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, Food

MetroMania: couchsurfing party night at Republiq

July 8, 2013 geralynrigor Leave a comment

People who really know me won’t dub me as a party girl–not in a go-clubbing-all-night-every-night definition at least. But, they would tell you that whenever I do party, I make sure I party hard. And that night at Republiq was no exception.

I wasn’t really planing on going out with couchsurfers that night as I made plans with college friends. Turns out, everybody just got busy and rather than sulking about it, I accepted an invite from couchsurfing friends for what will eventually be known/called Payback Friday, the history of which I would know only later.

So, from Japanese food at Nihonbashi Tei and sake (rice wine) to enjoy it with, then to beer-induced dance-while-sitting moments and make do for the failed beer pong attempt due to the long queue of yuppies and not-so-old buddies at Cable Car, to the one helluva rocking night of dancing and drinking an amazingly-not-that-expensive beer and free pass through a Guest List (thanks Mariane!)at Republiq in Resorts World Manila, I would say that it was a Friday party night that best capped a really long week!

And yes, I danced like no one was watching. Partied like it’s the end of the world. Smiled to myself even, as I remembered a beloved dance partner and what it felt to be alive. It truly was liberating, to just feel the music and move to the rhythm–without care, without doubt, without limits.

Activities and Itineraries, Backpacking, Cities, Leisure Trip, Religion, Transportation

Backpacking South East Asia: Walking Around Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok

May 17, 2013 geralynrigor 1 Comment

Bangkok is known here in the Philippines, and perhaps in many other countries, as a place to do your bargain shopping. Little do people know that it is in Bangkok where they will be introduced to Buddhism, whether it was their intention or not. As for me, I think Bangkok was my first official Buddhist induction—with Khao San Road, the backpackers mecca where I stayed (well, the next street), and Rattanakosin Island (as in the tourist area) being very Wat (temple) sections of Bangkok.

Don’t worry though, as being overloaded with Buddhism and Thai architecture is something that you should look forward to. I think the Buddhism and IndoChina-rooted/based architecture, religious and cultural heritage is something that is very different from other countries, especially the Philippines. So, without further ado, I give you an overview (so as not to spoil your personal discovery) of what Bangkok is beyond shopping. These photos were selected among the hundreds I took while walking from Thanon Khao San towards the tourist sites of Rattanakosin Island.

Continue reading Backpacking South East Asia: Walking Around Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok →

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Holiday Commuting: Philippine Midterm Elections 2013

May 11, 2013 geralynrigor 2 Comments

Traveling via public transport during the “sold-out holidays” has always been one of my most dreaded commuting stories. The Monday holiday for the philippines’ May 13 Midterm Elections is no exception!

And my current (yes as in I’m still on the bus, thanks to their free WiFi service) sitting-by-the-stairs-right-next-to-the-glass-door position is a perfect example. Grrr.

Kuya Driver was nice enough to let me put the cake in the bus' fridge

I didn’t realize that there will be a lot of people who are still hometown-bound to vote and participate in the midterm elections. So, I took my sweet time longing at our Quezon City home before leaving for the bus that will take me to Victoria, my hometown. Yes, I have not changed my residency and I am still a registered voter in Tarlac!

The view when I stand up: Kuya Conductor looking over the SCTEX horizon and the impending rain!

My “seat” situation might not be ideal but that’s the price you pay for being patriotic (ehem!!! Hehe) and exercising your right to vote! Or, if you were lazy to move earlier in the day! Oh well. Either way. I hope Philippines’ 2013 Midterm Election and the new leaders who will be elected are worth the sacrifice and efforts of voters. Sulong, Pilipinas!

Note: The elections in the Philippines are considered sold-out holidays. Touristic travel via public commuter vehicles such as provincial buses will prove to be stressful, both among locals and foreigners. Most bus fares will remain the same though, unlike airfares that peak during sold-out holidays. Otherwise (as in on normal days), bus commuting in the Philippines is generally comfortable (especially AC/deluxe buses), reliable and safe.

Postscript: returning to Manila right after voting (9am) was a breeze–even got so sit from our town to the MRT station. Though there were people who had to stand, it wasn’t as packed as when I went home. It was a different story though for my mom, bro and grandma who had to cut their trips just to make it back due to the huge number of people!

Accommodation, Backpacking, Cities, Countries, Leisure Trip

Backpacking South East AsiA – A Beary Nice Hostel in Chinatown, Singapore

May 8, 2013 geralynrigor 1 Comment

During my solo backpacking South East Asia month in 2011, I mostly stayed at hostels and dorm-type accommodations. So, even when I was momentarily joined by two friends in the Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia leg, they were made to follow the backpackers way of hostel-type accommodations. And, I would like to think that we all had a very good experience staying at the Beary Nice Hostel in Chinatown, Singapore.

Back in 2010, I have wanted to stay at the Beary Good Hostel, also in Chinatown, during a very short couple vacation in Singapore. We decided otherwise and it was only during the 2011 backpacking trip that me and my friends stayed at Beary Nice Hostel, which happens to be a sister hostel of Beary Good. Continue reading Backpacking South East AsiA – A Beary Nice Hostel in Chinatown, Singapore →

Activities and Itineraries, Backpacking, FotoFolio, Leisure Trip, Provinces

FotoFolio: Waling Waling, the Queen of Philippine Orchids (and Malagos garden Resort)

May 3, 2013 geralynrigor 2 Comments

Did you take Sibika and Kultura classes wherein the teacher always discusses the “national something/someone” of the Philippines? I know it’s not the Philippines’ national flower (unless the Senate bill has been approved with an HoR counterpart) but being the “Queen of Philippine Orchids”, I’ve always wondered what the Waling Waling looked like in full bloom and splendid color.

Waling Waling, scientific name Euanthe sanderiana after orchidologist Henry Frederick Conrad Sander, is found in Mindanao island. While it is endemic in Cotabato and Zamboanga del Sur provinces as well, it is more popularly known to be seen in Davao as more people “know” that Mt. Apo, Waling-Waling’s home, is in this province.

So, when we had the chance to visit Malagos Garden Resort, we did not miss the chance to have face-time with the “Queen of Philippine Orchids”. (Well, at least that’s what I thought I was seeing or taking a photo of. hehe)

It was mainly purple in color, with spots of a darker shade. I can’t remember how it smelled though, only what it looked like. I haven’t seen that much orchids in my life but really, the Waling Waling was a beauty to behold. I find it, uhm, detailed and intricate. In the sense that though the flowers essentially seem the same at first glance, a lingering look will prove otherwise.

Apart from the Waling-Waling, there are other flowers and orchids to see and admire at Malagos Garden Resort.

There’s an area that serves as a playground both for kids and adults. I think Malagos also serves as a team building, retreat and/or camping venue. There’s also these huge chess pieces that you can play with, or have photos of. The chessboard is more of these squares spread over patches of grassy land.

What I particularly liked at the Malagos Garden Resort area was the topiary of different forms and shapes. I am no gardener and neither is any of my immediate family members. But, I like landscapes, natural or man-made and the topiary at Malagos made me happy!

So yes, whether you’re interested in seeing the Walling-Waling orchid for real or you just want a soothing green space to relax, a visit to Malagos Garden Resort as part of your Davao itinerary is hereby recommended!