Selfless Travels

Hello everyone! I'm back with the "In the Limelight" segment. Today, I'm featuring a travel writer who I greatly admire for her witty and cool writing style. In fact, I hold in high regard her amazing writing skills making her one of my most favorite Filipino travel bloggers. The name of her blog speaks of herself- the lady / nurse "rocking the Southern Hemisphere."Her backpacking trip in Indochina is one of beautiful photos and wonderful experiences. Read more, know her travel favorites, and discover some snippets of her travel experiences here.

Name: Rain Campanilla
Address: Sydney, Australia
Blog: Rakistang Nars (www.rakistangnars.com)

The love of travel traces back to one too many bus rides. Britomart Station, Auckland.

Number of countries visited: 10
Number of Philippine provinces explored: 29

Favorite travel memories:
- Staying with a village of weavers in Luang Namtha, Northern Laos; taught local kids the words to Wiz Kalifa's Young, Wild and Free and the adults, how to play Temple Run on iPad.
- Spending mile-high and other airport moments in 4 cities in 4 countries with somebody I met on a PAL ticket booth (Manila, Philippines | Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei | Brisbane, Australia | Auckland, New Zealand).
- Receiving roses from fellow backpackers, even with the reality of my fat, married self-- 1 in Chiang Mai (from an Australian Bloke), 1 in Vientiane (from a French Boy) and 1 in Khao San (from a German Dude).

Favorite travel destinations:
- Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
- Philip Island, Victoria, Australia
- Don Det, Southern Laos
- Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Preparing to bungee jump. Taupo, New Zealand.

Most embarrassing travel moments:
- Had the heaviest menstrual period while camping at the no water, no electricity, no whatever Phou Khao Khuoay forest in Laos.
- Walking straight to a glass wall in SM Iloilo after a long, hungover van trip from Boracay.

Something I learned about myself while traveling:
My unwavering courage and exceptional bravery makes up for poor physical strength, almost always.

One thing I always bring while traveling:
Friendship bonds and other knicknacks from my airport of origin (I fancy giving keepsakes to people I meet).

Injuries/illnesses incurred while traveling:
Head-on collision with another vehicle in the middle of nowhere while on 10-hour road trip from Wellington to Auckland in New Zealand (October 2009). I miraculously survived unscathed. (Let's not talk about other casualties).

Lost items/gadgets while traveling:
- A cardigan from a Belgian friend while exploring the Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis, Bohol.
- A pair of RayBan aviators while tubing down the river in Vang Vieng, Laos. Blame Beer Lao.

Things/persons I miss when I am on the road:
My bestfriend, Jopet. Unless of course, we are traveling together.

Future travel plans:
(Schedule permitting)
- Uluru Rocks, The Outback, Australia (Lent 2014)
- International Date Line, Taveuni, Fiji (Cheating my way to breaking the time-space continuum)
- Santorini, Greece (To culminate Eurotrip 2015)
- Easter Island (The geektalk on this would take forever)
- Denali Borough, Alaska (Magic Bus 142, hello?)

Travel books I would recommend:
- The Griffin and Sabine series (Not really a travel book, but the same intangible stuff that travelers seek is told and felt in these books)
- Into The Wild (For I can never be as brave as Alexander Supertramp. Hats off, Wanderer.)
- The Beach (the driving force that made me backpack Indochina, though, ironically, not to the south (where the beaches are).

Travel movies I would recommend:
- Y Tu Mama También (For the Boca del Cielo of each of us)
- The Motorcycle Diaries (For the revolutionary heart)
- Eurotrip (in the name of simple joys and hearty laughs)
- Vicky Cristina Barcelona (art in all forms; bearded, at times)

One tip for fellow travelers:
The road has no rules. Unleash. Give in. Ride it like you stole it.

Sum up your travel experiences in one sentence:
"Short-lived; they don't last long enough for the magic to wear-off."

Favorite travel quote:
"There are far, far better things ahead than any you leave behind." - C.S. Lewis

Follow the next feature that will be posted in the next few weeks! :)

Ormoc City is located in the western side of the province of Leyte and it is the largest city in the province by land area. It is a progressive city and is aptly named as the "Beauty by the Bay." Ormoc City is approximately 104 kilometers (or 2-3 hours) away from Tacloban City, which is the capital city of Eastern Visayas.

Read some quick guides here: The Adventurer's Guide to Ormoc City, Leyte, How to Get to Ormoc City, Leyte?, Take Time to Explore Ormoc City, Leyte.

Ormoc City is my wonderful hometown and I'd like to give you these eight great and exciting things to do in this beautiful city!

1. Row your boat at Lake Danao.
Lake Danao is the city's foremost natural attraction. It is shaped like a violin or guitar, and the verdant mountains and vegetation surrounding the lake- all make the place so tranquil. Lake Danao is a great place for swimming, camping, trekking, sight-seeing, boating, kayaking, and fishing.

2. Chase Ormoc’s three well-known lakes.
Aside from Lake Danao, Ormoc has two other lakes situated on its mountains: Lake Kasudsuran and Lake Janagdan. These lakes are accessible by foot from Brgy. Gaas and Brgy. Cabingtan, the jump-off points.

Read: The Calm and Serene Lake Kasudsuran, Photo Essay: Adventures at Lake Kasudsuran.

