
I like old things and places. Whenever I travel, especially to different countries, old temples and buildings as well as national and historical museums are on the list of places that I must visit. So, imagine my leap of joy while biking (yep, pedal bicycle!) around the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap! No, it wasn’t like Angelina Jolie or Indiana Jones kind of exploring but still, Julian (the old Spanish photographer-who lives in Ireland-and works as cargo plane customer service specialist whom I’ve met in Phuket) and I had fun! Sadly, Julian departed the night before and en route to our favorite food stall inside the Angkor Archaeological Park, I passed by this group of towers opposite to the Terrace of the Elephants. Called Prasat Suor Prat, these 12 identical towers are believed to may have been built post-Bayon era, aka around 11th century (it’s a good thing I kept my free Angkor Archaeological Park temple guidebook). Made of laterite and sandstone, the Prasat Suor Prat was said to function as a “lock-up” cell for parties involved in a “legal dispute and matters of criminal justice”. After a few days of being confined in site the Prasat Suor Prat, the one who ends up sick is declared the losing party, “guilty by divine decree”. Hmmmm. Haha 🙂 I didn’t get the chance to see the towers up close so if you get to, please let me know if the Prsat Suor Prat makes you feel the divine presence as well!>
Category Archives: Backpacking
#100Days Photo 10: Nagsasa Bay, Zambales, Philippines

Not really being a morning person, I normally only get to see sunrise in two instances — when I come back home from a really fun club party or when I’m traveling. This photo was one of the traveling mornings while we were on the way to Nagsasa Cove, aboard possibly one of the smallest boats I have taken, ever! It was a good thing that the sea was really calm when we sailed on that May morning, like a lake, calm and soothing. The topography (naks!) of Zambales and its coves is actually really nice, suited for different travelers. With the mountain range on one side for you to trek and the sea on another for you to swim, it’s something I would gladly wake up early for. 🙂
#100Days Photo 9: Loboc River, Tagbilaran, Philippines
A vacay trip to Bohol won’t be complete without taking the Loboc River cruise…with buffet lunch! 🙂 I’ve visited Bohol twice — first in 2011 and second in 2013. The first time we visited the province of Tagbilaran, it was a group of 6 with and we took a 3D/2N package tour. Though it wasn’t part of the package, the driver asked us if we would like to go for a zipline (flying fox) ride and of course we said we would! I took this photo while I was screaming my lungs out while wheezing past the Loboc River and all its lush greens! I had the camera strapped to my neck and I just kept clicking! 😀 the second time I was in Bohol with my friend Leah, we had a DIY tour and we were lucky to get into the cruise in time, only through hitching a ride with tour package tourists coming from the Chocolate Hills! The buffet, of course, was awesome and totally worth the amount we paid to board the Loboc River floating restaurant!
#100days Photo 7: Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort, Samal Island, Davao Oriental
When people think of Davao, probably the first thing that comes to mind is durian, followed by the Philippine monkey-eating eagle, and perhaps the Pearl Farm in Samal Island. Getting more and more popular though, not just with the locals but the visiting tourists alike, is Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort also on Samal Island. Actually, Paradise, as it is popularly called, is one of the most accessible and I’m guessing (last visit when this photo was taken was in 2011) most developed beach resort in the island garden city of Samal. It’s quite easy to get there via the regular boats that ply the route, found in the (if I’m not mistaken) port in the northern part of Davao City. If you’re in the recognized capital of Mindanao and have time to spare, a quick beach getaway to Samal Island is definitely a must!>
#100Days Photo 6: Yamuna River, Uttar Pradesh, North India
While the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular seven wonders of the world, very little is known about the beautiful river in which bank it stands — the Yamuna River. Also referred to as Jamuna, the Yamuna River is the biggest tributary river to Ganges River, one of the holiest rivers in India and Hinduism. I learned that today by reading the Wikipedia entry on the Yamuna River since I’ve already forgotten! Hinduism promotes the belief that the Yamuna River is actually a goddess, and revered as such, with the legend that bathing in her waters will “free you from the torment of death” (I don’t really know what that meant). So, when you happen to visit Taj Mahal (or Agra Fort, where I took the photo), take a moment to enjoy the view the Yamuna River offers and maybe, just maybe, your whispered prayer or wish might be granted by the goddess. In the meantime, there’s a YouTube playlist widget (on the right) on my Taj Mahal and Agra Fort tour, with more Yamuna River views should you want to armchair travel!>

