often do you travel? 

In a year, at least 5 to 8 times but the concentration of my travels is during Summer since the weather in the country is good for local travel. Summertime coincides not just the start of my travelling season but also my birthday trips as my birth month falls on the first month Summer which is March.

4. What would be the best destinations for a solo traveler, for a couple, for a group or with family and friends?

I haven’t experience solo travelling but I can recommend 5 best destinations for a couple, for a group or with family and friends which I have been to.

a) Thailand – It is best for both first –timers and groups because Thailand is cheap and affordable yet a country very rich in places to see, food to taste and culture to experience.

b) Camiguin – You will fall in love with this island province because it’s gorgeous sceneries and quiet atmosphere are romantic and at the same time fun and exciting.

White Island, Camiguin

c) Vietnam – There so many things to see and to experience in Vietnam especially when you go out of its capital city. It is also very cheap to travel around Vietnam. No need to be a big spender because if you have enough money you can entirely travel and explore the whole country in 2 weeks!

d) Zambales – The beautiful coves of Zambales which mainly caters to campers is a great way to bond with family, friends and loved ones as bonfire by night let’s you share activities that don’t need so much gadgets to be entertain. Plus sceneries of mountain ranges and beaches are superb backdrops!

e) Albay – Adventurous at heart will surely love all the outdoor activities of the province. But if you prefer a relaxing and calming activity, simply admiring the beauty of Mayon Volcano will surely do satisfy you. 

5. Give at least 5 travel tips to our readers. 

a) Research the place that you are going to visit by reading travel blogs and asking queries to the person who actually travelled on the place you want to visit. Research will help you a lot in budgeting, accommodation, itineraries, timetables and sites that are must-see in the place.

b) Take a time off from social media and connection to your urban life. You wouldn’t be able to savor to the fullest the new place and the new experience that is being expose to you if you keep on tweeting and posting a shout and check-in just to be keep everyone updated and be on the hashtag ATM mode.

c) Stay safe in anything you do in travel. Be aware of accident prone areas and activities that might cause injuries. And don’t touch any marine animal or corals when snorkeling. Be aware of poisonous marine animals that seemed harmless like jellyfish, sea urchin, lionfish and stone fish.

d) Be aware of the time! Always keep in mind that time is very essential in every aspect of travel. From flights, bus schedules, days of stay, frequency of transportations, weather changes up to distances of one place to another, time always play a vital role in travel.

e) Always check the weather to the place that you are visiting on your target date of travel because bad weather definitely spoils your once in a lifetime trip.

6. What are your 3 memorable travel destinations and why? (please do share your best photos)

a) Bohol – Aside from being my first time in Bohol and experiencing its haven of natural beauty, this destination was my first ever birthday trip in which I actually travelled on my birth date.  I have never been so happy than doing my one great passion in life on your special day!  It was an experience I will never forget! My birthday trip to Bohol also started my yearly tradition of having a yearly birthday trip on my birthday day.

Chocolate Hills of Bohol

b) Beijing, China – It was a dream destination to me ever since it was announced as the host of 2008 Summer Olympics. It is not just a historical trip but it also let me appreciate China, the Chinese people and its rich culture. It is also a trip wherein I carefully planned a very hands-on and do-it-yourself style of travel which I successfully pull-off. I was able to do DIY trip to the Great Wall of China with only the help of printed guides and travel blogs sans language barrier. But what also makes it memorable is that my trip to China was one of my travels that I really work hard for it to happen. Imagine, I spend two years saving money to fund my trip to China!

c) Anilao, Mabini, Batangas – This is one of the destinations that I truly enjoyed group travel with friends. When my friends at work happened to have a schedule of same day-off, we didn’t let pass the chance to have a great bonding time by having a “best day-off ever” in Anilao! It was fun and memorable because on this trip we get a chance to know things about each other and about ourselves as well. What makes this destination memorable the most is we get a chance to establish a long lasting friendship in our circle. This is one of my trips that I truly experienced, the travel thought – “As with any journey, who you travel with can be more important than your destination”

7. Who is your ideal traveler? Why?

My mom, Gloria C. Poral. Why? Because she is the true viajera at heart in our family. Since, I was 7 years-old, she already brought me on her various trips abroad and she has been to many places before I get into travel world. She introduce to me to the travel world at a young age! I think this was the reason why I grow up as a travel addict! But I admire her most for having always a thirst for adventure and for discovering the world around her.

I also looked up to Chyng Reyes of No spam, no virus, no kiddin!. Her travel photos are superb and travel tips are helpful. But I also love the way she tells her travel stories which were fun, adventurous and entertaining. 

To the owner of Going Places, it is my privilege to feature a travel blogger like you. And, for that, I'd like to thank you for giving me a chance to let me share your tips and experiences through this site.

Connect with Ian - Going Places through social media sites.

Twitter: @ianlovesplaces
Instagram: @ianskyianized
FB page: facebook.com/goingplaces

Things to do in Legazpi City, Albay

I thought I can only see the majestic Mt. Mayon in the postcard, photos online taken by some bloggers who visited Albay, or in the news. The time has come that I visit Albay and I was amazed when I saw the Mt. Mayon through my eyes. It was really magnificent! It is a very rare situation that you can do your solo trip, especially for me, to see one of the most beautiful active volcanos. I was like “Wow! Beautiful!”

