TRAVEL JOURNAL: New York City, USA

"New York - concrete jungle where dreams are made of. There's nothing you can't do now you're in New York. These streets will make you feel brand new; the lights will inspire you."

Most New York tourists would quote this song since it's one of the most famous New York City songs. After having been to New York myself, I couldn't help but quote the song too. It was a surreal moment, really. We all know that the city that never sleeps have been used in a gazillion movies and I am so blessed to see and understand why. The lights have really inspired me.

Where to stay?

www.choicehotels.com/

Some people I know usually stay with their relatives, because hotels in the city are kind of expensive. If you are looking for a budget hotel, I would recommend the Comfort Inn. We stayed there for 4d/5n, and basically just to sleep or rest after touring around the city. It is located at the West side of Manhattan, New York City, and a few-minute walk to Central Park and to 2 subway stations. There are other branches of Comfort Inn in New York City, but each branch have different rates. The closer you are to the tourist spots, the more it will cost you.

Comfort Inn Central Park West
31 W 71st St
New York, NY, United States
+1 212-721-4770

Comfort Inn Times Square South Area
305 W 39th St
New York, NY, United States
+1 212-268-3040

Comfort Inn Lower East Side
136 Ludlow St
New York, NY, United States
+1 212-260-4141

How to start your tour?

1. Make yourself your own tour guide

www.roughguides.com

It is always fun to just be free, walk around the city at your own time, and taking lots of good pictures without the time pressure. The fact that you get to experience walking in New York City is awesome, simply because IT IS NEW YORK, BABY! Just by observing how fast the New Yorkers walk like everybody's in such a rush is basically food for the soul. Seeing them ride a bike or subway to their offices wearing  suit and tie will awe you. Yes, it came in a bit shocking to me because I never ever seen one here.

Don't worry about the city and subway map. They are free at the airport, and most likely than not, they also come in free at the hotel you are staying at.  It is fun to walk around unfamiliar places and discover new things. Don't worry about getting lost in the big city. Don't be scared to ask the locals for directions; they know better.

2. Avail a Walking Tour

www.getyourguide.com

There are a lot of tours New York has to offer. You just have to choose if you'd rather walk or ride a bus. If you choose to join a walking tour, it is for free. The Sandemans New Your tour offers a 2 1/2 free tour and starts every day at 11 am. You just have to meet the tour guide in front of THE MUSUEM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN.

This tour covers: Wall street, 9/11 Memorial, Broadway, New York Stock Exchange, Broadway, Battery Park, Trinity Church, Federal Hall, Bowling Green, Trump Building (40 Wall Street), Woodworth Building, St. Paul's Chapel, Musueam of the American Indian, and much more. Since the tour is for free, I guess they deserve a tip. Tipping is customary.

They also have MIDTOWN TOUR that starts also every day at 3 pm for $20. Meet your tour guide in front of the clock in GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL MAIN CONCOURSE. It is also a 2 1/2 walking tour that covers Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, Broadway, The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, The Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, St. Patrick's Cathedral, 42nd Street, Prohibition-era Speakeasies, Bryant Park, New York Public Library, Shubery Alley, and more.

For more information about this tour, kindly visit their website at www.sandemansnewyork.com

3. Ride a Hop-off Hop-on Sightseeing Bus

When we arrived in New York City we were actually clueless on how we are going to start to explore the city. The front desk at our hotel suggested to try the hop-off hop-on sightseeing bus to surely see everything. There are of course hop-off hop-on sightseeing bus companies in New York such as City Sightseeing New York, City Sights NY, and Big Bus New York.

We availed the 2 Day all loops package of BIG BUS B Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing for $59. It is way cheaper than the other tour buses. It is a 2 decker bus, and the upper level is open - meaning no roof. I must suggest that you sit on the upper level to see the beauty of the big city, and for you take good pictures. This tour includes the Downtown Loop, Uptown Loop, Brooklyn Tour, Night Tour. It also comes with a free sightseeing cruise to Statue of Liberty, and one hour Bike Rental around the city. I must say the tour was really worth it.

