SINGAPORE 2024

Marina Bay Sands Sony A7IV ■ f/7.1 ■ 1/800 ■ ISO 100

Our Philippine trip this year was through Singapore. My wife wanted to try Singapore Airlines not knowing that the first stop was 19 hours to Changi Airport in Singapore before continuing to Manila for another 3-hour flight. When I pointed out to my wife about the flight, she did not know that it would take that long. Compared to other airlines like Korean Air and Asiana, it was about a 14-hour flight. Singapore Air route was eastward compared to others which were westward.  

Other than the flight time, it was good. Food and service inside the plane is good. Though halfway through our flight our section lost entertainment, and we were given a $200 voucher which we could use to purchase items in the airline shopping magazine. Though, I did not think I received it in my email. 

This was our second stop over at Changi Airport. The first time was last year from India to Manila. Both times we did not have time to go out of the airport to visit Jewel. However, this time around on our return flight to United States from Manila, we have more than 12 hours layover. 

Prior to our departure in Manila, we applied for a transit visa and availed of their free tour courtesy of Singapore Tourism. We were able to go out of the airport on a tour bus and went to popular sites Singapore is to offer. We went to the area where you can see Merlion overlooking the Marina Bay Sands and other stunning buildings. Our tour guide also mentioned that we passed through the street where the F1 cars race is every year. Our tour also stopped by Gardens by the Bay where you can see the super trees. Then at the end of the tour they dropped us off back at the airport with 2 options: back to the gate or stop by Jewel. 

Since we had more time, we opted to get dropped off at the Jewel and walked around and marveled at the indoor waterfalls. We also had dinner at a Chinese restaurant with an extensive line at level B2. I need to go back to my card charges to find out the name of the restaurant. I paid about $40 for 2 people and our table was filled with so much food that we did not even finish. It was good by the way; we just did not know that some of the dishes we ordered were for 2 people. 

We then walked to the airport through the bridge connecting Jewel and Changi Airport. We just waited at the boarding gate on our flight back to United States.

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PHILIPPINES 2024 - BAGUIO CITY

The Summer Capital of the Philippines. Every summer, people from the lowlands flock to this highest city in the Philippines to escape the heat and enjoy its beauty. My family moved here because of my father's job when I was in 3rd grade in elementary. I remember my brother and I visited my family on my father's side in Manila every summer.

This was decades ago and this city is far less attractive than it used to. Back then, the City of Pines (another nickname of the city) had pine trees and the side of the mountain was full of trees. The air was fresh and you will need a sweater when outside.

Sad to say that after all these years and after much improvement and progress, I feel that this city that used to be the Summer Capital or the City of Pines is no more. The trees were cut down to give way to high-rise condominiums and subdivisions. The city became so crowded and much much worse during summer. I will try to look for old pictures that I have of my beloved city to show you what it looked like.

This city was our last stop before heading back down to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. From Pangasinan, we drove to our Airbnb in Baguio City to spend a couple of nights. It was a 2 bedroom condo. I am guessing owners bought condo units for this purpose. Our condo's balcony overlooks other housing developments and several condominiums, gone are the days when you could see luscious green trees and a breath of fresh air. That time you smell gas fumes and noises from vehicles.

When we arrived at our condo, it was already night time and we just ate our dinner and chit chat then called it a night. I was surprised that we needed an electric fan because it was hot and humid. It was supposed to be cold but I guess this is what we pay for progress.

The next day, Chona stayed for work and we got ourselves ready to go to Camp John Hay to grab a breakfast buffet. This used to be an American base where servicemen came for R&R. Technically they built the Kennon Road that connects the city to the lowlands. Before you could not get admission to John Hay without passing through security. Since the Americans left the country, this place was converted to some tourist attractions, and built hotels and restaurants.

I just found out that I did not take many photos here. The one shown below is Mines View. Decades ago, you would only see the mines, hence, Mines View. Now, the mines closed and the area is being converted into a housing development.

