Knowing locals and immersing in their everyday lives  are the things that we never failed doing whenever we go out on a trip. It’s a leaning, enriching and inspiring experience. It makes us feel like toddlers all over again–ignorant and clueless as blank slates.

My favorite subject is people, particularly children. Watching them while they play (or work), inspires us to sit down and start writing and tell their stories. Or, take their pictures, to show their smiles and how they see the world through their unclouded eyes.

Each one got something to say and …

The town of Siem Reap is a provincial capital, a concrete oasis sprouted out of the vast land of scattered temples, rice fields and jungle. It has its own international airport and a fair share of first class accommodations. No building is higher than three floors and most of the establishments are converted or made to cater tourists from all over the world, that is in a form of hotels, restaurants, massage parlors, bars and the list goes on. Pub street (where our hostel is located) is the heart of the town. …

Hidalgo is the “Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory” for photography enthusiasts, shrouded with street vendors selling all sorts of knickknacks ranging from dvd’s, delicacies and vegetables to nonsensical bagatelles. Its texture, colors and even smell is so rich and chaotic even the tubattaha reef will be upstaged. Nested in the middle of Manila’s core of oddities—Quiapo. Here you can get DSLR’s, point-and-shoot and every imaginable photography accessories at a rock bottom price. Malls are selling the same items at a more expensive amount, I mean 150% marked up as compared to the …

“the tormented heart doesn’t just find happiness, it becomes happiness”.   ¬umeed merchant. “the ground beneath her feet” by salman rushdie

my feet draws me to the sound of rock. and you, i am not so sure. but there must have been a constant sadness that made us roam around the streets of angkor. we were trying to gather all that must make one long for something that would transform tormented hearts into a peaceful lullaby.
there are some sadness that only strangers can understand. i am probably trying to escape a past …

It was around 6:00 PM (manila time) I was snoozing when a tremor woke me up. Not sure about the magnitude but it was that strong that the few seconds of movement of my apartment building jolted me up from my dream sequence.
I never thought it’s a warning of nature. 12 hours later right across the other side of the globe, in Port-au-Prince a 7.0 magnitude eartquake hit the city one unsuspecting afternoon. This claimed the lives of what feared to top about 100,000 people. This nation has never faced …

This one caught our eyes when we were walking along Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
We weren’t sure of the exact site where it will be rising, but the Kutcheros confirmed that Legacy Superclub will open in the middle of this UNESCO World heritage site, that same old house where the banner is posted.
We were speechless, didn’t really know what to say.
What are your thoughts about this?

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Yes, this is an addendum to what Monette just posted couple of days back. Banteay Srei trully deserves an encore.

Unlike other temples in Angkor, Banteay Srei is not within the cluster of structures surrounding Angkor Wat. It is 25 km (15 miles) north-east of the main group of temples, around 30 minutes drive away from center.

On the way to this so called “citadel of women”, you will pass by the outskirts of Siem Reap, and seeing Khmer locals in their everyday life is absolutely a treat to backpackers like us. I …

There is such a thing as being lost to reality. A reality spun by ancient dream weavers so that what you see is a reflection of what used to be. Angkor’s magic is like such, and we were willing to get lost in its web. 

Banteay Srei, also known as the ‘Citadel of Women’ or ‘Citadel of Beauty’ because of its intricate carvings, was said to have been dedicated to Yajnyavahara, a courtier of King Rajendravarman, who was known for his philantrophy. Originally known as Tribhuvanamahesvara — great lord of the …

Once, Shiva, a very powerful god, grew tired of the cycle of life and death and reincarnations. He decided to give up the pleasures of life and he smeared his body in ash and he didnt eat or drink or indulge in any physical pleasure. This created a terrible fire within him. It transformed him into a blazing lingam which threatened to destroy all creation. The other gods didnt know what to do. A yoni appeared, the symbol of the goddess. She absorbed Shiva’s terrible heat, restoring balance to the …

We had our rainy Boracay stint last September, and we really had fun despite the b**chy weather. We managed to make the best of what the island can offer the Flip’n Travelers way. CLICK HERE to see our 2009 Bora adventure.

Now Imagine this: Flying with no less than the country’s flag carrier. Being taken care of, including all meals throughout the entire trip, plus covering the island activities with PhP5,000 pocket money, and it will run for 5 Days while staying in 5 Star Luxury Resort.
Now wake-up! You can make …