There is no particular meeting place. Just go to any bus stop that has a "BIG BUS" on it, or go to M&M's World Stop at 7th Ave & W 48th St. 

Downtown Loop (8 am start time to 5 pm last departure): M&M's World Stop, Times Square 42nd, Empire State Building, Korea Town, Flat Iron District, Union Square, Greenwich Village/NYU, Noho, Soho/Little Italy, Chinatown, World Trade Center/City Hall, Battery Park - State Street, Battery Park - Battery Place, High Line, and Madison Square Garden/Penn Station

Uptown Loop (8:50 am start time to 5:10 last departure): M&M's World stop, Times Square 42nd, Rockefeller Center, Central Park & Colombus Circle, Lincoln Center Plaza, Dakota/Strawberries Fields, American Musuem of Natural History, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Grant's Tomb/Riverside Church, Apollo Theatre/Harlem, Museum of the City of New York, The Guggenheim Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Frick Museum, Central Park Zoo, and Central Park South.

Brooklyn Tour (Departure times: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm): Meeting place is at the bus stop near the New York City Hall. It is at the right side if you are facing the City Hall.

It is a non-stop ride when touring around in Brooklyn. It will only stop at two places: the World Trade Center/City Hall and Prospect Park & Zoo. And if you wish to go back to Times Square after this tour, take the Downtown Loop bus.

Night tour (Departure times is every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 8:30 pm): Meeting place is at the M&M's World Stop

Where/What to eat?

I am kind of disappointed myself because I wasn't able to go food tripping. But, I might as well share the food I ate, and supposed to eat.

1. PIZZA

CO's Pizza

cbsnewyork.files.wordpress.com

Well, who wouldn't think of Pizza if you are in New York. You must definitely eat one while you are in the big city! We actually had our pizza at Big Nicks, but when I searched it on google, it was closed already :(

Where to try:
Co.
230 Ninth Ave.
New York, NY 10001

Di Fara Pizza
1424 Ave. J
Brooklyn, NY 11230 

Don Antonio by Starita
309 W. 50th St.
New York, NY 10019

2. CHEESECAKE

Junior's

https://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/

I guarantee you that the best cheese cake is in New York. You can buy your yummy cheesecake at the Junior's Most Fabulous Cheesecake and Desserts at Brooklyn, NYC.  It is too delicious that even President Barack Obama bought 2 cheescakes by himself (but of course with bodyguards) - one plain and one strawberry

Where to try:
Junior's Most Fabulous Cheesecake and Desserts
BROOKLYN
386 Flatbush Avenue EXT
Brooklyn, NY 11201

GRAND CENTRAL
Restaurant, Lower Level, Dining Concourse

TIMES SQUARE
West 4th St. between Broadway and 8th Ave

3. BURGER

Burger Joint

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/

I love burger. This is one of my comfort foods. Everybody loves burger, who would not, right? Those juicy fat patty, melted cheese, just-right-toasted buns, fresh lettuce, and so much more! Does these make you hungry now?

Where to try:

Burger Joint
Le Parker Meridien
119 West 56th St

Greenwich Village

33 West 8th Street

Shake Shack

MADISON SQUARE
Southeast Cor of Madison Square Park 
near Madison Ave and E 23 St

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
49 Grand Central Terminal
Lower Level Dining Concourse

They have lots of branches not only in New York City. 

Check their website for more information. 

4. HOT DOGS

Shake Shack

www.michaelnassar.net

You can grab one along the streets of New York - The food trucks. They are cheap, and delicious. It will just cost you $1. 

Where to try:
Shake Shack
They have mulitple location in NYC. Check their website.

Gray's Papaya
2090 Broadway, New York

Papaya King

179 East 86th Street
New York, NY 10028

5. BAGELS

Black Seed Bagels

http://theepochtimes.com/

Fresh and healthy! Everybody's choice for breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner!