TAMAK boys waiting to for the boat that will ferry them to the other side of Lake Kasudsuran.

3. Take a glimpse of the Leyte Geothermal Production Field.
When you are on the mountains of Ormoc, especially if you are exploring Lake Danao, never forget to turn your eyes to the distant mountains where you can catch a glimpse of the Leyte Geothermal Production Field. The white steam that rises to the air is the evidence that it is the Philippines' largest producer of geothermal energy and it is the world's largest wet steam producing field. The Leyte Geothermal Production Field supplies power to the Eastern Visayas region, Central Visayas, and Luzon.

Read: 10 Must-See Places in Ormoc City, Leyte

4. Climb Alto Peak.
Alto Peak is the highest mountain in Eastern Visayas. It is a favorite mountain to climb in Leyte and is a famous spot for training climbs among the various outdoor clubs of the region. It stands at 1,332 meters above sea level. The jump-off point is Brgy. Cabingtan.

Alto Peak rises above the horizon.
Photo Credit: Nick Jed Donaire

5. Walk across Puente de la Riena.
This is the oldest bridge in the city and it is truly historic. It was built during the Spanish times and was recognized as the "Bridge of the Queen." It is the last existing structure that gives evidence to the Spanish colonization of the city. Puente de la Reina is included in the Puentes de España en las Filipinas or the Spanish Bridges in the Philippines.

6. See Ormoc’s famous landmarks.
The Ormoc City Superdome, the Veterans' Park, and the Centennial Marker are just some of the prominent landmarks of the city. These are strategically located near the port and terminal area.

7. Witness the sunset at Ormoc Bay.
Sweet and spectacular sunsets can be seen at Ormoc Bay. This is actually my favorite spot for sunset watching in Leyte.

Read: A Collection of Ormoc's Sunsets, Photo Essay: Ormoc's Sunsets and Magsanga Peak,
Travel Colors: Intensely Hued Sunset

8. Taste Ormoc’s queen pineapples and cassava cakes.
This is the last but not the least! Never leave Ormoc without tasting its queen pineapples and cassava cakes. The pineapples here are so sweet and these are sold along the streets of the city. Best tasting cassava cakes can be found at the Young Attitudes store.

Read: Travel Photo: Queen Pineapples

So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Leyte and visit Ormoc City!

Read more posts about Ormoc City, Leyte here:
- Travel Colors: Sweet Sunrise
- Snapshots of Ormoc City, Leyte

Tacloban City serves as the capital city of Eastern Visayas and is the gateway to the region. Many travelers come to the provinces of Leyte, Biliran, and Samar by way of Tacloban City. This city offers a lot of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. It is also considered as one of the competitive cities in the Philippines and is the largest city in Eastern Visayas in terms of population.

Tacloban City is indeed a great city to start your Eastern Visayas adventures and I'd like to give you eight thrilling things to do in this amazing city!

1. Visit the Leyte Provincial Capitol and relax a bit at Plaza Libertad.
The Leyte Provincial Capitol served as the Capitol Building of the Philippines from October 23, 1944 to February 27, 1945-- the time of the Philippine Commonwealth Government. Now, it is the seat of the provincial government of Leyte. It is a neoclassical edifice which was built in 1907 and is located along Senator Enage St. and Magsaysay Boulevard in Tacloban City. Across the Capitol is the beautiful Plaza Libertad (or Liberty Plaza) where one can relax and see the whole architectural design of the Capitol.

Read: Leyte Travel Series: The Capitol in Tacloban

2. Have a cultural and historical tour at Sto. Niño Shrine and Museum.
One of the favorite tourist destinations in Tacloban City is the Sto. Niño Shrine and Museum. It is historically one of the houses of the Marcos Family in Leyte. Inside, you can see elegant and luxurious furnitures, and amazing historical photos and memorabilia of the Marcos Family.

One of the memorabilia inside the museum.

3. Buy some souvenirs at the People's Center.
Beside the Sto. Niño Shrine is the People's Center which now houses some stalls for souvenir shopping. It is mainly a library which has a great compilation books from around the world.

4. Run or walk across the San Juanico Bridge.
The San Juanico Bridge is one of the prominent landmarks of Tacloban City and the whole of Eastern Visayas region. One should not miss to run or simply walk across this bridge. It is the longest bridge in the Philippines and its length is 2.16 kilometers (or 1.34 miles). It spans across the San Juanico Strait and connects the beautiful islands of Leyte and Samar.

Read: Travel Photo: The San Juanico Bridge

The early morning run across San Juanico Bridge with some high school friends.

5. Try wall climbing at Bukid Outdoor Shop and Climbing Gym.
One of the most exciting things to do in the city is wall climbing or bouldering at the now famous Bukid Outdoor Shop. Make a visit to their gym which is located at 206 Padre Burgos Street, Tacloban City. I recommend that you should not miss this too!

Read: A Wall Climbing Reunion in Tacloban City, Leyte

6. See Tacloban's historic sites and structures.
Tacloban also hosts a lot of historic sites and structures. One is the Price Mansion which is a colonial home built by the Americans in the 1900s and it served as the main headquarters of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1944. Hotel Alejandro, a hotel which has a historic past dating during the pre- and post-war era, houses a lot of memorable photos of the war and is located at P. Paterno Street in Tacloban City. Also take a look at the Madonna of Japan at Kanhuraw Hill near the City Hall.