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After breakfast, we just strolled in Camp John Hay and they headed back to the condo and dropped my wife at a flower shop. We needed to get flowers to lay on her father's and brother's graves. This was the main reason we went up to the city, to visit the graves of her deceased father and brother. Did I mention that my wife used to live here as well decades ago? I did not meet my wife here in the city but in Manila, however, that is a topic next time.

Later that day, we went for dinner at the Slaughter House. Kid you not, it was my first time to come here and dine although I used to live here. I was told that this area has improved a lot and was made famous by bloggers who dined here. If you are a picky eater then I suggest not to come here, otherwise, you should try what they have to offer and you will not be disappointed.

The next day, we made sure that the Airbnb was in order before we turned in the key to the caretaker. Then got ourselves ready to drive to the cemetery where my father-in-law and brother-in-law were laid to rest. Afterward, a long drive back to Laguna.

PHILIPPINES 2024 - TRIP NORTH

Two weeks is not enough time to spend vacationing in the Philippines. It has been just a week and most of the things we've done aside from celebrating our mother's birthday were doing day trips.

This was the only time we could get away for several days. My wife planned a trip to Pangasinan and then to Baguio City with her niece Tania and her mom, Chona. They picked us up at the Seda Hotel. I was told that they were driving alternately since they were working remotely. We were supposed to be picking up a friend from the States who came to the Philippines as well but there was some change of plan.

Our first stop after about a two-hour drive was at a rest area 50 miles from our hotel. It just goes to show that you need more time to vacation in the Philippines. Traffic to Manila is brutal despite the road improvements they have made.

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Then, another 4 hours to get through 90 miles. We stopped at Los Pedritos restaurant in Alaminos, Pangasinan for a late lunch before we headed to the resort, Bamboo Paraiso, where we booked for 2 nights. They were checking out restaurants with high star ratings and this one came up. But before the restaurant, we stopped at fruit vendors along the highway to buy some mangoes. My wife was haggling for a better price, which you can see it was ₱70 per kilo, roughly $1.25 per 2.2 lbs. She bought a lot.

Going back to the restaurant, it was decent and you can't beat the price. We also bought baked goods since they also have a bakery.

After our meal, we drove for about 10 miles to our destination. Our Google map led us to the wrong way. We were supposed to go through another resort to get to ours but they have blocked access. We need to turn around and look for road signs to Bamboo Paraiso.

When we finally got there, it was a small resort and we had to park our car outside the resort. Not to mention that it was not as good as it looks on the website. I believe there was a huge contingent of military personnel with their families on their R&R. It was nighttime already when got there, and they had commandeered the central area where doing karaoke and getting drunk. Too bad for us, our room did not shield us from their revelry.

This resort is famous for its 100 Islands. This was my first time being here, even though I used to live less than 100 miles north of here. We did not get to see anything since it was dark, we just ordered dinner and ate after we freshened up. My wife booked 3 rooms, but we only occupied 2 since our friend had changed of plans.

The next morning, we woke up to the same noise we had last night. I thought those people singing did not sleep. But the good thing was we got ready for breakfast and we booked our island hopping tour and left their revelry.

The only plus side for this resort was the proximity for booking the island hopping tour, literally just outside where we parked our car. We had to change the boat we booked since it was small and there was no ample cover for the sun. We opted for one good for 10 people, though we were only 3. There were a lot of tourists that day and we were only able to manage 4 islands. 100 Islands Pictures

Manaoag, Pangasinan

We only stayed at the resort for 2 nights and 2 days; just spent a full day island hopping. We left the resort on our 2nd day to go up to Baguio City. We always pass by The Shrine of Manaoag whenever we are going up to Baguio, and sometimes going down, depending on the plan.

The drive is about 50 miles away from the resort, however, we stopped by roadside stores to buy some local food to take to Baguio. By the way, I have not mentioned the weather, it was a scorcher. I needed to douse my head with cold water when we visited the Shrine. We just lit up candles and offered up some prayers for our loved ones. There were a lot of people since it was Sunday.

After our visit, we drove for about 12 miles to Silverio's Seafood Restaurant. Another Google search and a recommended place to eat. As usual, my wife ordered too much food that we had to wrap up and take with us. Manaoag Pictures

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