Where to try:
Black Seed Bagels

170 Elizabeth St. New York, NY 10012

Absolute Bagels
2788 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, United States

Someday, I would go back to this Big City, and try all of these, and explore more. 5 days is not enough, I know. Thank You!

Top 6 things to do on a plane

You are going to hear different stories from people who travel far destinations by air. I know some people who enjoy the long haul, and also some who go crazy and grumpy. Unfortunately, I am one of those people who go crazy and grumpy; and so I figured I'd share some tips on how to survive a long flight - just like our flight going to Toronto, Canada. 

In this case, I prepared my  "Carry-On Luggage" or as I call it, "My Survival Luggage". I brought everything that I could play with while on the plane to kill boredom, because I don't usually get to sleep on the plane. I envy those people who can doze off just to psychologically shorten the trip. 

So here's what I did 30,000 feet above the ground.

1. LISTEN TO MUSIC

Listening to music helps you feel calm, relaxed, and eased during the long flight. Download as many as songs you want, cause you're definitely going to need it. I would also suggest to use SPOTIFY, since they have really good albums and playlists that you can download instantly. You just have to pay P129/month if you want to listen to your music offline. 

2. WATCH MOVIES

This is one of my favorite things to do on a plane. In this particular flight, I ended up watching 70% of the inflight movies on the plane including the non-english movies i.e, Chinese & Korean. I also suggest you load up your iPhone, iPad, iTouch, or whatever gadget you have with different series and movies. Just do not forget to charge them beforehand - you don't want your shows to get cut off just cause you ran out of battery. A high-watt power bank could be of big help too.

3. READ A BOOK

I'm not much of a book reader in reality, but a 13-hour flight could convert me into one. I still wasn't able to finish the book I brought, but it helped me kill at least 45 mins of the whole flight. To the bookworms who are reading this entry, I'm sure you could relate to this. I'd also assume you could actually finish more than 3 books. It's advisable to read a book on the plane also because unlike car rides, you don't really feel the movement of the plane so you won't get dizzy as you read.

4. PLAY GAMES

It may be on your phone, tablet or laptop. After watching a bunch of movies, I played on the inflight tv-monitor. I'm so glad airlines keep on innovating their planes to help their passengers enjoy and feel comfortable during the flight. 

5. EATING

Throughout my years of travelling by air, I've noticed how much plane food has improved. I remember hating plane food because they used to be very oily, tasteless, and you know, just being prepared "for the sake". For this particular trip, I admire how Korean Air chose a distributor that really knows how to make the food delicious, interesting, and satiating. Also, since this was a long flight, the flight attendants served snacks and drinks every once in a while.

6. DO NOT CHECK YOUR WATCH

Even if you own a Rolex and your watch is just a delight to look at, you should refrain from checking it when you are in the plane and you know you are gonna be there for more than 10 hours. There's nothing you can do about it anyway, so why do you need to remind yourself from time to time that you have 7 hours more to go? You're just reminding yourself of the agony of being seated for a long time.

Yup, those are the things I did to kill time. Although I would just like to add that there are no perfect flights. Even if you equip yourselves with things to do, there will always be something/someone that can ruin your flight. Say, a kid who keeps on playing with his tray table, and you're the unlucky person who's seated on the chair where his table is connected - things like that. Or maybe there would be a person who forgot to take a shower before his flight and he is seated next to you, or even in front of you. Or maybe a person who keeps on snoring so loud that even the pilots can hear it.

To sum this entry up, a long, lousy flight will all be worth it especially when you know in your heart that your destination is a place where your heart will be satisfied with memories and experiences.

TRIPOMATIC : You can make your own itinerary stress-free!

I am happy to have found this website on the internet while I am searching for destinations in New York. TRIPOMATIC helps you make your own itinerary. You just have to type the city you are going to, and all the main tourist spots and attractions will appear. It is really a great help in organizing your itinerary for your upcoming travels. 