The marker at the Price Mansion.

7. Dine with your friends at the Balyuan Park.
At night, take time to dine out with your friends in this well-known spot in Tacloban. It is located along the Magsaysay Boulevard.

With friends in Tacloban City.
Photo by: Rey Espina

8. Taste Tacloban's binagol, suman, and moron or go on a food trip.
There are just some of the delicacies that can be found in the city. Never miss to taste and bring some of these delicious treats to your family and friends. You can also go on a food trip in Tacloban. There are a lot of great food stops in the city!

A mouth-watering treat indeed.

Come to Eastern Visayas and explore Tacloban City!

(Note: The Adventurer's Guide is a very trending feature in this blog. This travel guide series aims to give you quick, quality and relevant travel information and tips regarding the featured destination.)

Today, I will be featuring a well-known municipality in the province of Leyte, my home province. If you want to see more of my province, view my Leyte Travel Series.

The Destination: Palo, Leyte

Palo is a third class municipality in Leyte and is now very famous because of its involvement in the history of the Philippines. Palo is the site of the return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines in 1944. Palo is just a few minutes away from Tacloban City, the capital city of Eastern Visayas. Hence, many regional government offices are located in the area. This beautiful town has a lot of historic structures and natural attractions too!

Tacloban City to Palo - approximately PhP 10-20 (10-20 minutes by bus or jeepney)

Ormoc City to Palo - approximately PhP100 (2 hours by van)

Places to Explore

1. Leyte Landing Memorial (MacArthur Park)

One of the reasons why Palo is renowned in the Philippines is the Leyte Landing on October 20, 1944. Gen. Douglas MacArthur's promise of his return to this country was fulfilled when he stepped on the beach of Palo on that historic day with Filipino and American soldiers accompanying him. In order to commemorate this event, the Leyte Landing Memorial (popularly called as the MacArthur Park) was established. If you are in Leyte, never miss to visit this place!

Tip:

- From the national highway, ride a motorcab going to the park. Fare is PhP10-20.

2. Red Beach

This is the beach where the liberation forces headed by Gen. MacArthur landed. It is called the Red Beach because of the color-coding scheme of the U.S. military and the blood that was shed on the seas during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

3. World War II Memorial for the Filipino Soldiers

Located near the church and the town's center is this memorial to the Filipino soldiers who have died during the Second World War. This site also commemorates the Australian, American, and Japanese soldiers of the war.

4. Other historical attractions:

- Japanese Shrine in Brgy. Caloogan

- Palo Municipal Library and Heritage Museum

- Palo's heritage houses

5. Natural attractions:

- Guinhangdan Hill

- Palo Binangalan Coral Reefs

- Palo Mangrove Reservation

Travel Tips:

1. From Tacloban City, you can ride a bus, a jeepney, or a multicab going to Palo. The fastest and most efficient way is through a jeepney or multicab.

2. You can do a walking tour around the town's center. After exploring its center, head on to MacArthur Park which is located in Brgy. Candahug.

3. A famous and great place to stay in Palo is The Oriental Leyte which is located near MacArthur Park.

Where is Palo, Leyte on the map?

Map by: Wikipedia

I hope this Adventurer's Guide is helpful to you.

If you have questions and inquiries, comment below or e-mail me at rokx_iphe@yahoo.com.

View my previous posts of Palo, Leyte:

- Travel Photo: Leyte Landing Memorial

- A Trip with Pondering Paodaolei

Do you like this post? Then share it on Facebook and Twitter; and do me a favor:

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Thank you so much!

Hello everyone! I'm back with the "In the Limelight" segment! Today, I'm featuring a travel writer who dearly loves cats, Filipino heritage houses, and historic churches. Her creativity in writing well-rhymed poems is worth mentioning too. Just recently, her itchy feet have led her to explore India. Today is her much-awaited birthday too! So read more, know her travel favorites, and discover some snippets of her wonderful travel experiences here.

Name: Paula O
Address: Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, Philippines
Blog: Pondering Paodaolei (www.ponderingpaodaolei.net)

While in Hongkong.

Number of countries visited: 6
Number of Philippine provinces explored: 18

Favorite travel memories:
My very first travel: Bacolod City. It is simply unforgettable and it is the reason I started sharing my travel stories. I'd like to share it here: 20 Hours With Him.

Favorite travel destinations:
- The Enchanting Enchantment of El Nido
- Breathless in Biliran
- Miag Ao
- Calaguas Islands, I Love You

Enchanted by the beauty of El Nido in Palawan.

Most embarrassing travel moment:
So far, I can't think of any yet.

Something I learned about myself while traveling:
Being independent

One thing I always bring while traveling:
Money

Injuries/illnesses incurred while traveling:
I'm not sickly. But I remember last 2012 I traveled every weekend in between work weeks, after those travels, I got sick with flu. My friend Heiz call it "after-travel sickness".

Lost items/gadgets while traveling:

My wallet and my mobile phone. I was left with nothing. Good thing I was with a friend. We were in Cagbalete Island, Quezon.

Things/persons I miss when I am on the road:
My cat, my books, my family, and friends.

