All posts by geralynrigor

I am a 30-something Filipina involved in development work. Much as I am in love with traveling, meeting new people and having new experiences, I find more passion in using my skills and talents in helping shape a better future for other people, especially the rural poor. It's a bonus that I get to travel while I do just that. And oh, I'm a real sucker for good food, especially the ones that look great in photographs. And yes, I really do want to change the world. :D

Cities, CouchSurfing, FotoFolio, Leisure Trip, Religion

FotoFolio: Virtual Tour of Prince of Wales Museum (aka Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya)

February 19, 2014 geralynrigor Leave a comment

Last night, I went down memory lane as I tried to find some pictures from my volunteer life in India and among the thousands I have to check, I saw pictures from the Prince of Wales Museum, officially known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya.

I’ve seen the Prince of Wales Museum several times during my touristy trips to Colaba (aka South Bombay) area. But I never went inside. So one fine day, I checked with my friend, Leah who’s a couchsurfer from Canada, and since she also hasn’t been (you know that thing about places being close but never go to?) we both decided to learn more about Indian history, culture and the arts!

And since we held residency cards, and perhaps with some of the Hindi we managed to learn, we only paid Rs 50 to get in instead of 300. There’s a camera fee though. As it’s cheaper, I got the rate for the iPod/mobile phone (can’t remember the exact price) instead of my camera. Results are still ok, though might have been more spectacular if I had a better gear. Oh well, that’s done. What’s left now to do is to share the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya with you. Enjoy your photography-based virtual tour! Continue reading FotoFolio: Virtual Tour of Prince of Wales Museum (aka Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) →

Accommodation, Activities and Itineraries, Backpacking, CouchSurfing, Food, Leisure Trip, Provinces

CS Weekend Escape: Beach Bumming at Laiya and Food Tripping at Tagaytay

December 12, 2013 geralynrigor 1 Comment

In one rather sunny August day, me and some friends from couchsurfing decided to push through with a quick weekend escape to Laiya, Batangas — a coastline of white sand about three or four hours from the paved highways of Manila.

We actually talked about the trip a week before but weren’t really sure if we’d push through. Laiya isn’t exactly known to the Manila populace as a cheap place for a quick getaway. When you say Laiya, it’s possible that the first thought are the big and fancy resort hotels that charge you about 4000 per person for the weekend — which, I think, for the services, amenities and package food menu that is included is just fair for a touristy weekend vacay.

Continue reading CS Weekend Escape: Beach Bumming at Laiya and Food Tripping at Tagaytay →

Accommodation, Activities and Itineraries, Backpacking, Budget, Cities, CouchSurfing, Transportation, Travel Groups and Forums

CS Weekend Escape: Surfing at Zambales

August 15, 2013 geralynrigor 3 Comments

In my desperate attempt for a weekend escape from all the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, I turned to newly-found and not-yet-met CouchSurfing friends and folks to go surfing at Zambales!

But of course, backtrack a little bit: most of us got bottomless on tequilas and hit the dance floor first (Payback Friday mode at Agave and 7th High) before hitting the beach! Special thanks to Jen for organizing, Craig for keeping our bags at his pad, and Abby for the magic password for Guest List at 7th high!

Bottomless margaritas and mojitos at Agave Cantina, Bonifacio High Street

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CouchSurfing, Food, Foodie Friday

FoodieFriday: Indian Thirstday and Western Wednesday with CouchSurfers

August 15, 2013 geralynrigor Leave a comment

Realizing that the Zambales group actually consisted of people from India or has lived in India, love Indian food, or just willing to try the spiced cuisines, it was decided to have an Indian dinner at Kapil’s home before going to the Thirstday venue which is just two blocks away.

As we were in a vegetarian’s home, and because Indian vegetarian dishes are yummy in the first place anyway, all of the food prepared were various vegetable dishes that are quite common in India. I think this gave the dinner cook-out a very “uniquely Indian” touch. On the to-be-cooked menu: arhar dal, rice, paneer bhurji, potato greenpeas curry, chole masala, boondi rayta, and parantha. Had to drop by Swagat for the additional chapattis and papadom! Continue reading FoodieFriday: Indian Thirstday and Western Wednesday with CouchSurfers →