First: Choose your destination.

For example, New York.  

Second: Select the date of your visit, or the date you wish to visit. 

Automatically, all the tourist spots and attractions will appear. By then, you will have an idea of the places that are closer to your hotel, and easier to go to.

Third: Select the places you wanted to go. 

TIP: Put them all on your DAY 1. So, you would know what are the tourist destinations that are near to each other.

Fourth: Regroup the places you have selected

Go to MENU, and click ITINERARY. 

This is why I suggested to put all your destinations on DAY 1. You can easily regroup the places depending on the number of days you are staying, and also to the places you are going to. You will know the places that are close to each other, and also to your hotel. At least, you will be less stressed, and end your confusion of "Malapit ba ito dito?", "Ano uunahin natin puntahan na malapit sa hotel?, "Hindi ba ito out of the way sa mga pupuntahan natin?". 

Here, I regrouped all the places that I've selected, and separated them from Day 1 to Day 5.  This will be our guide throughout our travel in New York.

Lastly: Generate your itinerary.

Click the TRIP MENU, and then choose whether you want to share or download it. You can download it and sync it to your phone or print it, or share it to your family and friends through social media. 

When you have downloaded the file, the address, contact numbers, admission fees, etc., are also included. In this case, you don't have to search on the internet all the details of your destinations. SO STRESS-FREE!

TRIPOMATIC is also available on your mobile phones. Get it on Google Play (Androids), Apple Store, and BlackBerry World for FREE! Enjoy!! 

Thank you!

Philippines : Taal Volcano

Tagaytay City is one of the famous tourist spots here in the Philippines. It is only 2 hours away from Metro Manila, depending on the traffic. I have been to Tagaytay so many times, and surprisingly, hindi ako nagsasawa. Tagaytay is best for road trip, food trip, sight seeing, tambay - simple get away from Metro Manila with family and friends.

The top 3 famous landmarks in Tagaytay is The Taal Volcano, Picnic Grove, and The Palace in the Sky.

My friends and I decided to go to Taal Volcano instead of looking at it from afar; also since we've been there for so many times, and we were curious about it. My boyfriend immediately arranged the booking on the internet (Click here for the tour package). They have day tours for P600 and P900 only. The P900 includes horseback riding, boat ride, tour guide, face mask, and sun hat. The P600 package is the same with the P900, only without the horseback riding. We availed the P600 package, because we wanted to hike, and enjoy every moment of it. Sir Marvin was our contact, and instructed us on how to get to Talisay, Batangas.

When we arrived at the meeting place, Sir Marvin told us the safety precautions and everything that should be remembered when hiking. Afterwards, we rode the boat. It was a bumpy 30-minute ride. Hence, we arrived safely. Taal Volcano is still active, but it is still safe to hike.

First timers are welcomed to hike here. With or without a tour guide is alright. There are a lot of people hiking here. You can just follow them. We hiked approximately 8 kilometers, and it took us an hour and 30 minutes to get to the crater of the Taal Volcano.  Don't forget to put sunblock because it is screaming hot!! 

It is really beautiful personally rather than seeing it from afar. Our tour guide said that we can actually go down, but we have to pay an additional cost for that.

We went to the other side of the crater, and paid 50 pesos for the entrance fee. No words to describe this picturesque view.

We ended our tour at Tagaytay City eating Bulalo and Sisig, and chilling at Starbucks before we headed back to Manila. 

Thank you Sir Marvin and Kuya tour guide for the great tour and service. We really had fun!

Salamat!

What's in my bag? : Travel Edition

In less than 2 weeks, my mother and I will go on a travel to Canada and USA. I can barely imagine the pain in the ass I'm going to feel but I'm pretty sure I won't enjoy it that much. So, in order for me to feel at ease during the long flight, I have to bring half of my things from home.