Future travel plans:
Explore India this year. Cambodia and Laos and the rest of the Philippines next year.

Travel books I would recommend:
I'd rather read travel blogs.

Travel movies I would recommend:
I'd rather read travel books.

One tip for fellow travelers:
Be road smart!

Sum up your travel experiences in one sentence:
Amazing!

Favorite travel quote:
"Traveling is food for the itchy feet."

Watch out for the next feature that will be posted in the next few weeks! :)

It always stirs our hearts when we look back and reminisce the moments where we found pure joy and bliss with our family and friends.

Before the devastation of the super storm. . . .

In Taberna, Palompon, Leyte with Ormoc's finest Adventist Youth Leaders.

At Lake Danao with Mai of Budget Biyahera and friends.

*Read Mai's blog post: The Calm Before the Storm-- My Eastern Visayas Journey.

At the annual evaluation of Ormoc Adventist Elementary School's Adventurer and Pathfinder Clubs.

Happiness

Performed by: Lea Salonga and Gerard Salonga

Lea: You know some kids ask us what happiness really is.

Well, to me happiness is a hamburger, going to the movies, new clothes.

Well, what's your happiness, gerard?

Gerard: My happiness is a hotdog sandwich, new rubber shoes, new t-shirts,

New jeans and also my favorite part of happiness is love.

Happiness is two kinds of ice cream

Finding your skate key, telling the time

Happiness is learning to whistle

Tying your shoe for the very first time

Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band

And happiness is walking hand in hand

Happiness is five different crayons

Knowing a secret, climbing a tree

Happiness is finding a nickel

Catching a firefly, setting him free

Happiness is being alone every now and then

And happiness is coming home again

Happiness is morning and evening. Daytime and nighttime, too

For happiness is anyone and anything at all

That's loved by you

Happiness is having a sister. Sharing a sandwich. Getting along

Happiness is singing together when day is through

And happiness is those who sing with you.

“Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

November 8, 2013, just 3 days after the 22nd Anniversary of the Ormoc City Flash flood on November 5, 1991, Ormoc and the islands in Central Philippines were devastated by the super typhoon named Haiyan (Yolanda).

22 years ago.

I was 4 years old then when the flash flood brought about by Tropical Storm Uring ravaged Ormoc City with almost 5,000 recorded deaths, 3,000 missing persons, and 14,000 destroyed houses. Our small nipa house was among them. In fact, my father and older brother, while saving some things in our house, were swept away by the flood. My mother, older sisters, and me were safe in our neighbor's house and we were fervently praying for the safety of my father and brother.

Miraculously, God saved them by providing trees and flagpoles for them to hold on to and He gave them strength to swim through the flood.

November 8, 2013.

We have seen in the news that the coming storm will be the strongest to make landfall this year and my family prepared for it. Yet, little did we know that the destruction of the storm were so huge that it prompted help from the international communities.

In Ormoc, the wind started to blow at around 5am. By the time our family finished our morning worship at around 6am, the wind (which I named the first wave) became increasingly forceful and fierce. It was the start of the storm.

At around 8:30am, the eye of the storm passed by and there was stillness all around. We went out of our house and we immediately saw the damage around us. But the stillness was short-lived.

After five to ten minutes, the wind (the second wave) started to blow again on the opposite side. We took refuge in our house and we offered a prayer for our safety and the people affected by the storm. Yes, the wind was so strong, wild, and fierce! When I looked outside our window, I saw how the roofing materials were crumpled and blown by the wind. The debris of most houses and the branches of the trees were also flying in the air. Because of the powerful wind and the accompanying rain, it was white all around.

The storm slowly abated at around 2pm and in my calculation, the storm devastated Ormoc for six to eight hours. We had the chance to survey our surroundings at around 3pm.

All around us was destruction! It was unimaginable!

I saw the devastation in its full scale when we surveyed the city one day after the storm.

I then created a status update that was posted on my Facebook wall on November 14, 2013.

"A Call for Help

Ormoc City is severely damaged due to the super typhoon. Houses collapsed, schools and government buildings were damaged, roofs, trees, and vegetations were ripped. To us, locals, it is a heart-wrenching scenario. As of today, people are trying to move on, slowly. It will take months to recover, to have electricity and water in place. If you want to help the people here, the immediate needs are food, water, building/house materials like plywood, lumber, roof, "trapal"/tents and others.

Thank you."

To all my family, relatives, and friends who helped us (my family, community, brethren) through the storm, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I will be creating a special blog post for all of you because you deserve our thanks and admiration!

We could not have survived these two great calamities without the protecting hand of God. I believe that God is still in control and He leads our way every day. Amidst the storms of life, I always find strength and inspiration from this song,

Till the Storm Passes By

Words and Music by Mosie Lister

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,

While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place.

'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Chorus

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try,

For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"

But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise

Where the storms never darken the skies.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,

Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;

In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I

Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

Looking back, I can vividly see that 2013 was a year of travels, trials, and God's blessings. These three are the most prominent things of the past year. 2013 gave me much happiness coupled with bits of sadness, much contentment paired with chunks of dissatisfaction, much hope mixed with pieces of helplessness.

Yet through it all, God is still there. His promise is ever before me, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11, NIV.