Right after my work, I immediately went to bus terminal and rode a bus bound to Legazpi City. It was eight o’clock in the evening when my solo trip begins. From Manila to Legazpi City is about ten to eleven hours’ drive. It’s really a long drive, but I can tell you that it was really worth it.

I arrived in the Grand Terminal on the following day, and met my tour guide for that day. He will accompany me for my day 1. However, before heading to our itinerary I check in first in the Inn where I stay and have a rest for minutes. Then, we’re heading for first stop.

First stop is Kawa-kawa Hill – this is a 236 meter land that is located in California Village, Brgy. Tuburan, Ligao City. It was named Kawa-kawa because of its shape which resembling a “kawa” or cauldron and it is also called the hill without a hilltop. From afar, it’s like an ordinary hill, but when you arrived from the summit, you can see its unique feature in its fully glory.  It is one of Albay’s tourist destinations.

from the top of Kawa-kawa hills

Second stop is Cagsawa Church - was built in 1724 and was destroyed during the eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814. It is located in Brgy. Busay, Cagsawa, Daraga. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area and the ruins of the Cagsawa Church are now the site of the Cagsawa Ruins Park. There are locals selling souvenir items in the area.

Cagsawa Ruins

Our next stop is Daraga Church – also called as the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate), is an example of religious architecture in the province of Albay, it is located in the hill above the lively town. And, I went back in the church early in the morning in the following day because I want to see the Mayon Volcano without the clouds around it. And, it looks good without the clouds. Perfect view!

Daraga Church plus clear view of Mt. Mayon

And our final destination is Legazpi Port – I went back in the port early in the morning for the following day and heading to the seawall section where you can jog and you can see the stunning beauty of the Mayon Volcano, where also Embarcadero de Legazpi located. It was the first site of the pre-Hispanic settlement called Sawangan and it is now the city’s main business district.

My time is not enough that’s why I haven’t been in Lignon Hill and the waterfalls. Maybe, next time I will visit the other tourist destination in Albay. My solo trip is a challenging activity because I lost in Penaranda Street, but well, it a part of the journey. I enjoyed it! 

What and where to eat in Legazpi City, Albay

Some people do their adventure with friends and family and some people do it alone. They like to do it yourself! They like to go to a place where they’re not familiar and explore the place. I am jealous of them because they are brave enough to do a solo trip. And as they are saying, do solo trips add more self-confidence. And, that’s what I like, to do a solo trip.

I am always accompanied by my group and friends when travelling or doing a great adventure.

Now, I am planning to do a solo trip and thinking where to go.  I decided to go Legaspi, Albay with the suggestion of my friend. I am so excited because that was the very first time solo trip. I am searching on the internet where to go and where to eat in Legaspi, Albay. And, with the help also of my friend, he suggested where and what to eat.

For now, I will share you what and where to eat in Albay. Here are my lists:

Small Talk Cafe

I’ve always heard about Pinangat Pasta and I wonder what is it? I am interested in it. He suggested me that you try it and so when we are in Small Talk café I ordered one of it. When the waitress served it to our table, it smells good. The taste of the pasta was good and delicious. It’s creamy Pinangat Pasta! The serving is good enough for one person. The place, for me, is nice!

Location: Doña Aurora Street, Legazpi City

Pinangat Pasta, Php110

1^st Colonial Grill

Did you hear sili ice-cream? Yes! I heard it from my bicolano friend. So, when I was there. I would love to taste the sili ice-cream though I am not into chili food. But, I love to try it.  I was accompanied by my friend during that day. I tried the sili ice-cream and he got baileys ice-cream. I would love to say that you must try I am pretty sure that you will love the creamy and chili ice-cream. It is very unusual ice-cream because of its flavour.

Location: Villa Amada Building, Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Sili Ice-cream, Php79. Bailey's Ice-cream, Php79

Bigg’s Diner

On the next day for my trip, I went to Daraga Church for a picture scene of Mt. Volcano. Afterward, I have my breakfast to Bigg’s Diner. It was named Carl’s Diner and it changed on 21^st of October 1994 and true to its name, Bigg’s Diner was a big hit easily which became the busiest restaurant in town. I tried Bistek Pinoy and it was good.

Location: Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Bistek Pinoy, Php105

Red Continent Dine and Café

Before I’m going back to Manila, my friend suggested that I should try Red Continent – it’s an authentic Bicolano and Filipino cuisines to greater heights and redefine the word spicy. They challenge their customers to pick from their desired level of spiciness that is warm, hot or volcanic.

And, he suggested that I will try the chili chicken express. So, I ordered what he suggested and without my knowledge it was good for two to three people. What? I was shocked when it served to my table. Haha! Anyway, you will be asked if your order will be warm, hot and volcanic (volcanic means super-hot).   I also tried their Pili Strawberry Sabayon. The chili chicken express is delicious. The pili strawberry sabayon is good, too! But, it was a small serving.

Location: GTS Building, Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Pili Strawberry Sabayon, Php45. Chili Chicken Express, Php180

So, if you are visiting Albay I do hope that you could try out the food listed above. I love and I really enjoyed my solo trip. And, I will do it again maybe next year. Thank you for visiting my page!