 P.S. Thank you po Ma'am Nica for  lending me your book :)

My mom bought this for me. Yes, I'm okay with it. I am really not after the style. I am after its durability and capability to hold  and secure all my belongings. This Swiss Gear bag has a padded laptop space that can fit laptops up to 15", a padded tablet pocket, organizer pocket, and a water bottle and sunglasses pocket. 

What's more lovely about this bag? UNLIMITED WARRANTY. If the zipper is broken, they will replace it ALL. 

I have to bring all my gadgets, since we are going to be away for almost a month. I only bring my laptop if my travel exceeds more than a week. I also fear that I would ran out of things to do in the airport and on the plane. 6 hours to Korea, and another 13 hours to Toronto, Canada. 

Of course, my DSLR and GoPro for pictures and videos. 

I have these 4 amazing pouches, which I am loving right now. These small pouches helps me organize my things. Whenever I'll need something, I'll know which of the pouches I shall pull from my bag. Easy and stress-free. 

1. Electronic Pouch

2. Makeup Kit

3. Instax and GoPro accessories

4. Toiletries

My Electronic Pouch contains all my chargers and usb cords. I was surprised that everything fits perfectly. With this pouch, you don't have to worry all the tangled cords inside your bag. 

What's inside? 

1. Phone's Charger

2. GoPro Dual Battery Charger (Ziplock)

3. GoPro USB Cord (Camera)

4. GoPro Remote USB Cord

5. Laptop's Charger

6. DSLR's Charger

7. Power bank's USB Cord

8. Earphones

I love bringing this Instax especially on my travels. Pose, Click, Flash...TADAAAA. Instant memory, indeed. 

Extra battery for GoPro is a must. Based on my experience, GoPro has a short battery life, even though I barely use the remote and its wifi. I'm still happy with it though :)

It is a good thing to have a connecting flight from Manila to Canada (Manila-Korea-Canada). I couldn't imagine myself riding a plane straight to the other side of the world. It is hard to freshen up in the lavatory of the plane. 

In bringing your toiletries, especially the liquids such as facial wash, contact lens solution, lotion, toothpase, they should be in a container not more than 100 ml.Then, place them inside your pouch or a plastic bag that is securely sealed.

Let me know what's in your bag when you travel! 

Thank you!

Philippines : PANGASINAN

After spending Christmas at home, we got the chance to celebrate the remaining days of 2014 with our relatives (mother's side) in Pangasinan. It was also my Ate Carla's wedding so we pretty much had all the reasons to go. We stayed there for 5 days, and it was really.....f u n.

Everybody is busy whenever there is a wedding. The preparation is really exhausting. They started to put up a tent made up of kawayan and covered it with trapal in front of the house, because the reception will be held there. The food will be cooked by the best cooks in town - the oldies. Some of our relatives also helped the oldies.  Walang tulugan preparation. They have to be awake for the night, that's why the music played all night long.

THE WEDDING

DECEMBER 28, 2014

DECEMBER 29, 2014

THE BEACH

Not every trip is what you wish and expect to be. We were supposed to go to Hundred Islands. It is just a 20 minute drive from our house in Mabini, Pangasinan. Everything was settled. We already rented a boat the day before. We prepared everything. But there was one thing left unsure....the weather. The waves were so huge that no boat could pass through; even the large ones couldn't. We actually waited, hoping for some miracle to happen, but the coast guards suddenly cancelled all the pending trips to the islands.

HUNDRED ISLANDS

So we decided to go to another beach. We went to Dasol, from Alaminos Pangasinan. It took us an hour and 30 minutes to get there. Ever since I was a kid, we always go there. Too bad I have only come to appreciate its beauty just now. Maybe because as I kid, I was only after the sea. It may not have that fine, white sand, nor the blue green clear sea, but it is still beautiful. I love the view of the palm trees from the sea, and the swirling clouds above it. 

There is no entrance fee, but you of course you have to rent a cottage which only costs 300 php.  The cottage is good for 6 to 8 pax. You can also grill some fishes, liempo, eggplants, or whatever you want for free. You just have to bring your coal and utensils.