Travels

Backpacking around Southern Cebu in 2 Days
Yes, I traveled around the southern part of Cebu in two straight days! The places I covered were the city of Carcar, the municipalities of Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander, Samboan, Ginatilan, and Moalboal.

I spent my Valentine's Day at Tingko Beach in Alcoy.

Read my posts here:
2 Days of Backpacking Around Southern Cebu
Backpacking Around Southern Cebu Expenses
The Adventurer's Guide to Carcar, Cebu
The Adventurer's Guide to Argao, Cebu
The Adventurer's Guide to Dalaguete, Cebu
The Adventurer's Guide to Boljoon, Cebu
The Adventurer's Guide to Oslob, Cebu
The Adventurer's Guide to Santander, Cebu
The Adventurer's Guide to Barili, Cebu

Trip to Tacloban City
I was invited to attend the wedding of my high school classmates in Tacloban City. Reunited with high school classmates and friends plus our awesome adventures in the city made my trip a-ma-zing!

The early morning run across San Juanico Bridge.

Read my posts here:
Travel Photo: The San Juanico Bridge
A Wall Climbing Reunion in Tacloban City, Leyte
8 Exciting Things to Do in Tacloban City, Leyte

River Trek to Bito Falls
This trek was really designed to be an ocular survey to the gorgeous Bito Falls in Javier, Leyte before the start of the 2nd EVAA Grand Alumni Homecoming.

With some EVAA Alumni at Bito Falls.

Read my post here:
Leyte Travel Series: Bito Falls in Javier

The 2nd EVAA Grand Alumni Homecoming
I organized and led the 2nd East Visayan Adventist Academy Grand Alumni Homecoming being its President. The culminating event of the said homecoming was the medical mission coordinated by the alumni association in partnership with the local government of Javier, Leyte.

Read my posts here:
Travel Photo: East Visayan Adventist Academy
Our Life's Purpose is to Serve

Southern Leyte Trip
I accompanied Jherson of Lonely Travelogue and Claire of I Am Traveling Light to the southern part of Leyte. We explored Canigao Island, Maasin City, and the Agas-Agas Bridge in Sogod.

With Claire and Jherson at Canigao Island in Matalom, Leyte.

Read my posts here:
Travel Photo: Approaching Canigao Island
Travel Photo: Philippines' Tallest Bridge

Week-end Camping at Palompon, Leyte
I joined the Ormoc delegation to the Adventist Youth Encounter in Taberna, Palompon, Leyte.

Ormoc's finest Adventist youth.

Ormoc City Tour
We spent a memorable tour around the city of Ormoc with Mai of Budget Biyahera and friends.

Read my posts here:
The Happy Moments Before the Storm
8 Exciting Things to Do in Ormoc City, Leyte

Trials
I will never forget the time when I decided to postpone my trip overseas. It was a time of disappointment yet God was leading me in the right direction. November 8 came and super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) ravaged our place and devastated many parts of Central Philippines.

Read my post here:
Beyond the Flash Flood and the Storm

God's Blessings
Yet despite the storm, God granted us safety and He saved my whole family. God also provided help and support for us through the generosity of my family members, relatives, and friends.

More blessings came when I was chosen as the Central Philippine Union Conference (Visayas) representative for the One Year in Mission Phase 2 program of the Youth Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

One Year in Mission Compassion Team in Pasay City.
Photo Credit: One Year in Mission SSD

Read my personal thoughts about our mission here:
www.iamephraimarriesgado.tumblr.com

"Our plans are not always God's plans. He may see that it is best for us and for His cause to refuse our very best intentions. . . . But of one thing we may be assured, He will bless and use in the advancement of His cause those who sincerely devote themselves and all they have to His glory. If He sees it best not to grant their desires He will counterbalance the refusal by giving them tokens of His love and entrusting to them another service." - Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 473.

2013 is indeed an action-packed and memorable year for me! What about you? Share your experiences here by posting your comments below.

This is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival for December 2013

with the theme "Let the Curtains Close on 2013: A Year-End Post"

hosted by Brenna Bustamante of The Philippine Travelogue.

For previous Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival topics, click here.

ABOUT THE PHOTO
Description: New Year in a New Province
Location: Bauko, Mountain Province, Philippines
Date and Time: January 1, 2014 at 4:42 PM

Hello everyone! Today I will be featuring a photograph I took while having a Compassion project in one of the very famous parks in the Philippines.

Where in the world is this?

This is just one of the many wonderful sights in Burnham Park, one of the best known parks in the country. It is situated at the heart of the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City. In this photograph, you will see the park's man-made lake which the local people named as the Burnham Lagoon. The park also consists of the Children's Playground, Skating Rink, Rose Garden, Orchidarium, Igorot Garden, Melvin Jones Grandstand, Athletic Bowl, Picnic Grove, the Japanese Peace Tower, Pine Trees of the World, and Sunshine Park. The park was named after Daniel Hudson Burnham, an American architect and urban planner, who also made the original plan for the city of Baguio.

Personally, Burnham Park is one of the many well-known parks I want to visit. And my wish came true when the One Year in Mission- SSD team went to Baguio City for compassion projects, classes, and tour.

Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood... Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. -Daniel Hudson Burnham

Have you been to Baguio City or have you strolled around Burnham Park? How was it? Please share your experiences here by leaving a comment below!

