Patchwork of Joy

1. Follow or get notification from Google Flight tracker on target travel date/destination. Book as early as possible, or once the flight prices are cheaper. Track and compare prices using Google, stand on the shoulder of this giant! 2. Follow FB PH travel groups for new updates/changes in SK travel (DIY tips and visa processing). Lurk daily... 3. Process visa as early as possible to buffer some time in case processing problems occur. Do process by DIY for additional experience. 4. Get the visa travel requirements from the official page. Official website:  https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en/brd/m_3277/view.do?seq=684566&page=1 Locate the correct traveler type. (C-3-9 TOURIST) Strictly follow and only send requirements as listed in the official site.  In case you need(or want, just because) to send a letter, Chatgpt can help you with the letter template.  See sample filled-out Application Form  ---> PDF File ( Some personal information are not actual for privac...

The first time I read "If Tomorrow Starts Without Me" I was really feeling down, circa the pandemic. Lockdown was imposed everywhere. If you are sad as you read this or miss someone you can’t see or call, I hope something will cheer you up. We'll all eventually come to pass, these words of relief might not be something you would want to hear. Still, it's hopeful to think that when a loved one goes away, it was an angel that took them away. Please don't cry, at least not too much. Visiting Ma's resting place If Tomorrow Starts Without Me , David Romano If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you care for me, and how much I care for you, and each time that you think of me I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me,...

Today, I visited this blog again. Reading post after post, I've become sentimental. " Ah, this is what I wrote some 10 years ago?! " It was cathartic and I had a sudden awakening to revive this blog. I quickly set this to public again.  You see, I've been feeling empty since my mother died last February. The indefinite work time-off was much wasteful but I've been reading and writing on my daily journal. Social media drags me with unsettling feeling of not being seen by people and even by close friends. The overload of ephemeral information and the algorithm drive for monetization made us insincere at what we do. Parts of me constantly feel vulnerable and misunderstood, putting work for prying and preying incorrect audience.  As I read further, the slightly polished posts I made long ago were somewhat like a online diary too. It was private and yet not obsolete for universal feeling of connectedness. This reminds me of the essay "The Diarist on Diarists"...

"Pinatubo" means made to grow ⛰ Are we going to Tarlac or Zambales? The answer was both. The jump-off point is in Tarlac but Mt. Pinatubo crater is located in Zambales. Now this trip ticks two provinces in my A-Z PH province bucket list (counting badly, huh). Going to Mt. Pinatubo seemed daunting to me in the beginning as I couldn’t understand why reading multiple blog guides doesn’t really help when creating a DIY itinerary. Eventually, I read that taking a tour package was recommended instead of DIY since the latter was more costly. The payment of fees, the waiver signing and the 4x4 share ride was efficient with group tours. I found a Reddit recommendation and availed the package from Mt. Pinatubo Tour-Danny's Adventure (transaction via Facebook). The tour fee was ​​2,850 at time of travel (March 2023). Upon our arrival at the jump-off, it was cold. My choice of footwear adds to the chill. I wore my Merrell hiking sandals since the trek entails some river crossing. I...

Shot taken 5:53AM “There is relatively little "color" in the life of the Bontoc Igorot. [...] this lack of "color," the monotony of everyday life, has to do with the continuation of head-hunting. The life of the Igorot is somber-hued indeed as compared with that of his more advanced neighbor, the Ilokano.” - Albert Ernest Jenks, The Bontoc Igorot (1905), Aesthetic Life, page 184 Around 2019, I have put Bontoc on my travel bucket list after reading a heart warming blog about their visit. Coincidentally, I downloaded an old random expat travel book from Archive.org about their stay in this town. Four years have passed then and I have forgotten about it —  the blog, the book, and all my thoughts about it. Until, my former colleague posted about their own visit and so I thought it was familiar. I  quickly made an impromptu trip for it and dragged my brother to accompany me. Stopping by the terraces (on descent) It was a Friday in November when I arrived at the Coda Lin...

After a lovely encounter with Ambon-ambon Falls, I have put Buntot Palos on my go-to list ( like forever ). The trip was originally planned for my brother's birthday, but the month elapsed ( because life always gets in the way ). I scoured a few blogs and guides but missed important notes. My familiarity to the area preceded me ( like how it could breed contempt! ). We came under prepared ( It's my 3rd visit to Pangil, afterall ). At 6:30AM, we were on board the jeepney to Siniloan in front of Big-R, Cainta. It left at 7AM. The two-hour, full-load seat capacity jeep trip was butt-burning, hip straining ( pain calling for the love of gerunds ). Road music was the only interesting thing happening on the winding road〰 the tire grinding and biting on mostly fading asphalt road ( not as cool as Rd. 67 though ). Still, I found the sound comforting and pleasing. This route never bore me ( But again, it hurts me ). The road at Mabitac, full of twists and turns, could get nauseous ( at ...

Jump to Itinerary and Expenses   The Bus Ride from Manila to Cabanatuan      At almost noon, we arrived at Cabanatuan after 3 hours of travel from Manila. At first, I was hesitant to take the non-AC bus bound for Dingalan, opting and hoping we could take the van to avoid the scorching heat. Quickly, we were time pressured to jump at the next available public vehicle (t his ride appealed like it would tarry no man ). And so, we were en route to Dingalan on an open-windows, non-aircon bus at the peak of the afternoon heat. But as the wheels ran, I could only think of my anticipation as we got closer to our next destination.        Next to us, an old lady accompanying a big group of fellow passengers asked the bus conductor for a fare discount. She claimed that her son, whose name she mentioned twice though I didn't bother to catch, works for the bus company. The conductor with his subtle anxious look explained in detail how or where the fare will b...