Hi everyone! It's nice to be back here with the "In the Limelight" segment. This Valentine's Day, I'd like to introduce to you the "epic" traveler. Her distinct style of writing travel stories plus the humor that goes with it are so compelling and one-of-a-kind. Personally, I admire her remarkable talents in writing and photography making her one of my most favorite and best loved travel storytellers. Her compilation of the February 2012 Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival, Why You Should Date a Traveler, was so amusing, lovely, and heart-warming! Read more and discover some snippets of her travel experiences here.

Name: Lauren "The Epic Potato" Gaile
Address: Montreal, Quebec, Canada (screams it out pageant style!)
Blog:www.Pandelicious.com

At home in Montreal, Quebec.

Number of countries visited: 5
Number of Philippine provinces explored: Like the number of ex-boyfriends, i don't really keep count!

Favorite travel memories:
It really ranges from climbing Bongao Peak, Tawi-tawi wearing shorts and with a 19 year old student whom I just met at the airport that same morning- to bawling my eyes out while eating bacon and eggs on my hostel's internet cafe in Beijing and listening to the geckos and crickets at Siquijor while trying to fall asleep. But really, it's the great moments I had with the people I spent my epic trips with.

Favorite travel destinations:
Both Shanghai, China and Toronto, Canada are awesome places to go and try to get drunk in- and Cebu, Philippines for the awesome cheap beers.

At Huangshan Mountains, China.

Most embarrassing travel moment:
Aside from the fact that I'm a walking embarrassment and how I'm trying to shy away from fart jokes, it's really the time I murdered the French language while speaking to a Francophone after 1 too many beers.

Something I learned about myself while traveling:
I've learned to embrace--- or more likely tolerate my apparent idiocy when traveling. I suck at keeping deadlines- hence a lot of missed flights, and i have a huge propensity for getting scammed or lost because i ask too few questions and i trust people too much (even if we don't speak the same language) The fact that i'm still alive and ready for more adventures is all thanks to my friends who save my ass repeatedly and i really wish i could do more for them. The lesson that i never forget while being miles away from "Home" is that i am still a young Padawan with much to learn.

One thing I always bring while traveling:
A huge exasperated smile that i always wear when i'm lost, hungry, tired and down to my last penny. It always did a great job of pulling me out of those finicky situations.

Injuries/illnesses incurred while traveling:
Angina Pectoris, the inevitable side-effect of loving people and places that you may never ever come across again. One of the few maladies not cured by fine scotch.

Lost items/gadgets while traveling:
Money, wallet, airline tickets, shades, valuable IDs, cellphones, sense of embarrassment.

At UP-Los Baños, Laguna.

Things/persons I miss when I am on the road:
My bed, my bathroom and my Mom's low-fat, low-cholesterol and low sodium cooking.

Future travel plans:
I want to have a lot of Kosher Wine in Israel before this year ends.

Travel books I would recommend:

- Anything and Everything by Kurt Vonnegut
- Terry Pratchett's Discworld Series

Travel movies I would recommend:
Fight Club, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Darjeeling Limited :D

One tip for fellow travelers:
Say yes to anything and everything except when paying out of the meter with taxi airports and don't do anything Carrie Bradshaw/Barney Stinson wouldn't do.

Sum up your travel experiences in one sentence:
The mishaps and misadventures of a chrono-synclastic nerd backpacker trying to find life's meaning through chasing adrenaline rushing, heart pumping and soul crushing moments. TL-DR: awesome.

Favorite travel quote:
"The only purpose of life is to love whoever is around to be loved." - Kurt Vonnegut

Follow the next feature that will be posted in the next few weeks! :)

Hi everyone! Today I will be featuring one of my best loved photographs of Sagada which is a cool and beautiful town approximately 275 kilometers north of Manila.

Where in the world is this?

The sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint in Sagada, Mountain Province should not be missed! Why? For me, it is fascinating, spectacular, and breathtaking! The whole experience was indeed amazing-- seeing the hues of the sunrise, the sea of clouds, the mountain ranges, the rice terraces, the awesome view, and the tourists eagerly waiting for the sun to come out; feeling the cool air embracing my body; and realizing that God will always give us new mornings every single day. This experience will always be treasured.

And this is just one of the many exciting things to do in Sagada!

“If you want to be reminded of the love of the Lord, just watch the sunrise.”
― Jeannette Walls

Have you been to Sagada before? Have you witnessed the sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint? Kindly share your experiences here by dropping a comment below. :)

Hello! Today I will be featuring a photograph I took while exploring Sagada, a well-known travel destination in the Cordillera region.

Where in the world is this?

This is the hanging coffins in Sagada, Mountain Province. It is what Sagada is famous for, together with its cool weather, its caves, mountains, falls, views, culture, and people. The hanging coffins are found at the cliffs and caves of Echo Valley. The ethnic group of Sagada practiced this religious ritual as a form of ancestral worship or veneration. It is because they have this mysterious belief that the spirit of the dead members of the family continue to exist and make connections with the living. That is why when visiting these places, you need to be respectful and quiet.

“Disturbing the natural environment and ecology of the burial sites where the mummies were kept and preserved for centuries would not, in any way, help in the preservation of the mummies but instead push them into oblivion." - Isikias Picpican

Have you visited Sagada before? Or have you seen a hanging coffin? Please share your experiences here by dropping a comment below. :)

Sagada is one of the coldest places I have been to here in the Philippines. And I was so fortunate to explore this beautiful town after we toured around Baguio City with the One Year in Mission SSD team.

Sagada is a municipality in Mountain Province and is approximately 275 kilometers north of Manila and 140 kilometers from Baguio City. It is a notable and well-known travel destination in the Cordillera region because of its wide variety of activities for tourists and adventurers.

Let me share to you what I have seen in Sagada through my photographs!

Special thanks to:
- Southern Asia-Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventists
- Mountain Provinces Mission
- One Year in Mission SSD

This week, the One Year in Mission - SSD team together with Dream International Creative Ministries are actively involved in the preparation of one of the world’s biggest Adventist Youth events this year, the Global Youth Day 2014. Global Youth Day (GYD) is a program developed by the Youth Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to mobilize the church, more importantly the youth, to be a sermon and be a blessing to others on March 15, 2014. This will be a grand worldwide event and I am feeling the excitement now!

Here in the Philippines, particularly in the Metro Manila area, we will be doing projects and activities that will banner “Uniting in Compassion.” Compassion is an outward and random act of love and kindness to people for the purpose of blessing them. Compassion is action. Compassion is a lifestyle.

What are the activities on March 15, 2014?

- 7am to 12nn: In your area or place, do random acts of kindness or Compassion activities.
- 1pm: Assembly at Luneta Park. Prepare for Compassion Walk going to Harbour Square.
- 3pm to 5pm: Global Youth Day Live at Harbour Square, CCP Complex, Manila.

Be prepared. We hope to see you there!

Read for more information here >> Global Youth Day Uniting in Compassion.

You can see the live global streaming here >> http://bcove.me/okfna6y2.

Follow our updates here:

- Global Youth Day: www.facebook.com/AdventistGlobalYouthDay

- Compassion Philippines: www.facebook.com/CompassionPH

- One Year in Mission SSD: www.facebook.com/OneYearinMissionSSD, @oyimmnl14

Here's the background story:

The idea of this project was immediately conceptualized after I surveyed my hometown, Ormoc City in Leyte, one day after the super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) struck Visayas. I can still remember the devastating scenes I have seen. The humiliating and heart-wrenching feeling was enormous. I have empathized with the sufferings and needs of the affected people because my family was affected too. That’s why, days after the typhoon, I requested my nephew to post a status on my Facebook account requesting for help not just for my family but for other people and the community that needed help as well. Twenty days after the typhoon, I was called to be on a “special” mission here in Metro Manila for six months. Right now, I am connected with One Year in Mission for the past four months. Though I was quite hesitant to come here because I didn’t want to leave my family, yet I still accepted the call. I always believe that by being here in Metro Manila, I will become a blessing not just to my family but to other people as well.

Here are some of the photographs I took while surveying the city:

Project Description

#ProjectREBUILD is a fund-raising project, which will help in rebuilding a house, a school, and a church in Ormoc City, Leyte.

The Plan

During my last two months here in Metro Manila, I will be gathering funds from you: my friends, relatives, and readers. I will be going home on the last week of May or on the first week of June and I will be bringing these funds to my hometown. If we have enough funds, we will adopt a house, help in the roofing of a school, and aid in reconstructing a church.

More details will posted here as soon as more funds will come.

For those who wanted to send some funds, you can message me on Facebook or e-mail me.

Thank you so much for your overwhelming support to this project!

This project is strongly supported by One Year in Mission - SSD, One Year in Mission - CPUC, Compassion Philippines, and Dream International Creative Ministries.

You can contact me through:

Facebook: Ephraim Arriesgado

E-mail Address: ephraim.arriesgado@gmail.com

You can find updates and photos here:

Blog: www.selflesstravels.com / www.iamephraimarriesgado.tumblr.com

Facebook: Selfless Travels

Twitter: @SelflessTravels

Instagram: @selfless_eph

ABOUT THE PHOTO
Description: Cove Transportation
Location: Anawangin Cove, Zambales, Philippines
Date and Time: April 12, 2014 at 6:10 PM

Hello there! I am so happy to feature a friend in today's "In the Limelight" segment. I met today's featured traveler when they visited Leyte in November last year. It was just a few days before super typhoon Yolanda struck us. She was also one of my friends who helped us and prayed for us during the difficult times after the storm. Her blog focuses on budget travel and i love the simplicity and genuineness of her writing style. These blog posts are examples of her wonderful works: 8 Rockin' Romantic Getaways in the Philippines, How We Manage the Ups and Downs of Traveling As A Couple, and The Calm before the Storm- My Eastern Visayas Journey. Read more and discover some snippets of her travel experiences here.

Name: Mai Flores a.k.a. Budget Biyahera
Address: Born and raised in Quezon City!
Blog:www.budgetbiyahera.com

At Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

Number of countries visited: 6
Number of Philippine provinces explored: 29

Favorite travel memories:
Having the best seat by the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation at Burgos, Ilocos Norte would be one of my favorites. The short trek wasn’t really exciting for an unfit person like me. But the view of the South China Sea from way up the rocks was certainly awe-striking.

Favorite travel destinations:
Ilocos (Sur and Norte), Palawan, Camiguin would be my favorite Philippine destinations to date. Hong Kong is also another favorite of mine, out of all the countries that I visited.

At Twin Lagoon, Coron, Palawan.

Most embarrassing travel moment:
My boyfriend and I actually got food poisoned while we were on our way to Pagudpud from Laoag (he bought some Kalamay from a vendor in the bus). We were already on board the bus for almost an hour when his stomach started getting upset. To make the story short, my tummy started acting up too. In a whim, we ended up getting off of the bus. And right when he was about to do his 'business' by the Talahiban, a small restaurant came into sight. Good thing there was a public restroom. We actually ran towards it, and kept laughing throughout our "session." It certainly was a poop-tale that would keep us entertained for a lifetime!

Something I learned about myself while traveling:
"When push comes to shove." This puts me right smack into some of the most intense of situations whenever I travel. I'm very much an introvert. So I'm really not into asking a lot of questions or mingling with people I don't know. But if a situation comes up, I somehow rise to the occasion.

One thing I always bring while traveling:
I never leave without my Monopod. Of course, it's a given that my handy camera goes along with it.

Injuries/illnesses incurred while traveling:
I’ve never sustained any injuries while traveling. But I broke my right 5th metatarsal last year. It was fractured a few weeks before my trip to Tacloban. I had to rebook my trip since I was already plastered with a cast.

Lost items/gadgets while traveling:
I haven’t really lost anything major yet. I guess I’m just too O.C. with the things that I bring, that I always double check if I already packed this or that.

Things/persons I miss when I'm on the road:
There’s actually two people that I miss whenever I’m on the road: My family and Rubel (that’s if I’m traveling without him). Oh, and the comforts of my own bed and bathroom. Nothing beats being confined in all of your mess!

At Ngong Ping Village, Hong Kong.

Future travel plans:
I actually have a lot on my travel bucket list. But if there’s a Philippine destination that I would want to see right away, it would be Batanes, Lake Sebu or El Nido. But if it’s an international destination, I would definitely push forward with an Indochina trip with friends.

Travel books I would recommend:
I don't have a particular travel book in mind. But if there’s any, then that would be any of Paulo Coelho’s books. He’s my all time favorite. He seems to always evoke that sense of adventure into his novels. Anyway, some of my favorites are The Alchemist, By the River Piedra I sat down and wept, and Eleven Minutes.

Travel movies I would recommend:
Serendipity, mainly because I love New York City --- even if I haven’t been there yet. NYC is just magnificent!

One tip for fellow travellers:

Learn to crawl out of your shell from time to time. Meet new people and learn to be friends with them. Sometimes, the most important lessons and realizations in life come from the people that you meet on the road.

Sum up your travel experiences in one sentence:

I may not be rich, but I definitely feel fulfilled whenever I wander off into another new destination. “Travel is the Only Thing You Buy that Makes You Richer.”

Favorite travel quote:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

Follow the next feature that will be posted in the next few weeks! :)

Hi! Today I will be featuring a photograph I captured during the fun-filled, exciting, and exhilarating EPIC Weekend with friends at Zambales.

Where in the world is this?

This is the spectacular view of Anawangin Cove in San Antonio, Zambales. This cove is crescent shaped with a wondrous view of the rugged mountains. Its beach is clean and unspoilt. Lots of towering pine trees can be found in the campsite too. This cove is really perfect for picnics, campings, and beach bumming.

“In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is the story of the earth.”― Rachel Carson

Have you been to Anawangin Cove before? How was your experience? Please share it here by dropping a comment below! :)

Hello! Today I will be presenting a photograph I took while having a great and epic weekend with wonderful friends at Zambales.

Where in the world is this?

This is Capones Island, a bone-shaped island that is two kilometers long and which is a few kilometers off the shore of Barangay Pundaquit in Zambales. This beautiful and exotic island has white sand beaches ideal for swimming and picnics. It also has an old lighthouse built during the Spanish times named Faro de Punta Capones. This island visit is part of The Anawangin Experience being organized by EPIC Travels.

“If you think about it, finding true love is a lot like finding a particular grain of sand on the beach.” ― Chrissy Anderson

Have you explored Capones Island before? Have you been to its lighthouse? How was your experience? Please share it here by dropping a comment below! :)

In the Limelight: Rain Campanilla of Rakistang Nars

8 Exciting Things to Do in Ormoc City, Leyte

8 Exciting Things to Do in Tacloban City, Leyte

The Adventurer's Guide to Palo, Leyte

In the Limelight: Paula O of Pondering Paodaolei

The Happy Moments Before the Storm

Beyond the Flash Flood and the Storm

2013: Travels, Trials, and God's Blessings

Travel Inspiration for the New Year

Travel Photo: The Burnham Lagoon

In the Limelight: Lauren Gaile of Pandelicious

Travel Photo: Sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint

Travel Photo: Sagada's Hanging Coffins

Photographs of Sagada, Mountain Province

Selfless Travels Supports Global Youth Day 2014

Selfless Travels Launches #ProjectREBUILD

Travel Inspiration: A Quote by Ernest Hemingway

In the Limelight: Mai Flores of Budget Biyahera

Travel Photo: Anawangin Cove, Zambales

Travel Photo: Capones Island, Zambales